Northspur Brewing Company in Willits is a solid spot to grab a beer and some food with your dog in tow. The brewery makes its own craft beers—IPAs, ales, stouts, and rotating seasonal offerings—and you can taste through several at the bar or take something to go. The real draw here is the outdoor patio, which stays comfortable even when the evening cools down thanks to space heaters scattered around. You can sit out there year-round without feeling like you’re freezing, which matters a lot in Mendocino County when the sun dips below the ridge.

Dogs are welcome on the patio, so you’re not stuck inside at a table while your dog waits in the car. The space feels casual and unpretentious—the kind of place where people actually hang out, not somewhere that feels designed for Instagram photos. There’s usually a good mix of locals and visitors, and nobody minds if your dog settles onto the ground next to your seat.

The food menu leans into straightforward pub fare. They make their own sliders and sandwiches—Cubanos, Reubens, John Ford hotdogs, BLTs, and caprese sandwiches—that pair well with whatever beer you order. It’s the kind of place where you can grab lunch or dinner without overthinking it. The portions are reasonable, and the prices won’t wreck your wallet.

Northspur is part of the Mendocino County Beer Trail, which connects several breweries and tasting rooms across the region. Most places on the trail welcome dogs, so if you’re spending a weekend exploring the area, this is a logical stop. Willits itself sits at the southern edge of Mendocino County, about two hours north of San Francisco, making it accessible without requiring an overnight stay, though plenty of people do make a longer trip out of it.