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Polka Dog Bakery
Rating Details »
Category: Pet Stores [Edit]
Neighborhood: South End256 Shawmut Avenue
(between Bradford St & Hanson St)
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 338-5155
- Nearest Transit:
-
Union Park St (Silver)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
69 reviews for Polka Dog Bakery
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
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One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
I lived right around the corner from Polka Dog for a couple of years, and every time I walked my pooch down Shawmut, he would make a beeline for the Polka Dog door. He remembered the oasis of homemade treats, sleek dog duds and his favorite sherpa fleece lambies (plush lambs with squeaky bellies) and couldn't stay away. Frankly, I couldn't either... it was so easy to drop in and grab one of their signature rubber balls (a favorite for my pup) and some bullysticks. Now we're just a little further away and Polka Dog is no loner on our walk route, but we'll still make it our destination every other week or so.
We stopped in here at the encouragement of a fellow French Bulldog owner at at Frenchie Meetup at Peter's Park. Yes, I really did just type that sentence.
As a new dog owner, I had no idea a "pig's ear" was actually a... pig's ear. Just when I was beginning to get the hang of things (i.e. if it's called a pig snout, it probably is a pig snout), I came across a glass jar stuffed labeled "Texas toothpicks." Everything may be bigger in Texas, but these toothpicks were actually cow tails. I digress.
The staff were all very friendly and helpful, and offered great suggestions for treats for Clark. We didn't buy a pig ear, nor a Texas toothpick, but we did leave with a great variety of snacks and treats for the little monster.
The selection is excellent and varied. The lower level features toys, leashes, jackets and beds. We picked up a pretty great warm, weatherproof jacket (it doesn't scream "I am a dog wearing a jacket."), which Clark proudly wore out the door.
Pricey but at times, so very worth it.
Homemade, healthy dog treats, every variety of rawhide you can imagine, an endless selection of toys and accessories, various foods, friendly staff. One of the very best doggy bakeries in the country. Highly recommended!
I love Polka Dog!
They have such cute things, and it's conveniently located next to the dog park. My dog loves the treats (although there are very few he won't eat.) But I love them just as much because they aren't stinky and are so adorable.
The staff is extremely helpful, pointing me to the best treats for my dog and even telling me they would order a specific frisbee that my dog LOVES and I can't find anywhere in the city.
Can be kind of expensive, but worth it for a special treat!
Irresistible bitch, studs love the way you walk
Irresistible bitch, you bring home all the jocks
Irresistible bitch, they love to lick your lips
Irresistible bitch, they love to smell your ----
Ev'ry Saturday morning I call you on the phone
A deeper voice growls, saying you're not at home
You're out on a play date, gone to get a bone
Though I bet you've been out since last night, & never came home
Cuz, you're my
Irresistible bitch, I've seen your picture on flyers
Irresistible bitch, your wagging tail's for hire
Irresistible bitch, chihuahuas chew through wire
Irresistible bitch, you make the male dogs spire
All your partners scowl, they take such abuse
Why are they so loyal Honey, when your collar's so loose?
They ask why am I the one who never takes you home,
When every escape is to Polka Dog to buy you a bone?
Polka Dog Bakery: for badly bred, well fed bitches. Irresistible.
This is a great spot for pets! The staff is friendly and helpful. Personally, I found the prices to be reasonable for all budgets.
Paris, my pooch, loves the dried Talapia fish and the dried chicken! I was able to treat him well for less than $10 and that included bakery treats too!
An added plus was the fact that Paris was allowed to sample before I bought!
The location is very accesible by car, train and foot! The hours are great- most of the spots in brookline and newton close at 5pm. These guys are open til 7pm! Allows for a quick walk and stop after work as well as weekends!
Definitely a cute little doggie treat boutique, but the owner/worker(s) have never really had a very cheerful disposition or seem to have really cared that Brody and I were in the store. I can't stay away, because they truly do have the best of the best when it comes to toys and homemade treats and chews, but I a little underwhelmed by the not so 'welcoming' atmosphere.
