The Dog Pub, Columbia Edition
Oct 22nd, 2007 by Alex
The Dog Pub — formerly the Thirsty Dog — just opened a second location in Columbia in September. Just around the traffic circle from Nottingham’s, The Dog Pub is open from 11am-2am daily. If a trip to Federal Hill isn’t in the cards or if you’re in one of the surrounding business parks and need a quick lunch, definitely check it out.
That’s the short version.
For those not familiar The Dog Pub used to be The Thirsty Dog, before a lawsuit with Dayton-based Thirsty Dog Brewing Company. I don’t know the specifics of who was using the name first, but apparently the folks in Ohio decided to make the first legal move. Kinda crappy how that happened, but that’s life.
Compared to the location in Federal Hill, the one in Columbia is huge. The bar alone is probably a good 75 feet long, compared to 15 feet in Federal Hill. Its decked out with two separate tap stations; waiting for beer isn’t likely unless the place is full to the brim, but at that point you’re talking several hundred people milling about and you’d probably expect it. In front of the bar is about twelve feet of open space. Not sure if there’s going to be tables and stools there eventually or whether its going to stay open. Right by the door is a fireplace and a shuffleboard table. Behind the bar and up a few steps are about twenty booths suitable for seating four people, with plenty of aisle space. There’s outdoor seating available on the patio as well.
Same beer, 2 10oz mugs for $4. Same tasty pizzas, most between $7-9. Same friendly service. Same (albeit more) bottles of Grand Marnier atop the bar. It doesn’t have the same downtown vibe as Federal Hill, but since it is in a strip mall parking is free and ample.
Despite the photographs and pictures at puppy dog height on the walls, I’m not sure if its as pet-friendly as Thirsty Dog used to be. I meant to ask but forgot the last time we were there. Definitely check it out if you’re in the area.
The Dog Pub
8865 Stanford Blvd, Suite 100
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 872-0364
And for those who aren’t familiar with Columbia, here’s the location plotted on Google Maps.
Sweet. I haven’t really settled into a pub down here in Columbia that I really like, and The Thirsty Dog was always a favorite in the city. I guess this one won’t feel as cozy, but their pretzels and pizza are awesome. Not to mention the beers.
Hmm. Off the top of my head in Columbia there’s The Dog Pub, Firerock, Greene Turtle, and Nottingham’s. There’s also Ram’s Head in Savage. A few of my friends (several of which in Columbia) try to make it out every week or so to a new/different bar; I review ‘em the best I can, although I probably should put a list together.
I remember the good ol’ days when it was the Thirsty Dog and only $3 for 2 beers. Thirsty Dog is my favorite bar in Federal Hill. because it’s small and cozy, but this new location sounds nice. I don’t think I’ve ever been to any bar in Columbia, but I did like the Ram’s Head in Savage the one time I was there.
danielle: As do I, having a few rounds before heading next for the aural entertaining. When they did away with 2 for $3, I managed since it was only $3.50. Now $4. Pretty soon it’ll be the low price of 2 for $9 just like DTA.
My cousin, dog owner and Fed Hill resident, informs me with some bitterness that dogs are no longer welcome in The Dog. They got a complaint, and were subsequently infested with health inspectors. That’s a real shame, it was kind of cool that dogs could come.
librarian: The health inspectors raising issues about the dogs is such bullshit, as is the complainer. Its a dog oriented bar. Don’t like it? Don’t go there. It isn’t like the dogs were in the kitchen; I fail to see how it is any different than having a dog in the home.
It’s because they serve food. Dogs aren’t allowed into a place where food is served. Do note that ice is considered food, which effectively bars dogs from bars as well as restaurants and restaurant/bars. I had a very random conversation with an attorney who worked for the city about The Thirsty Dog one night, and his opinion was that the they got away with it for so long because the health inspectors (totally seperate entity from the liquor board inspectors) don’t work nights. That is unless someone files a complaint…
It’s great to see this little pub span out for new locations. I recently visited the Columbia pub and like you say it’s bigger and better. The bar is huge and you never seem to be forgotten. Someone is right there asking you if you need assistance. I did notice a new menu selection for their own micro brews. You have your standard selection, but now they’ve added a twist. Mixing your two fav for a new “dog breed”. I have to say the mixed creations are defiantly a plus. Not to mention all the great space. Like your original in Fed Hill your pretty much jammed packed and hovering for a spot to sit. This place not only offers a huge bar, your bench seating and 20 some booths…you have tons of standing room. Good job Dog Pub!
By the way hope everyone got the memo. For NYE, they’re having a $50 special. All you can drink and eat from 9pm till 2am. Included is a champagne toast to start off the new year right. Tickets on sale at the website. Hope to see you there.