By Steve Fiske
Following its inception in 1994, the
Portland, ME. based Shipyard Brewing
Company expanded its highly successful
restaurant and brewing operations
to include the opening last year of its
Sea Dog Brewing Company Restaurant
& Pub in Clearwater, Fl. Patrons are
discovering the uniqueness of the Sea
Dog Brewing Company’s décor, facilities,
cuisine and on premise brewing operation
and how the Sea Dog Brewing Company
has accomplished one of their primary
missions, which
was to bring
N.E. flavor to
the Tampa Bay
area. Ironically,
their Head
Brewer, Bobby
Baker was born
and raised in
Safety Harbor.
He worked for
the company in Maine, while perfecting
his craft. Under his watch the company
has the capability to brew a remarkable
600 kegs a day locally. One may find the
Shipyard and Sea Dog brands in a host of
retail stores and other hospitality venues
throughout the state.
Affectionately called the “Sea Dog”,
by its many fans, the restaurant has fast
become a popular venue
for locals and visitors
alike. One of
the reasons for
the Sea Dogs’
popularity is its
award winning
culinary
specialties, such
as its Portuguese
Chowder, which
recently won 1st place
in the Pass-A-Grille Chowder Challenge.
The chowder was a hit with the judges
who savored the combination of the
creamy based chowder, sweet potatoes
and chourico (a mild Portuguese sausage),
garnishes and served with corn bread.
Another award winner is the Sea Dog’s
Lobster mac-n-cheese, which garnered the
coveted first place award at the Seminole
Farmer’s market “Best Macaroni in Tampa
Bay” competition.
There is no shortage of delicious fresh
seafood at the Sea Dog. Seafood lovers
should check the website for
daily and weekly specials,
such as fresh chilled oysters
that are served every day, between
3 to 7 PM for only 50
cents each
or they may
be ordered
steamed or
Rockefeller, for a nominal charge. Chef
David Squillante says, “one might expect
a Maine based company to serve whole
belly clams and we do!” adding, “we
always have a featured fresh catch of the
day”. It varies from favorites like Black
Grouper, Red Snapper, Red Grouper and
Fresh Pink Key West Shrimp.” Traditionalists
will love the succulent fish and
chips. The Sea Dog buys most of its seafood
from local sources, to guarantee its
freshness flavor and to support the local
economy. Fresh Maine lobster is kept onsite
in their 100-gallon tanks.
Meat eaters are also discovering that
this is a terrific place to enjoy a juicy
steak and a cold craft beer. Try the grilled
strip steak with a semi-glace’ made from
a reduction of the Sea Dog Blue Fin
Stout. Sundays are becoming a big hit as
they offer what they call, “Smoke House
Sundays”. The Sunday smoked cuisine
changes weekly. Prime Rib is featured
Friday and Saturday evenings from 5 PM
to close 8oz. Prime Rib for only $10.99
and a generous 16 Oz. portion for only
$18.99!
Monday night
is lobster night
TWO 1 ¼ whole
Maine lobsters
for only $26.95,
a single lobster
is $18.95. It comes with a FREE Sea Dog
T-shirt.
There are gluten
free menus
items and all of the
sandwiches or burgers
may be ordered
gluten-free.
National Events
Manager, Dan
Bolduc says that,
“The Sea Dog has
quickly become a
popular venue for local organizations and
businesses that have a need for private
events and
meeting space”.
Our space is
available free
of charge for
our customers”
adding, “ we
can accommodate
small
to large size
groups ranging
from 1 to 500
people”. They
also work with local non-profit organizations
that have a need to for catering,
banquets or a beer truck for special off
premise events.
The Sea Dog has a variety of events
throughout the week, live music Monday
–Saturday night and many menu specials.
Check out their website for current and
upcoming specials.
The Sea Dog Brewing Co. Restaurant
and Brew Pub is located at 26200 US
Hwy 19 N., Clearwater,Fl.
www.seadogbrewing.com 727-466-4916
aste of
North Pinellas 19
/www.seadogbrewing.com
