Who let the dogs in? Pups and Pints in Virginia Beach

VIRGINIA BEACH — Dogs make me happy almost as much as tasty food.

When I experience both in one day, it boosts my mood twofold.

Pups and Pints, a new restaurant and dog park in Virginia Beach, did just that during my recent visit.

It serves finger foods, flatbreads, sandwiches and gourmet hot dogs named after dog breeds, for example, the Dalmatian (bratwurst and spicy mustard) and German Shepherd (beef hot dog with cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, diced red onions and barbecue sauce).

The restaurant also has homemade doggy treats such as grilled chicken bites, Ruthie B. PB and Bacon Donut, and Bow Wow Birthday Cake.

Pups and Pints was supposed to open as a craft brewery that included a restaurant and dog kennel but the owners decided the brewery wasn’t needed; there are others nearby and owners hope to partner with them. The business still serves beer, wine and alcohol.

“We like what we’re doing with the restaurant and park,” Alex Lawson, one of the owners, said — the other two are Christina Sims and Kevin Raad.

I followed the sidewalk with black-painted paw prints to the back where the paw officials (staff) greeted me at the gate. There was a park with green turf, picnic tables with umbrellas, and yard games such as cornhole and Connect 4 spread throughout. It’s open to everyone with or without dogs. Off to the right was another gate for members only. Dogs can go unleashed in there and enjoy the splash pad and grassy area; appropriate shots and membership are required. A black and white fluffy dog was having a good time playing fetch with his owner.

Dogs are not allowed in the restaurant because of the Virginia Department of Health’s policy. It does offer a walk-up bar window instead and staff take orders throughout the park.

I walked down a hall into a large industrial room. Sunlight filled the space from the glass garage-style doors. Four televisions hung on the back wall with the CBS TV series “Lucky Dog” playing on one. Two were behind the bar. I sat at one of the eight tables. I could see chef Mason Carter cooking in the kitchen through a square cutout in the wall.

I enjoyed a Downeast black cherry cider; it was light, refreshing and not too sweet. (Thumbs-up to server Samantha Meadows for the recommendation.)

The most popular finger food — according to Meadows — is the pretzel bites but I selected the Fry Flight. There should be a dining rule: If you see a Fry Flight on a menu, you have to try it — where else can I get one? The battered seasoned fries were alluring. I quickly dunked the golden crispy sticks into the accompanying five dipping sauces. The jalapeno jam was sweet but it didn’t have enough heat. I didn’t mind because it was still my favorite condiment. Chopped jalapeno sat in its juices; the pieces gripped the potato until it reached my mouth. Yum. The spicy aioli was creamy and had a little kick to it. I liked the baconnaise’s smoky flavor and pieces of meat. My dipping movements between the sauces were better than LeBron James’. The beer cheese and honey mustard were typical bar food deliciousness.

Next, I ate a Chihuahua — not a real one. It was a grilled beef hot dog served in two overlapping flour tortillas with queso, pico de gallo and pickled jalapeno. Plump, juicy and easy to eat. Keep the napkins nearby for the cheese oozing out the sides after each bite.

My side dish was a super salad made with kale, Brussels sprouts, red cabbage, radicchio and carrots mixed with homemade ranch dressing. I chose this because of the combination of vegetables. I chewed on it until my cheeks got tired — lots of roughage. The dressing needed a touch of salt to let me know it was there.

Meadows suggested the basil short crumb lemon bar for dessert. It made me pucker like a coed in a kissing booth — is that still a thing? I’m a fan of fresh herbs in sweet treats; they enhance their flavor profile. Delicious.

On my way out, I met Winston Peterson, a cute black and tan bulldog named after a character on Fox’s television series “New Girl,” in the unfinished doggie daycare — Pups and Pints plans to open it in a couple of months. Winston was taking a break from the heat and enjoying a Maple Apple Pumpkin Pupcake. He took rapid licks of the icing while his brother, Jack, who had no problem devouring the cake portion.

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Today was a good day.

Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8905, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com; on Twitter, @gibsonrekaya

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If you go

Where: 2413 London Bridge Road, Virginia Beach

Hours: 2 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday

Prices: Human fare $5 to $17, doggy treats $3 to $15. Membership fee (off-leash area): Starts at $10

Details: 757-703-7877; pupsandpints.dog