EDIT: I don't know if it was my post or if I just caught the staff during bad times but my last 4 trips to Polka Dog have been nothing but wonderful! I'm taking my 3 stars and promoting them to 4...just because the prices are still a little steep...
Polka Dog is pretty far out of the way for me but totally worth a weekly visit to stock up on cat food. I went in with a friend one day after taking her dog to the park around the corner. First off, perfect location for getting your pup a treat before or after a playdate with the other south end dogs. They have a ton of homemade treats for dogs, and I can see how it would get expensive quickly. When we wandered in that first time, I saw a small section of canned cat foods with brands that I had never seen in the super market or chain pet stores. I stocked up on a few brands, and both my cats (Bijou and 'the other one') went nuts over Tiki Cat brand cat food, with it's big chunks of shrimp, fish, and rice. So I go back regularly to stock up, and love that the small cans cost the same amount as the small cans of Newman's Own cat food that I find at the supermarket.
Another great thing about Polka Dog is that they carry biobags, which I think are a necessity not only for dog owners but for litter scooping cat owners as well (or for wrapping up your used TP in Costa Rica!)
My sister and I went there earlier today to get some treats for our pooches. Friendly staff, cute place and definitely love their assortment of treats for any size dog. The treats were such a hit, our canine companions definitely love the selection of PB&J cookies, Kung Pug and Queso treats. The treats were sensibly priced, $0.60/oz is not bad at all, especially you can get an assortment of different cookies. They also have dog cupcakes. Definitely, would be back again!
I actually had very high hopes about this place from all the great reviews here on yelp.
I visited here awhile back with my yorkie and my boyfriend. My dog was loving the place because of all the snacks.
I like their selection, it's not bad.
But the one thing that has me not returning to this place is their customer service. There was no one in that store when we went in, and no one behind the counter said hello or even acknowledged us. They were not busy and one of them was standing there with her arms crossed.
We proceeded to the different jars of treats and my boyfriend and I were discussing which one to get our dog. We were asking questions out loud and I knew they heard us and not once did they jump in and say, excuse me but I would recommend this for a yorkie.
Finally I asked them and the woman who answered said, well, they're all pretty good I guess this one here since it's a big seller.
I guess this one here?
The staff is not friendly at all, not knowledgable about the products, and have some type of attitude problem.
We returned here a few times after that incident giving them another chance. But time and time again they disappointed us. We wanted to like Polka Dog, we really did.
Not to mention it's a bit pricey and it wouldn't matter to us to make our lil pup happy but I'm not paying extra for crap service.
Everyone who works at Polka Dog is helpful and extremely friendly. We were looking for new food to put my dog on and the girl who works there gave me some samples of this oatmealish food that Toby loves.
Polka Dog is filled with awesome treats and special treats for your best buddy. The treats are homemade and can be pricey but of course you'd want the best for your little pooch!
We only get Toby's treats and food here now ^^ After going to the dog park, he heads into the direction of Polka Dog!
I just want to let it be known that these people are some of the
hardest working in the city! They are always super helpful,
especially if you have an honest and important question.
I mean, of course they can answer the wide-ranging question that I am sure they hear at least a thousand times a day, " what do you think my dog would like?" But when it comes to the knowledge of their products, it is as if the more specific the better (which, in my personal opinion, is the only way to go). And for the space that they have, the selection is
amazing! They couldn't fit any more in there unless they started to hang
things from the ceiling. Don't let that fool you into thinking that it's cramped and disorganized, because everything is in order, easy to find, and if you are having trouble finding what you want, you can ask one of the great staff to help you out.
Guys, if I could, I would give you 20 stars. I always look forward to coming in here, and I can't wait to go back again!
They have an enormous selection but it's also on the pricey side. Perhaps it's because they're in a pretty high-rent area of the city. Our dog does love their treats though
Beautiful decor & very spacious inside.
The store was warm/welcoming.
There are sooo many rawhide bones to choose from, it was overwhelming! They had sizes for small dogs/puppies and several very large bones that one could easily imagine a Great Dane or Rottweiler chewing. The range is $1-$30 for bones.
They had various brands for kibble like Timberwolf or Orijen & had small baskets filled with samples to try for free. They also supplied dehydrated food for BARF/RAW diet feeders.They sell colorful collars/leash, bowls, treats, some supplements, & water bottles for dogs.
