A new restaurant/bar that sets itself apart from others as also a dog park, will soon open its doors in Brewerytown, writes Ali Mohsen for Billy Penn at WHYY.

The Boozy Mutt is the brainchild of couple Allison Mattiola and Sam Mattiola, and will set up shop at the former venue of North Star Bar in Center City. 

The goal is for the brightly-lit hangout spot to appeal to both dogs, dog owners, and non-dog owners alike, with a menu filled with attractive food, beverages, and doggie treats. 

The idea was sparked by a trip to Florida to visit Allison’s family. There, they came across dog bars, which Sam explains, operated like beer gardens.

For their venture, however, the goal is to do something that honors Philadelphia’s culinary reputation.

“Food matters here, more than almost any city probably in the country,” said Sam Mattiola.

Every element — from the interior and exterior design to the menu — was concocted with the idea of finding the right balance between dogs and people. 

To this end, there are park-style double gates that allow unleashing while preventing other dogs from entering or escaping, and all food and drink orders are fulfilled through QR codes.

Read more about what to expect from Boozy Mutt in Billy Penn at WHYY. 

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