The Bulldog NE

October 17, 2008
I’m perpetually conflicted over whether I take this place for granted or whether it isn’t quite the religious experience I was always expecting. It is true that there are a ridiculous number of beers on tap, including American micros (Bell’s, Rush River, Summit), standard imports (Stella, Pilsner Urquell, Amstel), and many delightful Belgians (Maredsous, Bernardus, Chouffe, Delerium, and more). It is true there are even more selections in bottle form (Sprecher, Corsendonk, Chimay). It is true that they’re affordably priced ($4-$6) and served in proper glassware. It is true that the burgers are among the better in the city and that the rest of the menu is equally solid. Even so, it feels as though the place has rested on its laurels a bit. The beer selection is largely unchanged since the place opened and the number of rotating slots for guest beers and seasonals are woefully few. The selection of local brews they carry is very underwhelming (no Surly?). The lack of a happy hour also pains me. Surely a must-visit place if you’re in the area, but it feels like it could be even more with a little more effort.

June 22, 2007 [ Updated July 12, 2007 ]
It is a nice bar. Many beers that are easily found in a store but hard to find in a bar, but all this really means is nothing new. It does have a nice atmosphere, very modern. Lots of televisions, and shuffleboard. I didn’t eat but the food looked good. Staff was friendly. Kind of loud. Parking is difficult as the meters are enforced late in to the evening. One of the better beer bars in the Twin Cities. Recommended for good beer if not for rare beer.

June 21, 2007 [ Updated November 21, 2008 ]
I really enjoy this bar, and I’m surprised that it hasn’t been added to the database yet. Excellent selection on tap from local (Rush River Bubblejack), domestic micro (Bells and Arcadia), to unique Belgian (Houblon IPA, Bernadus 12, Maredsous 8). Bottle selection is nice as well: Bluebird Bitter, Dragons Milk, Karmeliet, Delerium, Deus. Seasonals change, although not as much as I’d like. The food is absolutely amazing. I highly recommend the Truffle Burger, or the Cubano sandwich. One of the best bars in Minneapolis, in my opinion. <br /><br />Re-rate 10/4/2007 Still a good beer bar, but the selection does not seem to rotate as much as I would like. Pretty slim on the locals as well. No Surly, Brau Bro’s, and the like. Food is still excellent. <br /><br /> Re-rate 11/21/2008. This bar is no longer in my circle of local bars. The tap and bottle list STILL has not changed albeit for a few things here and there, but for the last year and a half, everything h