Today’s post is going to be different than most posts that will appear on this site. Today I’m going to review a local restaurant and also talk about a local beer event from Monday night June 28, 2010. It’s convenient because the event was held at the restaurant that will be discussed.
The Blue Dog Family Tavern, http://www.bluedog.cc/ . Chalfont, PA.(215) 997-9988
For anyone familiar with the area, The Blue Dog is located on Route 202 North about 2 miles above Montgomeryville, at the intersection of Rout 202 and County Line Road. This is the location where I acquire 75% of all the beers that will end up being reviewed. Sometimes I purchase something as take-out from the store in the front of the restaurant, sometimes it’s sitting down and having a new beer at the bar. They have 2 dining rooms in addition to a sizeable bar area with pool, darts and music. They also have Trivia during the week, check the website for scheduling.
Since these posts are all related to beer, it makes sense to discuss how The Blue Dog fares with respect to the bar. There are currently 24 drafts on tap ranging from standards like Budweiser and Coors, all the way through various Stouts, IPAs, Saisons and others. The draft list changes frequently and updates may be viewed on Facebook at Blue Dog Tavern. Each time I sit down at the bar, I always notice a good variety with the tap selection. The list may sometimes be a bit heavy on beers that happen to be in season, as I would expect, but there is usually something there for everyone.
In addition to the draft list, they have a full complement of spirits for those who might not be in the mood for beer (shame on you).
Having eaten at the restaurant on numerous occasions, I was pleased to see good variety on the menu, but not so much that they lose their focus. I happen to favor traditional bar food normally and their wings, both regular and boneless, are particularly good, as are the nachos. I’ve also had the crab cakes, French Onion soup, and numerous sandwiches, all of which were very tasty. A quick review of the menu on their website will show anyone thinking of visiting what is available to eat. The prices are in line with where I would expect, and the wings are under eight bucks. Whether you’re going for lunch, dinner or just want some great bar food, the menu is very satisfying.
In addition to the tap list, the other high point of The Blue Dog is their bottle shop to the right of the entrance. They usually stock around 100 bottles shelved and another 50 types in refrigerators. I’m usually able to find a beer that’s a regular standard, one that I’ve never tried, or even a bottle that’s uncommon or rare. Prices in the bottle shop are very good, and are lower than other local bottle shops I’ve visited.
The staff is friendly and surprisingly knowledgeable about the beer that they serve. An employee once told me that the staff is encouraged to taste some of the beers on tap and in the bottle shop so they can better describe them to patrons. It’s a darn good way to sell beer, if you ask me.
Obviously, I’m a big fan of The Blue Dog Family Tavern. I think the food is good, the beer is great and I’ve gotten to know a good portion of the staff by name. Anyone looking to expand their knowledge of beer, purchase a few bottles to drink, or simply have a fun night out would do well to check out the Blue Dog. One of my favorites.
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