Bring The Whole Pack To The Dog House

Hot diggity dog, there's a new restaurant in town, and you'll want to put it on your “let's go” list. Pour Dog House combines craft beer and hot dogs and serves them in style. And honestly, it just has a fun, jazzy feel!

Located at 722 Generals Highway in Millersville, the bright red “house” is hard to miss. It reminded me of a caboose. While I wasn't sure what to expect inside, I was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful décor – polished wood chairs and tables, a sleek bar, sophisticated hanging lights, and dog art.

The service was outstanding. Shah, our server, who I later discovered was the owner and general manager, greeted us immediately with a huge smile and went out of his way to take care of us.

Asked to recommend a great low-alcohol beer, Shah immediately suggested Mango Cart from Golden Road Brewing. He described it as refreshing, and he was right. A lovely caramel color and zingy citrusy smell and taste made this a great choice.

We decided on the crowd-favorite loaded tater tots for our shared appetizer. These baked tots were smothered in rich homemade chili, cheddar cheese, chopped onions and crispy bacon, all topped with diced tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream. You can't go wrong with that combo — so many different tastes and textures. The tomatoes added a fresh-from-the-garden taste to the dish.

For an entree, I took Shah's suggestion and ordered one of the monthly specials, Kinder Park Shrimp and Dog. “Hmm, shrimp with a hot dog — that sounds like an odd combination,” I told Shah. He chuckled and said he knows it doesn't sound good but assured me it is.

My dining companion ordered a Pour Dog Classic, a hot dog topped with relish and chopped onions.

Now, these aren't your everyday hot dogs, folks. They're pure beef with no pork, veal or fillers. Plus, they're huge.

We just about gasped and then laughed when we saw the size of our dogs – probably triple the size of an average frankfurter.

When I was a child, my Sunday afternoon highlights were stopping after church for a chili dog with onions. My Kinder Park Shrimp and Dog left my old favorite in the dust. So big that I could only eat half, my frank, topped with the tender shrimp, crispy bacon and somewhat sweet and tangy sauce was tender, juicy, flavorful and incredibly filling. The dog came with what my husband called "beefy" chips (he got the leftovers), thick-cut with a dusting of Old Bay (just the right amount).

My companion's classic was a hot dog topped with relish and chopped onions. Think Independence Day variety, with more juice and flavor and twice to triple the size. There wasn't anything fancy about this one, but it does scratch the itch when you want a basic hot dog.

If hot dogs aren’t your thing, you can choose wings, chili, hamburgers and other offerings. There’s also a kids menu.

What tops off a decadent hot dog dinner? How about Dog Gone Deep Fried Oreos? The cookies were batter-fried, though not crispy on the outside, and ooey-gooey chocolate on the inside, sprinkled with powdered sugar. They were overly sweet and honestly too much of a good thing for me at the end of the meal (note that is a preference). Maybe next time, I'll pick Shah's favorite – Woofing Fried Twinkies.

When the weather is warm, you can chow and drink with Fido in the outdoor area. In fact, Old Fido can have a pint of his own — dog beers! As you guzzle or sip, your Snoopy can choose (well, let's face it – you choose for him) from Good Boy Session Squirrel, IPA Lot In The Yard, Crotch Sniffin' Ale, Mailman Malt Lick, and more. Don't worry, these mugs aren't going to give baby a buzz. They're made with broth, vegetables and other healthy ingredients (but don't tell your furry friends).

There's so much to like about this fun place.

Check the website for upcoming events, including happy hour, music bingo, and trivia nights. Pour Dog House also supports local charities and hosts an annual brewery festival to benefit the local humane society and SPCA chapter.

The bill came to about $65 for three hot dog platters (I bought one to go), the tater tot starter, and drinks. We had stuffed doggie bags (what else?) – good for the next day's lunch!

Where To Find Pour Dog House

722 Generals Highway, Millersville
410-910-0120

Photos by Mary Cobbler

1. The Kinder Park Shrimp and Do is topped with tender shrimp, crispy bacon, and sweet and tangy sauce.
2. The baked tots are smothered in homemade chili, cheddar cheese, chopped onions and crispy bacon, all topped with diced tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream.
3. Located at 722 Generals Highway in Millersville, the bright red restaurant is hard to miss.

4-6. Inside, the restaurant features polished wood chairs and tables, a sleek bar, sophisticated hanging lights, and dog art.