Staff was friendly & helpful.
I will definitely be returning with my dog.
I really love this place! The thing I like the most is that most of the treats aren't like those other dog bakeries that look like they are more for the people than for the dogs. They have the nitty gritty stuff that dogs love; fish skin and some stinky treats. And there are tons of them too!
I was so overwhelmed by everything they have and had no idea what to get for my pup since she wasn't with me. I asked for help and they were neither incredibly helpful nor unhelpful... probably more helpful than not. It's just that I was overwhelmed I think. So I ended up buying a little of a bunch of things (including a pupcake! so cute!) and it was cheap. Plus my dog loved all of it!
This place is great!
We generally take a trip to the South End on the weekends if the weather is nice to take our dog to the dog park at Peter's Park. I have heard about this place before and have known that it is very close to the park but never really sought it out before. We decided to take a trip there this afternoon though.
They have a very nice variety of stuff there in terms of treats, toys, apparel, and other pet needs. The variety is not only seen in the items but also the prices.
Examples:
Exhibit A: I picked up a really cool toy for my dog. It is this stuffed tree stump with holes in it and 3 squeaky squirrels that can be put in and pulled out. 16 bucks for a 4 piece interactive toy. Totally reasonable! and all the other toys I glanced at as well were what you would expect to pay for such a toy.
Exhibit B: I happened to look at a couple collars hanging on the wall downstairs. 68 bucks for one of them! I personally would never spend that much money on a collar for my dog, despite how nice it was. A lot of the other collar/leashes/doggy sweaters/etc were drastically expensive.
Exhibit C: Their treats. It is amazing the variety of what they have. I didn't look at everything, because my dog personally has too many treats at home, but from what I saw, the prices weren't too crazy. We ended up getting him some of the beef nibbles. It was like 2 bucks for an ounce (like 2 handfuls of them). Totally reasonable as well.
Exhibit D: We also picked up this grooming spray stuff for itching/hot spots. It was 18 bucks. Not super cheap, but not super expensive and it was a big enough bottle that it will last a while.
This shop definitely has something for every type of dog owner. There are reasonably priced items and treats for the average dog owner that doesn't mind buying their dog stuff when the price is right, and then there are lots of trendy expensive items for the dog owner that wants to spend their paycheck on clothes and collars for their dog so that their dog can be better dressed then them.
We will definitely be making a trip here again whenever we are at the dog park though, even if its just to spend a couple dollars on some special treats.
Mason loves going into Polka Dog. There is a large variety of doggie bakery items, although we pass by many of them because he is too little too have rawhide type treats, but we do get pupcakes pretty often. They also have, on the first floor, a selection of pre-packaged/non-homemade doggie food and treats, as well as a toy and leash selection. The downstairs section is totally full of toys and raincoats, etc. I think it's great for a special treat for your special furball.
Boston's premier Yuppie Dog Store! I just popped in for the first time and want to run out and get a pup!
A grew up at home with both a pug and chihuahua , both conducive to dressing up and pigging out.
Filled with goodies, I had to tear myself away from scooping them all up and shipping them home!
The clothing, bakery-complete with cannoli and pizza, neither of which I have ever seen before-, and accessory selection are unreal!
I grabbed a calendar of events too...think: pet psychics, birthday events, Santa (seasonally), and possibly the yuppiest of all: cocktail parties and brunch!
This shop can ensure that your pup is trendier than this season's Chanel bag.
Opening a store like this takes balls.
Which dogs have no problem licking by the way.
Which is why they don't need fancy treats.
cause they can just lick their own balls or other parts
for free.
This lovely high-end doggy bakery and boutique really hit the spot for my canine pal. He didn't like taking the T to get there, but he loved the neighborhood (lots of dogs to meet and greet!) and was relaxed once we set foot into the store. He's usually pretty nervous in new places, but he actually sat back and smelled some treats. It was great. We got him a toy and an assortment of high-end doggy goodies, and I had to resist the urge to run out of the store when they gave me my total. I was prepared for expensive, but I got sticker shock. The treats were a great success, though - the doggy loved them and keeps going back to sniff the bag as if to say "Can I have some more, mom?"
