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Blue Dog Beer Tavern
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Blue Dog Beer Tavern
8.1
This neighborhood gastropub earned its name from a genuine love of dogs, featuring walls covered with framed canine photos. The spacious partially covered outdoor patio welcomes leashed pets while serving hand-smashed burgers with notable sear marks, rotating craft beers on 30+ taps, and comfort pub fare executed with care.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Blue Dog Burger, Root Beer BBQ Wings, House-Cut Garlic Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Dog-obsessed gastropub where craft beer meets burgers on a covered patio
Who should go: Dog owners, beer enthusiasts, Sunday regulars seeking neighborhood vibe
When to visit: Happy hour daily from 3pm, Sunday mornings for neighborhood crowd
What to order: Blue Dog burger, root beer BBQ sauce dishes, fresh-cut fries
Insider tip: Free parking lot attached, patio has heaters for cooler evenings
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free attached parking lot - rare for Sherman Oaks, significant advantage
Dress code: Casual tavern attire - jeans and t-shirts perfectly acceptable
Noise level: Moderate to loud during games - sports bar energy, conversation-friendly otherwise
Weekend wait: 30-45 min for patio tables Friday/Saturday evenings, bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, immediate seating typical
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several options including veggie burger and salads, though clearly meat-focused menu
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads and sides, not the primary focus
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF buns available for burgers, several naturally GF options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual 2nd-3rd dates - sports bar atmosphere may be loud during games, but covered patio offers nice setting for relaxed conversation during off-peak hours
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially weekdays and early evenings - bar seating always available as backup, patio fills up during happy hour and weekend prime time
Is it kid-friendly? Family-friendly gastropub - kids welcome especially during daytime and early evening, though transitions to more adult sports bar vibe after 8pm
How dog-friendly is it really? Genuinely dog-obsessed - leashed dogs welcome on entire patio, water bowls provided, staff enthusiastic about four-legged guests, not just tolerant but celebrating
Is the beer selection actually good? Excellent for beer enthusiasts - 30+ rotating taps with strong craft focus, knowledgeable staff, regular tap takeovers and special releases
Best For
Better for: Neighborhood regulars seeking consistent quality, dog owners wanting guilt-free dining with pets, craft beer lovers who also want solid food, groups watching games in relaxed setting
Skip if: You want quiet romance, need extensive vegan options, prefer wine over beer, seeking fine dining experience, or dislike sports bar atmospheres
Blue Dog Beer Tavern
7.7
Neighborhood beer tavern with a dog-friendly patio serves gourmet burgers alongside an eclectic craft beer selection. The cozy house-converted space decorated with framed dog photos creates a casual atmosphere where locals gather for weekend games and weeknight unwinding.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blue Dog Burger, The Dickens, Fire Starter Burger
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Extremely dog-friendly with craft beer focus and neighborhood charm
Who should go: Pet owners and beer enthusiasts seeking relaxed neighborhood vibes
When to visit: Happy hour from 3pm daily, bring your pup to the patio
What to order: Fire Starter with jalapeños, skin-on fries, seasonal craft beer
Insider tip: Small parking lot fills quickly - street parking is easier on weekdays
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot (10-12 spots) fills by 5pm - street parking easier on weekdays, weekends require early arrival or walk from side streets
Dress code: Ultra casual - jeans, t-shirts, athletic wear all common. Think backyard BBQ vibes
Noise level: Moderately loud during games - easy conversation on patio, louder indoors when sports are on
Weekend wait: 15-25 min for patio tables (dogs), bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, walk-ins welcome
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burger, salads, and appetizers like pretzel bites
Vegan options: Limited - impossible burger available, most apps have dairy
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF buns available, several burger options work with modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd-3rd date. The sports bar vibe and potential noise make conversation harder, but patio during happy hour works well for casual, low-pressure dates
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations. Weekdays are easy walk-ins, weekends arrive before 6pm or expect 15-25 min wait. Bar seating is first-come
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly, especially for families with dogs. Kids menu available, patio is relaxed, and the casual atmosphere means nobody minds noise. Best for ages 5+ who can sit through a meal
Best For
Better for: Dog owners who want to dine with their pets, craft beer lovers seeking variety over trendy IPAs, locals wanting consistent neighborhood quality without pretension
Skip if: You need guaranteed seating times, want cutting-edge culinary innovation, prefer quiet romantic ambiance, or don't care about beer selection