Bulldogs Bar & Grill

Definitely shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. On the outside, this place seems like an old back-road dive bar for “locals only”… But, once you actually go in, sit down, and experience what it has to offer, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. I admittedly must’ve driven past this place a hundred times and never even noticed it before. But a Google search for “dog friendly restaurants near Smithville, NJ” brought me here, and I couldn’t be happier that it did! I went for dinner on a Friday night with my parents and my two small dogs. We were greeted and promptly directed to a a nice table for 3, on the wraparound porch area. My dogs were also very kindly greeted and were immediately provided with their own sizable dog bowl of cold water for them to enjoy, (at the same time that we were brought our menus). The food options were diverse and appealing, the prices were reasonable, and the customer service we received (from our waitress and other servers) from start to finish, was great! We had a waitress who admittedly hadn’t been working there long, but she was very attentive and even took the time to have the external heater behind our table turned on after we mentioned being cold (despite it being summertime). The cook even acquiesced my request and sent out a second dog bowl containing a fresh, unseasoned, cooked, sliced chicken breast for my dogs to enjoy for their dinner, along with us. In all honesty, it’s not an overly fancy place or anything like that (nor does it try to come off that way); however, what it lacks in bells & whistles, it makes up for in prompt, accommodating, and friendly service (to both people and dogs), and they offer a variety of very delicious and unique menu items that include more than generous portions. If you are a dog owner like me, I highly recommend checking them out!!

The burgers are delicious here, and the bar has a great selection of draft beers. The service is generally excellent, however, last time we went there the bar was clearly short staffed and it took forever to get a beer. My only other complaint is that they serve IPA’s in smaller glasses instead of a normal pint glass like almost every other bar. Super annoying. Overall, good food and beer. Usually excellent service.

Strange to start off a five star review with them messing up but this is just how good and how responsible and responsive to us as customers the folks at the Bulldog are. We started off our order with the peach wings that were sweet and spicy good. These wings alone are worth the price of admission. They have a good selection of craft beers that we enjoyed and had the roasted beets appetizer as well that really kicked it. For our main meal we went with the Jersey Devil pizza. This is where the problem began and the solution ended that made us loyal to this place and guaranteed that we would be repeat customers but also brag about it to anyone willing to listen. Our pizza order got messed up and our bartender was so gracious and honest about the situation and so willing to make it right. Add to that our kitchen manager came out to apologize and make the situation right. We felt like valued regular customers despite it being our first time there. We loved the attention and willingness to insure our meal was cared for. Our bartender, our kitchen staff and even other regular patrons did their very best to let us know how important our business was and how good the Bullldog is. I love that there is still a place where they care about the food and service for their customers and it shows with their staff and their regular customers…of which we will now be. Thank you.

We started coming here for ladies night months ago and now we feel like family. The staff is amazing! Always friendly and down to earth. Tori and Daphe especially! It feels great to have a place to go after hard days "where everyone knows your name" CHEERS!!!

I am changing my reviews because we decided go give it another chance and after a couple months... The service has improved signoficantly, they have a much better attitude and the food has also improved for the better. Keep it up! After all these you deserved a better review! The burgers are bigger and juicier and the overall food was good. Mother clocker is a very good spicy chicken sandwich, italian sandwich is good as well. Please keep growing! Thank you! Update 09/07/2024: The new waitresses are really nice and the service was way better. MUST TRY THE TURKEY BURGER!!! it has become my favorite burger. Super tasty and gigantic. I totally recommend it!

Nice bar vibe. Great food! And the service is good as well. The drinks are spot on and they definitely prepare the food fresh and to order without any issues. Haven’t gone but maybe twice but I can say another local favorite.

We were spending a couple of days in Atlantic City, and asked an employee at one of the Casinos to suggest an off strip place to eat. This was one of a few choices. The menu has a great variety, with something for everyone, and fairly priced in todays economy. The service was top notch. The chicken pot pie that my wife and I had was not the best we have had, but not actually a bad meal. My brother and his wife enjoyed their food. We would certainly return if we are in that area again.

Mia greeted us as soon as we entered the bar area, service was on point. Got the buffalo chicken dip and she gave us pita bread as requested. Food closes a little early @10 but overall great spot!