Wrapping up my beer travelogue of my recent trip to Tampa…

Sea Dog Brewing Company comes to Florida!

I’ve been going to the Sea Dog brewpubs in Maine since we took our first family vacation to Maine in the late 90’s. We love Sea Dog and have hit their brewpubs in Bangor, Topsham, and Camden (now closed). And now I can add Clearwater, Florida to my Sea Dog list.

I had a business trip to Tampa and flew down a couple of days early to see family. While watching the Orioles-Blue Jays spring training game in Dunedin, I saw an outfield billboard for the new Sea Dog brewpub in Clearwater, so I decided to check it out.

Sea Dog makes me think Maine, so I didn’t know what to expect as we walked into the Sea Dog in Florida. A familiar feeling crept in as I looked over the tap handles and beer selection – a full offering of the Sea Dog and Shipyard brews I’ve enjoyed on our many summer vacations to Maine.

I ordered two 4-beer sampler racks:

• Blue Paw Wheat Ale
• Old Gollywobbler Brown Ale
• Old East India Pale Ale
• Riverdriver Hazelnut Porter
• Sea Dog Stout
• Monkey Fist IPA (Shipyard Brewing Company)
• Export Ale (Shipyard Brewing Company)
• Sunfish Wheat (Shipyard Brewing Company)

As usual, the beer was great – Shipyard’s Monkey Fist IPA was my favorite.

And I’ll give the whole experience a strong thumb’s up – friendly service and delicious pub grub in a comfortable, upscale atmosphere.

Sea Dog with a Florida vibe – love it!

I have family nearby and when I’m back in the area, I will definitely be back at Sea Dog with wife and kids in tow. Actually my wife will be towing me – Sea Dog’s blueberry ale is her favorite beer!

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