Yes, Ben, you can. Because I have more money than sense. We'll definitely be back, and I'll probably continue to cringe at the price.
great yuppie dog shop. My dog knows the way, and picks his own treats from the large buckets of treats that line the store. Prices are on the higher side, but the excellent service & knowledgeable employees make it worth it.
I love it here probably more than my golden retriever does. I've only taken Bailey here once but he loved sniffing everything. The store is organized very well and the staff is very knowledgeable. They helped me pick out a food for Bailey that was chock full of yummy stuff. We didn't keep him on the food but I know he loved it. Bailey's boxer girlfriend, Josie, gets super fun treats from here, he's always jealous! The downstairs has really adorable collars and leashes.
The only downside is that they're not opened really late. I brought Bailey here after dinner one night and they were closed already. It was probably later than I thought it was but I felt bad that he walked all the way from Beacon Hill to the South End for nothing.... ok I didn't really feel bad because he still got an awesome walk.
For about a month I thought this was the Polka DOT Bakery, not Polka Dog. Despite walking by it every day and going in about once a week, I did not notice the G. I realized it was for dogs, and even thought "Polka Dot Bakery" was a strange name for a doggie boutique but still didn't notice. A kind friend pointed out my error and I haven't forgotten the name since.
This is a great store for dogs. Great treats by the handfuls and in MANY sizes and flavors, many toys, great selection of dog collars and leashes, and, of course, clothes. My favorite maker of collars is sold here - Bella Bean. These are expensive ($36 each) but they're cute and trendy. Many dogs in the neighborhood are sporting Bella Bean so the cost isn't a big deterrent.
The staff is wonderful. They're always nice and friendly. I once forgot my wallet and the cashier nicely allowed me to take out an "IOU." I went back the next day to pay. Such kindness isn't often afforded these days but that's what this store has always been for me and my dog.
Remember to go downstairs! More toys, collars and jackets are located below.
Also, this store is conveniently located near the Peter's Park dog park. Have Fido run around with his pals at the park and then stop by here on your way home for some post-play treats.
Lily LOVES this place and gets very excited when she realizes that the latest car ride has take us to the South End!
The BEST selection (well, outside my own kitchen) of quality homemade and commercial treats. They also have a great selection of quality dog and cat foods, toys, leashes, etc. ... Get your dog's birthday cake here!
Puppy approved, of course!
Thank you, Nick V., for saying it first.
This place sure is cute. And I'm a huge dog lover. But Polka Dog is everything that's wrong with the new-ish South End. The Pine Street Inn AND the Animal Rescue League are about 3 blocks away, and yet people drop hundreds of dollars on cashmere sweaters and organic cannoli for their dogs.
Just read the comments: "...for those looking for pup to be on the more fashionable side...These [collars] are expensive ($36 each) but they're cute and trendy."
Have you ever noticed that, given the option, DOGS EAT THEIR OWN SH*T? Wake up. Dogs are animals, not fashion accessories. There are better ways to spend your excess cash.
Don't even get me started on the Halloween dog parade (sponsored by Doggie Day Care) I accidentally crossed the parade route last year. The noise, the crowd, the costumes - more than one dog looked scared sh*tless. We're wasting the Boston PD's time on this?
UPDATE: Ok, I stand corrected and added a star. Apparently the treats are flippin' sweet and "reasonable." And my mom was intrigued by the lower level (she has 2 big dogs). Perhaps my problem is more with the cultural phenomenon of cashmere dog sweaters. I will have to do some thinking, Yelpers.
**UPDATE #2 Anyone who tries to park in the South End, especially itty bitty Shawmut, deserves what they get, which is the chance to haul an expensive bag of dog food many blocks. Take the T there and a cab home.
A bakery for dogs and much much more, the cool offering and friendly smiling staff make this south end gem irresistible.
Sign up for their mailing list and get invited to fun puppy fashion shows, mixers and pet parades.
