I recently adopted a puppy which means my life has been ruined by a small ball of fluff with razor-sharp teeth and a bark that sounds like a cross between screeching brakes and a broken smoke alarm. Besides that though, he loves a good outing since separation doesn't come easy. When I heard about The Dandy Crown's dedication to a high quality cocktail and dog-friendliness I knew I'd found the place to drink away my puppy regrets and treat my little demon to a treat before summer and (fingers-crossed) puppy-hood ends. Co-owner, Julia Shell understands that a happy dog means a happy owner and how to achieve that with a dog-centered menu and a year-round patio. Below, Shell let me in on who taste tests the treats and what the go-to order is this summer.
The Dandy Crown's patio goes beyond being dog-friendly; there is even a dog menu. What prompted becoming the cocktail go-to for two and four-legged friends?
The owners and staff are pretty much all dog people, so it comes naturally to want to have four-legged friends around as much as possible! Dogs need and enjoy stimulation in the form of treats, so frozen bones, kefir, and bone broth are all big hits. When your dog is happy, you're happy.
How did someone receive the coveted role of doggy chef or bartender?
I created and made the dog-safe beef bone broth recipe. I thought it would make a good frozen treat and dog cocktail. My dogs are the taste testers, and they agree!
Does the dog menu shift the same as the cocktails for humans from season to season?
Yes, the human cocktails change seasonally; however, the dog menu is new this spring/summer, so it hasn't changed yet, but it might.
It seems far off but patio season will come to an end for most, but The Dandy Crown's patio stays open year-round. How do you keep the outdoors enjoyable for all as the seasons shift?
The patio at The Dandy Crown is year-round because there are five fire pits on the patio, along with upright propane heaters, plus a portion of the patio gets enclosed from November through May. The enclosure becomes almost greenhouse-like, and with the fire pits and the sunshine during the day, the enclosure is usually well over 72 degrees, even when it's snowing.
What are your favorite menu items right now for people and pups?
Of course, that's subjective to both a human and dog's taste, but the Frida cocktail is the best seller at the moment. It's an herbal and floral mezcal and tequila drink made with fresh watermelon, lime, and rose syrup. Dogs seem to be the biggest fans of our frozen beef bone broth. They enjoy the taste, and since it's frozen, it occupies them a bit longer.
The Dandy Crown is located at 694 N. Milwaukee Ave. Open Monday-Thursday: bar 3pm-12am; kitchen 5pm-9pm; Friday: bar 3pm-2am; kitchen 5pm-10pm; Saturday: bar 3pm-3am; brunch: 10am-3pm; evening kitchen 5pm-10pm; Sunday: bar 10am-12am; brunch: 10am-3pm; evening kitchen: 5pm-9pm. For menus, visit TheDandyCrown.com.
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