Owner Melissa Barton and dog Berlin welcome customers from behind the bar at the Doghouse Drinkery.[/caption]

Since opening in December, Doghouse Drinkery & Dog Park on CR 175 in Leander has garnered a loyal following of both canine and human patrons.

The 20,000-square-foot, off-leash dog park and bar, shaded by tall oak trees and scattered with chew toys and water bowls, is a place for both species to relax and socialize, owner Melissa Barton said.

"It just offers something totally different. There are no barriers. People are relaxed, so they talk to each other and find out they have things in common," she said.

The bar serves beer, wine, soda and water, and several food trucks park outside on weekends serving sliders, Frito pies, hot dogs and other snacks. Live entertainment, karaoke and the impending NFL season help create a laid-back atmosphere, Barton said. After working in the pet industry for more than 20 years, Barton left her job in January to support the growing business, which attracts up to 100 people at a time some Sundays, she said.

In September, Doghouse Drinkery will transition to a membership program in which pet owners pay $50 annually to use the off-leash area. A $5-per-dog fee will be assessed to nonmembers entering the enclosed park, Barton said.

Many dog owners learned about the business by driving by or hearing about it from friends. Customer Chris Spain said he was surprised the idea had never been developed in the area.

"It's a great concept: dogs and beer," Spain said. "You put two of the best things together, and you've got a home run."