Pooches on the Patio

Good dogs get kibble. Great dogs get a treat.

Top dogs? They get beef tips in vitamin-enhanced sauce with rice at one of Washington's top restaurants.

Art and Soul on Capitol Hill earned accolades in Post critic Tom Sietsema's 2009 Dining Guide for its regional and Southern offerings.

But among dog lovers it is known for its Pooch Patio Menu.

The patio, most popular after work and for weekend brunches, has fairly extensive offerings. As soon as dogs arrive, they are given a big bowl of ice water. .Other drinks include Bowser Beer (a non-alcoholic, beefy ale) and VitaPaw (a vitamin-enhanced water).

For an appetizer, dogs can munch on granola treats, puppy cakes ad dog biscuits. When Shannon McKenna of Arlington and her mom, Leanne McKenna, of Olney brought ther golden doodle, Jake, to Art and Soul a couple of weeks ago, they were almost jealous of what he got to eat.

"When the biscuits came to the table I was like, "They smell really good. Do they make them for humans?"'" Shannon McKenna said.

As for the main courses, dogs can choose from steak, beef tips and frozen raw bones. Jake got the Hungry Dawg: a six-ounce grilled steak.

He didn't even have to beg.

How much does it cost? Bowser Beer is $4, VitaPaw is $3. Treats cost $5 and main dishes cost $5-$8.
What else do I need to know? Dogs must be leashed.

-- Amy Orndorff