The Ultimate Greenwich Village Dog Crawl
Greenwich Village is one of NYC’s most vibrant and dog-friendly neighborhoods. There’s loads to do, lots to see, and plenty of butts to sniff! Grab your leash, gather your four-legged bff and hit up these dog-friendly locations. Nothing makes for a good day like puppers, pints and parks!
Total walking time: 44 min
Distance: 2 miles
A. Washington Square Park
Start your dog crawl off at one of New York City’s best known parks. Named after George Washington, this 9.75-acre public park has everything from children’s play areas to trees and gardens, paths to stroll on, a chess playing areas, park benches, picnic tables and not one, but two dog runs.
The park is always buzzing with activity and a frenetic New York energy that’s contagious. There are musicians playing on benches, sunbathers lounging on lawns and canines frolicking in the dog parks. Pass through the iconic Washington Arch, located on the park’s Fifth Avenue, north side entrance, and dip your paws into the beautiful central fountain.
Fun fact: the area was a former burial ground, and over 20,000 bodies remain entombed under the park to this day.
Location: 5 Ave, Waverly Pl., W. 4 St. and Macdougal St.
B. Caffe Reggio
After all that time in the park, it’s time for a caffeine fix.
Exit on Washington Square South and Macdougal Street, and walk a block and a half to the legendary Caffe Reggio.
This New York City establishment first opened in 1927, and is Greenwich Village’s oldest coffeehouse. A relic from old New York cafe society, it’s also said to have been the first spot to serve cappuccinos in New York when the owner imported an espresso machine all the way from Italy. That machine, made in 1902, is still housed in the same spot to this day.
Besides its coffee fame, Caffe Reggio is a big part of New York history in a few other ways. It’s featured in classic New York films like The Godfather II, and was the site of a speech made by then Presidential hopeful John F. Kennedy in 1959.
Grab a seat outside and choose from one of their famous cappuccinos, or a different hot, steamy, caffeine filled treat (espressos, lattes, and macchiatos, oh my!).
Location: 119 Macdougal St.
C. Stroll Through History
Just around the corner, you’ll find the intersection of Minetta Lane and Minetta Street.
Back in the 1800s, this area was known as “Little Africa” because it was home to a large African-American population. Minetta Street was initially just a narrow path that followed a small tributary stream, known locally as “Minetta,” that flowed into the Hudson River. Minetta Street today is thus curved in a way that defies the tradition of New York’s grid pattern.
Walk along this charming street and you’ll find an oasis of quiet and quaint buildings nestled right in middle of the bustling city. The stream has long been paved over, but you can still follow it’s crooked and picturesque route.
Next, walk west and through James J. Walker Park. What was once a former burial ground (with over 10,000 burials!) is now a public park, with baseball fields, bocce courts, playgrounds, bathrooms, handball courts and a memorial dedicated to deceased firefighters.
Don’t miss the amazing street art on the corner of Clarkson Street and Hudson Street. It’s worth a look!
Locations: Minetta Lane (between Macdougal Street and 6th Avenue), Minetta Street (between Minetta Lane and Bleecker), James J. Walker Park (between Leroy Street and Clarkson Street, on 7th Ave S.), graffiti (on Clarkson Street and Hudson Street).
D. Leroy Street Dog Park
Next, head west to Hudson River Park and the Leroy Street Dog Park for some off leash play.
This scenic park is run by the Leroy Dog Run Association, a group of dedicated local dog owners who keep the park clean and safe.
It has a built in pool, colorful hard surface flooring, benches, trees for shade and trash cans. It’s a great place to socialize and hang out with local pups.
Location: 353 West St. near Pier 40.
E. Pier 46 at Hudson River Park
Walk north along the Hudson, pass the sunbathing at Pier 45 and the beautiful Marsha P. Johnson Memorial Fountain, and you’ll hit Pier 46.
Location: Hudson River Greenway, from 10:00am – 6:00pm, on May 25 + 26, 2019.
F. Beasty Feast
Next, head east and pop into Beasty Feast, a charming pet store only a block away.
This family-run mom and pop shop has been in the pet business for over 30 years, so you know you’re in good hands.
Pick up some extra poop bags, and maybe a new dog carrier, since your pup will likely be winded from so much pup fest fun.
Location: 680 Washington St.
G. La Contenta Oeste
By now, your stomach’s growling and it’s time to get some grub. Continue up Charles street and head east and you’ll hit La Contenta Oeste.
This Mexican eatery caters to our canine amigos with their own doggy menu.
Give your dog a taste of Mexico with dishes like Pollito Con Papas (poached chicken breast with roasted carrots and potatoes) and El Vegetariano (quinoa, rice, sweet potatoes and carrots).
While they’re chowing down, treat yourself to some guacamole and chips, fish tacos and one of their signature cocktails (we recommend The Mayan or one of their Micheladas).
**BONUS: If you present your pup fest swag at La Contenta Oeste you’ll get a free slider!
Location: 78 W 11th St.
H. Fat Cat
Stroll a few blocks west and you’ll find Fat Cat, a lively jazz club.
This basement lair has pool tables, ping-pong, pints and puppers. There’s cheap, cold draft beer, comfy couches and live jazz every night.
The jovial atmosphere attracts an eclectic crowd, most of whom come for the music, and to play games like chess, backgammon and scrabble. It’s an adult playground!
Grab a booth with your dog and enjoy a round and a game.
Location: 75 Christopher St. Fat Cat is 21+ and over starting at 7pm.
I. Milk & Cookies Bakery
For our last stop, give in to your end-of-the-night munchies and head south to Milk & Cookies Bakery. Your pup will know where you’re headed because you can smell the cookies baking from all the way down the block. Yum!
This pocket sized, cozy bakery serves up fresh baked cookies and ice cream sandwiches, in flavors like dark chocolate toffee, snickerdoodle and s’mores. There’s also homemade brownies, crumb bars and rice crispy treats.
For pups, try out their Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats, made with whole wheat flour, pumpkin puree and peanut butter. They’ll get your dog’s tail wagging.
Location: 19 Commerce St.
Getting There
By Subway
- The 1, 2 and 3 lines – take the 1 to the Christopher Street station. All three lines also stop at 14th Street.
- The A, B, C, D, E, F and M lines stop at the West 4th Street station.
- The R and W line, along with the N at night and on weekends, stop at 8th Street NYU.
- The L line stops at 14th St./6th Av. and 14th St./8th Av.
By Bus
- M2
- M3
- M8
- M11
- M20
- M55
By Bicycle
Hudson River Park has a popular and scenic bike path that runs along the water.
This is such a cute and helpful article! I’m currently on the search for dog friendly housing in NYC and Boogie has me thinking Greenwich Village might be the place!
Check out our article on finding a pet-friendly apartment in NYC! Good luck with the move.