The sign on the front of the newly renovated building at 3426 Atlantic Ave in Atlantic City says: Come, Sit, Stay. That is easy to oblige at the newest watering hole in Atlantic City, Good Dog Bar, where good friends, good food, and good times make it a great fit.
According to co-owner Dave Garry, who, along with his wife Heather Gleason, opened the second installment of Good Dog in May, “We want Good Dog to be a place that has something for everyone and a place where everyone feels comfortable.” The original Good Dog Bar opened in Philadelphia in 2003.
Like the original Good Dog in Philly, patrons with pooches are able to stop by and enjoy a beer along with some of their great menu items on the patio. Garry said the health dept prohibits dogs indoors, but well-mannered leashed dogs are welcome on the patio. The server will even bring Fido a bowl of water.
Garry said they are proud of the Good Dog menu. “This is a scratch kitchen, and everything is freshly made. We will make seasonal changes to the menu as well.” The menu includes staples such as Caesar salad but also a grain salad with quinoa, smoked almonds, grilled asparagus, goat cheese, radishes, red onion, purple cabbage, with preserved lemon dill vinaigrette. There are homemade soups of the day as well as empanadas of the day. Sandwiches include a short rib grilled cheese, a vegan cheesesteak made with plant-based protein, mushrooms, onions, and vegan pepper jack on a long-seeded roll with hot cherry peppers on the side.
If your taste buds are calling for a burger, Dave Garry said, Good Dog has it. “Our Good Dog burger is really popular, a full half-pound sirloin burger stuffed with Roquefort cheese, topped with caramelized onions on a brioche bun. People love the Good Dog, and the AC Smash Burger is also terrific and that you can make it a double or even a triple.” The menu also features steamed mussels, and also garlic steamed middle neck clams in white wine, butter, and lemon with crushed red peppers, and both are served with great crusty bread. There is a fried chicken sandwich and a grass-fed 10 oz. Bavette steak with mushrooms and cippolini onion steak sauce. The empanadas, soup of the day, and daily specials are online every day at www.gooddogbar.com or @gooddogbarAC.
Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. with half-priced draughts, $5 well drinks, $6 wines, and plenty of great bar snacks on the menu from $6-$10. They support local brews and feature an extensive list of craft beers to complement their selection of beers. 
Garry said Good Dog is a special place for more than just the food and the drinks. “There is a friendly vibe in here. We love the neighborhood, and we are happy we moved here. We have absolutely the best neighbors possible in Stockton. They have been nothing but great since the first day,” said Garry.
After an extensive renovation to the 5000 sq. ft space, two-story building, Good Dog has created a hip and inviting vibe with help from local artists. Mud Girls Studio has created a very cool tile dog-themed mural that complements the black and white photos of favorite pooches. A full wall mural of dogs on surfboards and mugs of beer beckon customers at the beer garden. The exterior of the building features civil rights icons Fannie Lou Hamer, Muhammad Ali, and Martin Luther King Jr.
To compliment the great bar and friendly vibe, the patio where dogs on a leash are welcome, the menu fit for a quick bite or a gastropod delight, and the second floor features a game room where patrons can relax or enjoy some friendly competition. Good Dog Bar is also available for parties. Dave Garry said it best, “We really welcome everyone here at Good Dog to come, sit, and stay.”
Good Dog Bar is located at 3426 Atlantic Avenue in Atlantic City in the Chelsea neighborhood and close to Stockton University.
To check out Good Dog and find out the daily specials visit www.goodbar.com. @gooddogbarac, and follow them on Facebook at GoodDogPhilly or call 609-808-3038.
Good Dog Bar is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., and the kitchen is open to midnight. They will begin taking reservations via Resy by midsummer; credit cards are accepted, they are handicapped accessible, and you can dine in or take out. There is outdoor dog-friendly seating on the patio. All dogs must be on a leash.
Photos by Ruben Garcia.