Hop Gardens is a family-owned taproom in the Curtis Park neighborhood of Sacramento where you’ll find an impressive selection of hard-to-find craft beers alongside Neapolitan-style pizzas and fresh salads from a wood-fired oven. The real draw for visiting with your dog is the spacious outdoor patio, which actually rivals the indoor seating in size—you’re not squeezed into some cramped corner.

The patio setup is genuinely generous. Two sets of cornhole boards are always set up, so you can settle in for a game while your dog hangs out nearby. There’s enough space that you don’t feel like you’re crammed in with a bunch of other people and their dogs, which makes a real difference when you’re trying to relax. The vibe is laid-back without feeling neglected—staff clearly know dogs are a big part of why people come here.

I appreciated that Hop Gardens doesn’t treat the dog-friendly patio as an afterthought. You get the same quality food and beer service whether you’re outside or in, and there’s real atmosphere out there, not just a concrete lot with tables. The craft beer selection is legitimately extensive if you’re into that sort of thing, but you don’t need to be a beer snob to enjoy the place. The pizzas are solid, and the salads are fresh enough that you’re not just eating bar food.

It’s a good spot if you want to spend a couple hours with your dog without feeling like you’re doing either of you a favor. The Curtis Park location also means you’re near some decent walking options if you want to burn off some energy before or after your visit. On a nice day, this is where you’ll find a lot of local regulars hanging out with their dogs.