By Kevin Revolinski | Photo by Christy Lowney
The Boneyard, a beer garden and dog park located on Madison’s East Side, has been a hit since it opened in September 2021.
“Sometimes we’re away from our pets all day and we want to have a happy hour or meet a friend for a beer,” says Jeff Kuhl, co-owner of The Boneyard. “And this is a nice opportunity where you can come home, get your pet, go meet your friends, have a beer and let your dog have some exercise and fresh air.”
Initially, Kuhl wasn’t sure they’d stay open for winter, but when staff put out fire pits and warming areas, people kept coming. Now fully into their first summer, The Boneyard has expanded hours for this time of year.
The two-acre property includes a main building with a spacious bar and three utility doors that open up to fresh air. The adjoining beer garden/picnic area has picnic tables on crushed granite. Leashed dogs are allowed in both areas, but a gate also opens into an expansive grassy area (also with seating) where dogs can run off-leash. On arrival, patrons with pups check in and sign a waiver (viewable online) clearly outlining responsibilities and rules of behavior.
With the dogs allowed indoors, a kitchen isn’t permitted, so food is limited to soft pretzels and snacks. But food trucks
such as El Alegre Taco Truck, Quick Chef and Jason’s Jerk often set up in the parking lot.
The Boneyard’s capacity is 150 humans, and not all of them are bringing dogs. “We are starting to see more people coming for our well-cultivated beer list,” says Kuhl, and the food carts are a growing draw. The on-leash areas mean you can still avoid contact if you aren’t a dog person.
The bar has 12 beers on draft with an emphasis on local breweries. One Barrel, Karben4, Young Blood and Delta are some of the main fixtures. Also on offer are tap lines for four wines and pre-mixed cocktails as well as canned beers, ciders, NA beers, sodas, coffee and tea. madisonboneyard.com
