Blue Dog Cookhouse & Bar: Secure Your Table for the Smoked Old-Fashioned and Gourmet Southern Fare

When the search for a dining experience that instantly transports you to a Midtown Manhattan circa ’90’s Bistro leaves you overwhelmed, trust the culinary hit: Blue Dog Cookhouse & Bar is the unequivocal “must-visit.” Despite being attached to the mall, you truly have no sense that you are at the mall.

The atmosphere is one of vibrant, classic celebration. My first impression was the sleek, openness of the dining room and the fully appointed bar filled with patrons. Our server, Dalizza, was extremely patient with our desire to take time enjoying the ambiance between courses. The staff is consistently on point, immediately bringing a basket of delicious popovers and jalapeño butter to the table. This is somewhere we plan on coming to again with friends.

The flavors are extraordinary. You absolutely must try their specialty cocktails. My Blue Dog Smoked Old-Fashioned has to have been one of the best I’ve had in a very long time. It arrives at the table topped with an attached smoker and is uncovered right in front of you, allowing you to see and smell the apple wood smoke rising. The combination of bourbon and 7yr Flor de Caña mellows the drink out incredibly.

For our starters, the Grilled Octopus was tender, moist, and very flavorful, served with farm potatoes and yuzu chimichurri. The Buffalo Cauliflower (tossed with sweet chili) was another hit. For the entrees, the Shrimp and Grits—made with cheddar, pepper, and blackened butter—are a must-have; the flavoring of the shrimp [is] totally on point and the sauce is absolutely delicious. The Seafood Tagliatelle (with blue crab, jumbo shrimp, and squid) was another hit, proving that Chef Chris Barre has a great palette.

Blue Dog Cookhouse & Bar offers dining experiences that few other restaurants dare to attempt, specializing in creative, flavorful takes on bistro classics. They also feature a unique Café con Leche’ Cake for dessert, which is a standout compared to the “Ho Hum” desserts often found elsewhere.

The ultimate FOMO moment comes from missing the themed events. Check out their Caribbean Nights Special every Wednesday featuring live music, a Fire Dance Show, and special cocktails.

This restaurant’s location means access is easy. They are conveniently located on Glades Road and share the large mall parking lot (steps from the mall’s valet parking stand), so parking is never an issue.