East Liberty has a new go-to hangout for dog owners—and dog lovers—alike. On June 7, Hound Haus officially opened its doors in the former Zeke’s Coffee building at 6314 Broad Street. Part coffee shop, part coworking space, part bar, and part dog park, it’s a place designed to take you— and your pup—from day to night.
The concept is the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Tom and Danielle Lafe. The idea had been percolating for over a decade but started to take real shape during the pandemic, when the couple was living in a small New York City apartment.
“We had been talking about this idea for a long time,” Tom Lafe said. “We always had a dog and wanted to go somewhere where we could enjoy a cup of coffee and a sandwich in the morning and maybe a glass of wine or cocktail in the evening—while also letting our dog roam off-leash and socialize with other dogs. The pandemic gave us a little more time to pause, think, and evaluate our concept.”
Coming home to Pittsburgh
That period of reflection prompted the couple to relocate to Pittsburgh, where Tom was born and raised. Highland Park was his childhood neighborhood, and when they began scouting locations, the East End felt like a natural fit.
“I spent a lot of time in East Liberty growing up. My friends and I went to the annual summer E-Fest and would go to shows in the Kingsley Center,” Lafe remembered.
When they saw the former Zeke’s building was for sale, they jumped at the chance. The Lafes purchased the building in 2022 and spent the last three years fundraising and renovating the space with the help of Moss Architects.
The result is a bright, airy, and inviting 10,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor venue. The outdoor space is divided into two distinct areas: an on-leash section with picnic tables and lawn games, and a heated, off-leash dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs, including a dedicated entrance for more timid pups.
Safety first—for dogs and humans
Unlike public dog parks, where playtime can be unpredictable, Hound Haus puts safety front and center. All dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations, and trained “houndskeepers” monitor the play areas for signs of stress or aggression. The team is led by Barbara Moore, Head of Dog Operations, who brings more than 30 years of experience, including running her own doggy daycare in the Strip District.
That attention to detail hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“A lot of people who’ve come in have commented on the welcoming, relaxed atmosphere we’ve been able to create,” Lafe said. “They really appreciate the level of attention paid to the dogs. People feel safe, and the dogs feel safe, which isn’t always the case at other places.”
More than a dog park
But Hound Haus isn’t just about the dogs—it’s also a fully functioning cafe and bar. Commonplace Coffee anchors the morning menu, with wine, beer, and cocktails flowing later in the day.
Food comes courtesy of Catapult Culinary. Café NikkiP handles the savory side with sandwiches and salads, while Terina Hicks of CobblerWorld supplies the sweets, pastries, and breakfast fare. And yes—there’s a rotating menu of “Yappy Meals” for four-legged guests.
Dogs need either a membership or day pass to access the play yard.
“Basically, it’s like a gym membership for dogs,” Tom explained.
Day passes are $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends. Monthly memberships are $50, or $350 annually, with a 50% discount for a second dog.
Humans, on the other hand, always get in free.
“We want people to know they’re welcome even if they don’t have a dog,” Lafe said. “Maybe you just like being around dogs, or your building doesn’t allow pets. We’re creating a warm, welcoming space where people can gather, grab a coffee, take in the neighborhood views, and enjoy the good vibes, with or without a pup in tow.”