Restaurant
Unclaimed profileBlue Dog Tavern
Grand Rapids, MI · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Blue Dog Tavern is a neighborhood spot with a serious little cocktail list and a bourbon shelf built for old fashioneds. House drinks run $8-$9 and show more personality than the wine and beer lists, which stay safely mainstream. Happy hour brings $2 off cocktails and $3 domestic cans. The Campfire Old Fashioned and Blackberry Marg are the most distinctive bets, and the mocktail program gives non-drinkers real options.
- What should I order?
- Order the Campfire Old Fashioned, a Bulleit Bourbon build with Angostura bitters and chocolate bitters, or the Blackberry Marg with Milagro Silver.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Drinkers who want a familiar tavern setting with more bourbon and cocktail options than the average neighborhood bar. The non-alcoholic menu also gives designated drivers and abstainers a reason to stay.
- What should I expect to spend?
- House cocktails are $8-$9; wines by the glass run $9-$12 and bottles $27-$36. Happy hour drops cocktails by $2 and domestic cans to $3.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A dedicated old fashioned section with fifteen-plus bourbons and ryes, including Blanton's, Buffalo Trace, and Woodford Reserve, gives the bar a clear identity. The cocktail list leans sweet and playful, with the Campfire Old Fashioned and The Dog House leaning into toasted marshmallow flavors.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Eight house cocktails cover margaritas, sangria, collins, a Manhattan, and two old fashioned variations. Prices stay low at $8-$9, and happy hour discounting makes the list even more approachable.
Menu strengths
- — The menu runs from a Milagro Silver margarita to a toasted marshmallow bourbon drink, showing range.
Standout selections
- — Campfire Old Fashioned - Bulleit Bourbon with Angostura and chocolate bitters, $9.
- — Blackberry Marg - Milagro Silver with blackberry, $9.
- — The Dog House - Hotel Tango Toasted Marshmallow Bourbon, chocolate bitters, and marshmallows, $9.
Pricing: $8-$9 per cocktail; $2 off during happy hour
Wine
A compact list of familiar labels, from Barefoot to Kim Crawford and Kendall Jackson, poured by glass or bottle. Weekend bottle specials add some value, but the selection plays it safe.
Menu strengths
- — Wine is available by the glass and bottle, with weekend specials on bottles.
- — Avalon Cabernet is priced at $9 a glass, the cheapest wine option.
Standout selections
- — Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc - $11 glass/$33 bottle.
- — Troublemaker Red Blend - $12 glass/$36 bottle.; Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon - $9 glass/$27 bottle.
Pricing: $9-$12 per glass; $27-$36 per bottle
Beer
The beer list leans heavily on domestic macros, with a few craft and international names. Non-alcoholic craft options from Athletic Brewing add a modern touch. Happy hour makes it a cheap pint stop.
Menu strengths
- — A wide domestic list includes Miller High Life, PBR, Hamm's, and Stroh's alongside Tandem and Guinness.
- — Six non-alcoholic beers from Athletic and Guinness 0.0 broaden the options.
Standout selections
- — Athletic Brewing Co. All Out Stout - non-alcoholic craft option.
- — Guinness 0.0% - non-alcoholic stout.; Tandem Smackintosh - Michigan craft beer.
Pricing: $3 domestic cans during happy hour
Nonalcoholic
A proper non-alcoholic program with three named mocktails, NA beers, and sodas. The N/A Mimosa uses Gruvi Dry-secco, and the mocktails are priced below the cocktail list.
Menu strengths
- — Mocktails include The Sun Dog, Sour Berry Cooler, and N/A Mimosa, priced $6-$8.
- — The N/A Mimosa offers a choice of four juices with Gruvi Dry-secco.
Standout selections
- — N/A Mimosa - Gruvi Dry-secco with orange, pineapple, grapefruit, or cranberry, $8.
- — The Sun Dog - orange juice, pineapple, Sprite, and Tropical Redbull, $6.
- — Sour Berry Cooler - pomegranate syrup, lemon juice, Redbull, $6.
Pricing: $6-$8 for mocktails; other NA drinks vary
Spirits
The spirits focus is squarely on bourbon and rye for old fashioneds, with a list that includes Blanton's, Buffalo Trace, and Woodford Reserve. Neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails are all options.
Menu strengths
- — A dedicated old fashioned section features a deep bourbon and rye list.
- — Spirits can be served neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.
Standout selections
- — Blanton's Original Single Barrel - 93 proof bourbon.
- — Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight - 90 proof bourbon.
- — Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight - 90.4 proof bourbon.
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