If you ever happen to be in the Gordon Square District, follow your nose (and ears) to the Happy Dog - you will not be disappointed. From a solid selection of local brews to the typical taps, it's not hard to find a good drink to sip while you enjoy the often free concerts that Happy Dog treats its patrons to. Seventy-five beers to choose from and twenty five on tap is nothing to wag a tail at. So what's the beef about this Cleveland scene spot? The hot dogs. Not just your average floppy mystery meat frankenweiner here, we are talking a gourmet hunk of pork people. What's that? Meat eating not your thing? They also offer a tasty vegan variety! Pick from a large list of nearly 50 toppings ranging from spicy peppers, cheese combos, salsas, beans, and cucumbers. The presentation is well done and it's surprising because, well, it's just a hot dog.
On a scale of one to five as far as how much of hole in a pocket you will blow in one night, the bottom line is: the prices are very reasonable. The dogs run at $5 and depending on what you drink, one could walk out loaded with booze and bun for $15 (although I wouldn't reccommend driving that way) - not to mention you get to hear a live band. Happy Dog definitely entertains the crowd of the dive bar scene, the younger crowd and the music savvy, but its authentic and sincere. Plenty of seating, interesting pieces of decor, and pinball around to get lost in. Happy Dog is a pretty awesome place to relax or rock out, depending on when you show up, the later the louder - you have been warned.
Every bar does have its flaws, and Happy Dog is no different. My only major gripe of Happy Dog is its location. While it's a bit of a drive to get to, it's not the greatest neighborhood to be walking around late at night. With that in mind, I have personally never encountered anything even remotely suspicious and outside the bar is well lit, and there is always someone outside. It's really not Happy Dog's fault, but it's something to keep in mind.
In summation, Happy Dog is a wonderful little bar that is sure to please all sorts of crowds mostly those who appreciate a live show and dive scenery.
Your Happy Dog Bucket List:
Specials on Tall Boy PBR
VEGAN hotdog (or beef alternative)
Any combination of cucumber on your hotdog
Spotting something that could be used as a x-mas decoration
Happy Dog's Info:
http://www.happydogcleveland.com/
5801 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH
(216) 651-9474
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