Leib Dodell and Dave Hensley take their dogs everywhere—even, Leib admits, spots they probably shouldn’t. Since “leashed to a patio table” isn’t exactly Fido’s happy place, the friends quit their jobs to build something that would be fun for humans and hounds. Opened last summer in Kansas City, Missouri, Bar K is a fast-casual restaurant, bar and coffee shop with a 2-acre, off-leash dog park. Indoors and out, the entire place is dog-friendly. Visitors can lounge in Adirondack chairs, dine on healthy bites or catch live music in the beer garden while their four-legged friends chase tennis balls, sample a treat flight or just, you know, sniff one another. Thoughtful details include “dogtenders” monitoring the action and separate areas for puppies and small dogs. Unlike public dog parks, Bar K charges an entry fee to support facility maintenance—including a bathing area for when playtime is over.
Doggie Jungle gyms take the fun to new levels.
Costs $10 for first dog | $5 for the next one | $225 Annual membership | $0 If you come sans pet
Home Style Leib and Dave hope to bring the Bar K concept to other states, but the flagship is distinctly KC.
Industrial Design
Bar K’s mod building incorporates 17 recycled shipping containers, a nod to the barges that haul freight on the neighboring Missouri River.
Local Libations
Kansas City distillery J. Rieger and Company supplies liquor for Bar K’s signature cocktails; baristas brew local Messenger Coffee; 16 of the 20 beers on tap are made in town.
Pup Shots
Giant black-and-white prints of Leib’s and Dave’s dogs (shot by Kansas City photographer Ron Berg) hang above the bar in the dining room.