Take Flyte

For years I desperately wanted her, but my better judgment (and my friends!) told me that the time wasn’t right.

“It wouldn’t be fair,” my friends said.

I knew they were right. When I first moved to Nashville, I traveled so often that I barely had time for myself let alone a pet. So three years later when I finally found myself with a fenced-in backyard and without a pile of flight itineraries, I jumped at the opportunity to buy my dog. Though I knew it would be life-changing, I didn’t realize how quickly I would fall in love. I’ll spare you the 700-word essay on how much I love my dog, but when it comes to Gurley Brown, I turn into one of those semi-annoying pet owners. You know, the one with half a memory card full of dog photos, who creates a DogBook page, and who spends her money on things like a pooch-sized Elvis costume? Yep, only dog people can appreciate this behavior. Once I finally had my BFF, I wanted to take her everywhere, so I was excited to learn that one of the best happy hours in town is Fido-friendly. Leaving Gurley behind? Now that just wouldn’t be fair!

I called ahead to confirm, but the rumor was true. Dogs are allowed on the patio of Flyte, something I found surprising considering it’s “fine dining” status. Clearly, the owners of Flyte are dog people too.

Ready to unwind from a long day of sleeping and eating napkins, Gurley was excited when my friend Lindsay and I invited her along to happy hour. I was excited to try $3.60 “360 Organic Vodka” martinis from the list of specials offered from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the lounge and patio areas.

“What’s your name, sweetie?” our server asked as he approached our table. Lindsay and I looked up from our menus to realize he was talking to my dog. (The bitch gets all of the attention!) We put in our order for a dirty martini and a cosmopolitan, and before we could finish, the host showed up with a large bowl of water for Gurley. (Now she was getting free drinks??)

For $3.60, I definitely didn’t anticipate a regulation-sized drink ... our ’tinis were anything but tiny. These tail-waggers were definitely not watered down. Two martinis were plenty for this girl. After all, I didn’t want to be a lush puppy!

Flyte’s happy hour also includes wine, beer and well drinks plus a discounted lounge menu featuring sweet potato fries, a veggie burger, grilled cheese and buffalo chicken spring rolls. As if cheap martinis with my dog weren’t enough, they had me hooked with sweet potatoes and veggie burgers — two of my absolute favorites!

I have to compliment the Flyte staff, who paid special attention to Gurley. Not only did they continue to refill her bowl with cold water, but several members came outside to pet her and make sure she was happy. One of the owners even told us that Gurley was welcome back anytime.

Pet-friendly restaurants are a paws-itive thing in Nashville, and restaurant owners smart enough to capitalize on the bond between human and animal will definitely benefit. After all, we dog people travel in packs. So whether your dog is a teacup poodle or more of a Big Gulp like mine, let every dog have her day!