They recently took over the pace next door further spreading the poochie love:)
In my dog's opinion, there is nothing better than a Polka Dog Bakery all natural cupcake! My dog has a wheat allergy so I am extremely careful about giving her any kind of grains. Polka Dog Bakery gingerbread recipe is wheat, corn and soy-free, woohoo! We buy these baked goodies at 4 Legs in Chicago. 5 woofs!
5 Stars for their bone selection and prices. They have the ultimate supply of any and all bully products for your dog - knots of all sizes, sticks, rings... Most aren't overly expensive either [some are a bit on the high side]. The treats are awesome - you can buy them by the ounce which helps save a little money and get you some variety!
I love the items downstairs - clothes, leashes, collars, etc. but they're all a little too pricey for me and my dog, which brings them down to 4 stars.
Conveniently located right next to Peters Park too!
Great place to find everything you want for your pup (I say want purposefully, clearly everything is targeted at people who will fork it over for their furry friends....um....me included). A ton of people have stopped to ask me where I got my pug's Puppia harness- while I did not get it here, I know that Polka Dog does have them in stock (downstairs). They also have a great "bar" of rawhide treats. Very conveniently located- right around the corner from the dog park.
Love it love it LOVE IT.
My husband and I found Polka Dog a couple years ago when popping in and out of open houses some Sunday afternoon. We went in, bought a few cookies and that was that.
Since then, I think I look forward to visiting more than my pooch. We have a boxer and given the story of the store, I think that's why I love it even more than I probably should (dork).
I now go for new toys after my girl has destroyed her current ones, more bakery goodies since she has a history of GI issues and she seems to do really well on their treats, and more recently, because we switched her to a new food. I'd heard wonderful things about Canidae. I thought it would be a) impossibly difficult to find in the city, and b) outrageously expensive.
Turns out, Polka Dog is selling it for the same price as the crappy stuff in PetSmart - oh happy day! Yet another reason to regularly visit this puppy/pet wonderland.
I only wish there were more clothing options for larger dogs like ours. Granted, I'm not one to dress her up in ruffles and rhinestones, but during the winter, boxers too need coats!
One last comment - no matter how busy it is in there, the staff has always been very attentive to our needs, helping us out, suggesting various things to get, etc... Outstanding service.
I agree with other reviews here: Polka Dog sells the largest variety of carnivorous dog treats that I have ever seen: bully sticks, fish skin chewies, liver chips, salmon coins --- literally the widest variety anywhere. They sell bully sticks wound up like snakes, and other ones tied like knots. They sell bully sticks that must be three feet long. They sell thigh bones from cows that must be 10 pounds. The variety is incredible.
It is a dog carnivore's version of a candy store!
They also sell a good brand of frozen raw dog food, K9 Cravings, which is a expensive but the highest quality.
If you are looking for the highest quality products from a dog boutique that is the opposite of the large dog warehouse stores that smell from aquarium algae, this is the place.
Owner is incredibly knowledge about his products and dog needs.
My only quibble is that prices are high. It is like a dog version of Whole Foods Supermarket: everything is expensive.
My little yorkie poo, Digger goes everywhere with me. Even when I travel for business, which is why I discovered Polka Dog in Boston.
This cute little store was so much fun and I would very much recommend it to anyone. They have a lot of fun stuff for your spoiled pets, and mine is Very spoiled. I was really impressed by the bakery treats, they were just gorgeous...i would have liked to eat one myself. Digger liked just about everything he tried and the staff was generous in their taste testing. I got him a new collar, not that he needs one, but I couldn't resist.
I look forward to my next visit here.
From simple snacks to exquisite dog foods, this place has all the goodies for your canine. Toys and accessories are downstairs and the staff is truly helpful and nice. Definitely a great place to pick up a treat for Fido or his friend Spot. This is an awesome place to buy a doggie gift.
Only factor is that price is a little steep, but quality translates to value.
Even having worked at another dog shop in the Greater Boston area, I still made time to visit Polka Dog Bakery. We carry there cookies in store, and so do a lot of other shops in Boston, which is great for finding treats without going to the Sound End all of the time.
