We Made the List! Wagbar Lands #10 in USA TODAY 10Best Dog Bars

What started as a simple idea in Asheville has now caught the attention of the entire country. We're thrilled to share that Wagbar has been recognized as one of the top 10 dog bars in the United States by USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for 2025.

Out of countless dog-friendly establishments across the nation, Wagbar earned the #10 spot through a combination of expert panel nominations and reader votes. This recognition feels especially meaningful because it comes from real people who understand what makes a great dog bar experience.

What Put Us on the Map

The USA TODAY feature highlighted what our community has known all along – our 25,000 square feet of off-leash play space gives dogs room to truly be themselves. But it's more than just the size that caught their attention. The combination of our eclectic bar, rotating food trucks, and commitment to creating a safe environment for both dogs and their owners made us stand out.

As they put it in their review: "Wagbar in Weaverville, North Carolina, offers your pup over 25,000 square feet to play and explore, while the eclectic bar offers an assortment of drinks. In addition to offering a variety of dog treats and gear, this establishment also features a rotating selection of incredible food trucks to satisfy human cravings."

Growing Beyond Asheville

What makes this recognition even more exciting is that it acknowledges our expanding footprint. The feature noted that we "have a roster of more locations across the country as well," which speaks to how the Wagbar concept resonates with dog lovers everywhere.

From our original location in Weaverville to our growing franchise network spanning states like South Carolina, Georgia, Texas, California, Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland, we're bringing the same community-focused experience to new places.

Standing Among the Best

Being listed alongside established names like Bar K, Fetch Park, and Dogwood Play Park puts us in great company. Each of these establishments has built something special in their communities, and we're honored to be recognized in the same conversation.

The expert panel that nominated us included travel and lifestyle writers who've seen dog bars across the country. Their recognition, combined with reader votes, shows that what we're building here really does stand out.

Thank You to Our Community

This recognition belongs to everyone who's been part of the Wagbar story. From our team members who keep the space safe and welcoming, to our regular visitors who've made this place their second home, to the food truck partners who keep everyone fed – you've all contributed to making this possible.

Every dog that's made their first friend here, every owner who's found their community, and every franchisee who's believed in bringing this experience to their hometown has been part of this journey.

What's Next

This USA TODAY feature is just the beginning. As we continue expanding to new locations and welcoming new franchise partners, we're committed to maintaining the same standards that earned us this recognition.

Whether you're visiting our original Weaverville location or one of our newer spots, you can expect the same dedication to safety, community, and creating spaces where dogs and their people can thrive together.

You can read the full USA TODAY 10Best feature and see how we stack up against the competition at USA TODAY 10Best Dog Bars.

Ready to experience what made us one of the top dog bars in the country? Find your nearest Wagbar location and see what all the tail-wagging is about.