Advertiser Disclosure — This site may receive compensation when you click links and apply for credit cards. Compensation may impact which products appear and their placement. We strive to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee all details are current. Full disclosure
The Doghouse is classified under MCC 5813 (Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages), Bars, Taverns, Cocktail lounges, Nightclubs and Discotheques). The best card for The Doghouse purchases is the Ink Business Cash (no annual fee), earning 5x on drinking places (alcoholic beverages), bars, taverns, cocktail lounges, nightclubs and discotheques — an effective return of 10.25%.
Bars and taverns are a great spot for earning high rewards if you enjoy an occasional drink out. Many premium credit cards offer bonus points in this category.
Pro Tip
Consider visiting during happy hour to enjoy drinks and maximize your reward earnings without breaking the bank.
Spending Math
If you spend $200 monthly at The Doghouse, the Hilton Honors Aspire card nets you $14 a month or $168 annually, while a basic 1% cash back card only earns you $2 per month or $24 yearly.
When you pay at The Doghouse at their locations, your card issuer sees MCC 5813 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a drinking places (alcoholic beverages), bars, taverns, cocktail lounges, nightclubs and discotheques merchant. Bonus reward rates on your card apply based on this MCC — not the merchant name itself.
If your card earns bonus points on "drinking places (alcoholic beverages), bars, taverns, cocktail lounges, nightclubs and discotheques" purchases, The Doghouse transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not The Doghouse specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any The Doghouse transaction by checking your card's mobile app or statement. Some issuers display the merchant category alongside the transaction details. For the most accurate information, contact your card issuer's customer service and ask whether MCC 5813 qualifies for bonus rewards.
About MCC 5813: Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages), Bars, Taverns, Cocktail lounges, Nightclubs and Discotheques
Merchant Category Code 5813 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages), Bars, Taverns, Cocktail lounges, Nightclubs and Discotheques industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 5813, all qualifying card programs that include drinking places (alcoholic beverages), bars, taverns, cocktail lounges, nightclubs and discotheques as a bonus category will apply the elevated earn rate.
The Dining industry group encompasses several related MCCs. Not all merchants in a similar business will share the same MCC — for example, a grocery store inside a warehouse club may code as wholesale ({"5300"}) rather than grocery ({"5411"}). Always verify with your issuer if you're unsure whether a specific merchant qualifies for bonus rewards on your card.
Other Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages), Bars, Taverns, Cocktail lounges, Nightclubs and Discotheques Merchants (MCC 5813)
Spending $200/month at The Doghouse with the Ink Business Cash (5x on drinking places (alcoholic beverages), bars, taverns, cocktail lounges, nightclubs and discotheques) earns approximately $120/year in rewards. A basic 1% card earns $24 on the same spending. That is $96 more per year with no annual fee.
Prefer no annual fee? The Custom Cash earns 5x at The Doghouse merchants, earning $120/year with no annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What MCC code does The Doghouse use?
The Doghouse uses MCC 5813 (Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages), Bars, Taverns, Cocktail lounges, Nightclubs and Discotheques). Our top pick for this MCC is the Ink Business Cash, which earns 5x (10.25% effective return) on drinking places (alcoholic beverages), bars, taverns, cocktail lounges, nightclubs and discotheques purchases.
How much can I earn at The Doghouse with the right credit card?
Spending $200/month ($2400/year) at The Doghouse with the Ink Business Cash (no annual fee) earns approximately $120/year at 5x. A basic 1% card earns $24 on the same spending — that is $96 more per year with the right card.
Is The Doghouse classified as drinking places (alcoholic beverages), bars, taverns, cocktail lounges, nightclubs and discotheques for credit card rewards?
Yes. The Doghouse is classified under MCC 5813 (Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages), Bars, Taverns, Cocktail lounges, Nightclubs and Discotheques) by Visa and Mastercard. Cards that list 'drinking places (alcoholic beverages), bars, taverns, cocktail lounges, nightclubs and discotheques' as a bonus category — such as the Ink Business Cash — will apply the elevated earn rate at The Doghouse.
Does my credit card earn bonus rewards at The Doghouse?
If your card includes drinking places (alcoholic beverages), bars, taverns, cocktail lounges, nightclubs and discotheques in its bonus categories, then yes — The Doghouse's MCC 5813 typically qualifies. The Ink Business Cash earns 5x here. Check your card's app or call your issuer to confirm your specific card's category mapping.
What other stores are in the same category as The Doghouse (MCC 5813)?
MCC 5813 (Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages), Bars, Taverns, Cocktail lounges, Nightclubs and Discotheques) is shared by many similar businesses. Other stores in this category include: AMF Bowling Centers, Angry Orchard, Applebee's Bar, Bar Louie. The same credit card bonus rate applies at all of these merchants.
PointsPick may earn a commission when you apply through our links.
Full disclosure
MCC data based on card network classification standards.
Rankings verified monthly from official card issuer terms.
Last verified: April 26, 2026.
Full methodology: www.pointspick.com/methodology.