Polka Dog is always clean and well organized. They have great window displays, help out some local charities, always offer your dog a cookie (no matter how many times you've been in there before), and are generally very friendly. They allow you to shop without pestering you, but are always around if you have any questions. Good selection of coats in the winter time, even some affordable priced wool sweaters made my Mayan families. Their leashes and collars can be pricey, but like everything in the store, you pay for what you get. They do not needlessly mark up things, and anything you may find at Petco (like a Kong or a toothbrush, for instance), you will pay the same price for at Polka Dog.
My favorite thing about here is that just around the corner (literally 200 paces) is Peters Run Dog Park, which got a rebuild/revamp a few months ago and always has happy dogs running about for Kid Rock to play with.
Found it surprising that one of the girls who works there doesn't have a dog, but to each our own. She is usually the one there when we go, and very nice to my Chihuahua who runs behind the counter to check if any treats have made it onto the floor.
They have a good selection of raw food, and generally holistic dog foods and supplements. Always a plus!
A few blocks away is Doggie Day, but I prefer it here because it just feels better.
Best place to spend $50 on your pooch, hands down.
Bryan S. and I came in today and both got new harnesses for our dachshunds, awesome dog toys, and treats, and both left with much less money.
Why is that we fret about buying things for ourselves and then spend all our money on our pets or other people? Something to think about.
Cute store with a cute name! They have a great selection of leashes, collars, toys, etc for those that are looking for their pup to be a bit more on the fashionable side.
My pup is a big fan of the treats and I like that there are several types to choose from. Two paws up for the PolkaDog Bakery!
This is the dog version of Finale-doggie decadence, They not only have baked gourmet biscuits but one of the largest selections of treats I've ever seen-very pricey-I never walk out w/o at LEAST 20 buckerino's worth of chewies for Simon. He's so goddamn spoiled-petco? he shudders the thought!
They also carry the harder to find foods similar to the wonderful pet shop in Nantucket. Again, you pay but isn't your baby worth it? They gave me samples of frozen foods and he went nuts over them-supposed to be a great regimen but afraid to ask the price. Plus my freezer is JAMMED as is.
Downstairs is filled with wonderful toys and awesome hard to find harnesses and gear for me and my guy. Great to bring your dog to after a nice run at the park (well trollup for Simon-sometimes he has to ride in my shopping cart on the way home-lazy ass slug!)
This place is awesome. Expensive, but my baby is SO worth it.
I bought her a kick ass hot pink harness that people always compliment......I have brought her a variety of their "highend" doggie treats. It really looks like you are at an upscale bakery and hell, it costs as much....After the big dog food recall I tried some of their crazy frozen dog food but, alas, Cassie (my puggle) is picky and has a queeeeeezzy stomach. It didn't agree with her.....somewhat happy because it would have cost me a TON to keep up with purchasing it...though she *is* worth it. So definitely take the trip with your pet or solo...be prepared to dish out some dough, but have a lot of fun picking through their awesome merch and yummy dog treats......or, ah, so Cassie says....lol
My dogs love this place. And the counter people seem to be ok with them too which is good because my dogs are beefy and love cookies.
Not sure how the cookies actually taste, but no complaints yet!
When I first came to the South End, I told myself that I would never go to this place. That was before I got a dog and realized that I hate pet supermarkets like Petco or Petsmart and I like being able to go to someplace in the neighborhood.
Yes, the harnesses, leashes and cashmere sweaters here are expensive. They are also not nylon pieces of crap like you might get elsewhere, so you can pay extra and get something nice. It's like the other people boutiques in the South End. The treats, which are the real reason we go in, are reasonable. Actually, if you take your dog in there they will give him lots of treats for free under the counter. Our guy knows this and always tries to stop here when coming back from the dog park. They have fresh baked goodies and plenty of bones, pigs ears, bull penises, and other gross things dogs like to chew on. We often go for a Bully Stick or something small and get out spending just a few dollars.
All of the employees there are super nice and helpful and they all love dogs. I don't ever feel like I have to buy something from them when I go in. Everyone who works there seems like they like being there.
Don't forget to check out the lower level. The stairs going down are hidden behind the employees counter and the first few times we went in we had no idea there were more toys and things downstairs.
