Welcome to The Barking Dog
At The Barking Dog, we celebrate community and culinary comfort. Nestled in Bethesda, MD, this lively venue combines the charm of a classic dive bar with a vibrant sports scene. Our menu showcases New American bar fare, featuring standout dishes like the Bourbon Salmon and loaded Redneck Nachos, perfect for sharing with friends. Our cocktails, including the refreshing Sagamore Manhattan, complement any meal. With a welcoming atmosphere, friendly service, and ample TVs for sports, The Barking Dog is your go-to spot for great food and good times, whether you're here for a casual bite or a lively game night.
- 4723 Elm St, Bethesda, MD 20814 Hotline: (301) 654-0022
Welcome to The Barking Dog, a beloved gem nestled in the heart of Bethesda, Maryland, at 4723 Elm St. This venue masterfully blends the essence of a traditional American bar with a lively sports atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for enthusiasts and casual diners alike.
As you step through the doors, you're welcomed by an ambiance that radiates warmth and nostalgia, reminiscent of classic dive bars but with a distinct canine theme that gives it a unique character. The interior might give off a cozy, old-school vibe, but don’t let that fool you; the menu is packed with delectable offerings that far exceed the expectancy of typical bar food.
- Coconut Cream Pie Tres Leches: A delightful cocktail that combines Triple Cream Liqueur and Malibu Coconut Rum for an indulgent treat on the rocks.
- Chicken Quesadillas: These crispy rolls, filled with mesquite chicken and cheese, are a crowd favorite, perfect for sharing during the big game.
- Pulled BBQ House Smoked Sandwich: Savory pork or chicken piled high and served on a Kaiser roll, offering a satisfying bite with a hint of cole slaw.
- Chesapeake Burger: A must-try for crab lovers, topped with housemade crab dip that adds a Maryland twist to a classic dish.
- Dog Bone Bird Bog: A delightful concoction featuring blackberry whiskey and Rum Chata that perfectly captures the spirit of the bar.
Late-night visits guarantee satisfaction with options like fried chicken tenders, served alongside perfectly crispy fries and honey mustard sauce—ideal for post-game munchies or a casual hangout with friends. The extensive beer and cocktail list ensures there is something for everyone, whether you prefer a locally crafted ale or an innovative cocktail.
The Barking Dog is not just a place to eat; it’s a community hub where locals gather, share stories, and create lasting memories. Customers rave about the vibrant atmosphere, attentive service, and the quality of food, proving that this establishment offers more than your average sports bar. Patrons frequently mention their favorite dishes and unique cocktails, reinforcing the fact that The Barking Dog is a versatile venue that caters to a variety of tastes and occasions.
So whether you're looking to catch a game, grab a quick bite on your way to the metro, or unwind with a drink at the bar, The Barking Dog awaits with open arms and a mouthwatering menu that keeps you coming back for more.

Really like this place, great fun atmosphere for sports games and I think their food is a lot better than other sports bars. I really enjoy the chicken tenders as well as a few other things I've enjoyed here, like the buffalo chicken wrap (see picture). Great place to hang out with your friends too.

Good towny bar I enjoyed the service and the regular customers are fun to chat to become a couple times a year and I always look forward to it

Super friendly bartender, good selection of beers on tap. Seems like the whole neighborhood was there. Good country music on the speakers,

Stopped in for some afternoon snacks and drinks with a friend. Very conveniently located next to the red line metro station. There were lots of open tables and seats at the bar on Saturday afternoon. The interior gives off old school dive bar vibes with a canine theme, you can tell this is the cool neighborhood regular spot. It did smell a little funky and the lighting was low. Lots of TVs around to watch games. The bartenders were extremely friendly and service was fast! We decided to get a couple appetizers to share, my favorite were the Mac n cheese bites, soft and cheesy. The chicken fingers and quesadilla rolls were very average. They have a lengthy beer/wine list and can make any cocktail you want! Prices are reasonable and there are no-frills at a place like this. Stop into the barking dog for a quick bite and drink on your downtown Bethesda bar hop!

Service was quick and attentive Food was good bar food A lot of television for game day They can host large parties

Our by self for a hour away from the family. Customers aren't friendliest but not bad... 2 bartenders are AMAZING. Manager spent 20 min trying to find the Pirates game. AMAZING. Wings are great. Highly recommend!!! I mean who takes time for a good review on yelp. I usually just bitch here. This bar is top notch. Not just for Maryland, but for the USA

On St. Patrick's Day, my mom wanted green beer, so we went to The Barking Dog. The gastropub was filled with sports fanatics. Since alcoholic drinks weren't permitted in the patio area, we were seated at a booth near the bathroom. My brother had an O'Doul's, my fiancé had a Crooked Crab Haze for Days Pale Ale, my parent shared a New Trails Crisp Lager (dyed green), and I had a Green Tea Cocktail. We shared an order of Pub Pretzels, which was served warm and with a spicy cheese dipping sauce.

Visited The Barking Dog for dinner on a Tuesday night. Took a spot at the bar with the big screens on Premier League soccer and college basketball tournaments. The bar was busy but most of the restaurant section and outdoor were wide open. The bartender quickly got my drink order (I had a tasty local red ale) and, shortly following, my dinner. I had the Barking Dog Hot Dog which had a mound of sauerkraut with mustard underneath on a really soft hoagie roll. The hot dog was very good. Plenty filling. The star of the plate was the housemade Old Bay chips. They were great plain and even better dipped in a bit of ranch. Another beer later (Barking Dog's amber this time) and I was a happy customer. Thanks Barking Dog!

Popular spot in Bethesda. Great service, great food and a great crowd. You never know who you will see there. They have an area upstairs that you can reserve for private events.

Located steps from Bethesda row, the Barking Dog has a mix of a college and dive bar feel. You can tell it's been in the neighborhood for a while but we stumbled upon it while exploring a few local areas with happy hour. On a Thursday evening, the bar was not very busy and we were attended to almost immediately taking a seat at the bar section. The food is a selection of your typical bar food, and the happy hour options seemed standard for the area, but I thought the prices were pretty decent. I had a few simple tequila cocktails, and hubby got a couple of simple whisky cocktails. The Buffalo rings were hot and tasty, but also similar to others we've had. We enjoyed the service, menu options, and comfy ambiance. I would say that there weren't a lot of ladies when I stopped by, but it could have just been the time of the day (pretty random).