If you love good comfort food and a “hole in the wall” type atmosphere, Blue Dog Tavern is the place for you. Located a few minutes outside of downtown Grand Rapids on Stocking Ave on the West Side, the little longer trip is totally worth it.

Blue Dog Tavern isn’t your classic downtown bar; it is in a building that was built in the 1930’s and still showcases that olden day charm with stained glass windows, a huge wooden bar, and all original wood floors. You walk in and you all of a sudden want to stay for a while because of the welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Not only that, but the food is amazing.

Blue dog specializes in tater tots. Yes, tater tots. And if you know me then you know tater tots are one of my favorite things and so when my dad told me that we were going to a restaurant with an array of flavors of tater tots my excitement was through the roof.

Upon getting seated I was already encompassed in the mood that was set by the dim lighting and my stomach was growling with hunger for the tots. After ordering drinks and the corned beef tots, it was only a mere 10 minutes later that they were placed in front of my dad and I. Smiles spread across our faces, and we dove in. They were so good, and to be honest I have tried all six of the flavors, not in the same sitting but during different visits.

Along with tater tots the menu has an array of Blue Dogs (hot dogs), hamburgers, sandwiches, pizza, soups, and their signature jambalaya… all good, all worth trying. Not only is the food good, the service is astounding with an inviting vibe and a welcoming interior. Also, the servers are all nice and down to earth people who you can tell really enjoy their job. They don’t just serve you they have conversations and crack jokes with you, it makes the experience of eating there really enjoyable.
All in all, if you’re looking for some really good tater tots and an enjoyable, friendly atmosphere then I would highly suggest Blue Dog Tavern. Along with food they do serve the classic Grand Rapids brews from all over the city and also drinks if you’re 21 and over, of course.

Also, if you’re a hockey fan make sure you go in during a game because it’s the hockey fan “hangout” with decor all over the walls and all of the games on TV’s throughout the whole restaurant. Make sure you make it out to the West Side and enjoy some tater tots!