The dog-friendly patio at plank in Jack London Square is genuinely massive—15,000 square feet with fire pits, which means your dog gets plenty of room to settle in while you’re hanging out. They’ve got over 48 beers on tap and a solid food menu, so you can actually eat real meals instead of just snacking while you’re there with your pup.

What makes plank different from a typical bar is all the games. There are 18 bowling lanes, bocce ball courts, an arcade, and billiards, so you’re not just sitting around. The bar itself is the longest in Oakland, which sounds like a flex until you realize it means easy access to drinks and sightlines to whatever sports game is on. The space spans 50,000 square feet between indoor and outdoor areas, so even when it gets crowded, there’s room to breathe.

The communal seating style works well if you’re the social type or just want to stake out a corner with your dog and a few friends. There are also lounge areas you can book privately, which is helpful if you’re thinking about this for a group gathering. The fire pits on the patio make it comfortable in cooler months—something I appreciated when the sun was setting over the water.

Jack London Square itself is a good dog-walking area, so you could make this part of a longer outing. The whole neighborhood is pretty dog-friendly. Just come when you’re in the mood for actual activity and socializing rather than a quiet drink, since the energy here leans toward fun and games. Even if you’re not competitive about bowling, the vibe is laid-back enough that you can just hang.