The Bulldog N.E.

**UPDATE**
I’ve spoken with management and they’ve handled this really well, refunding the additional charge to my credit card and listening to my confusion and frustration with the experience. I hope in future visits to improve my experience and change this to a four or five star review.
Thank you Amy for reaching out.
**ORIGINAL**
Check Your Bill.
I came here on a Friday night for dinner and while the place wasn’t overly busy and our food came out on the wrong side of fresh, I was with a great group of ladies and wasn’t going to say anything bad about the place.
That is until I saw the charge on my credit card a few days later.
My bill of $ 17.24 showed up as $ 20.64… Why I was so diligent to keep my receipt and check this statement, you might ask… well, additional charges have appeared on my bill at Bulldogs N.E. before so I’ve learned to check, double-​check after a visit. Knowing the charge that appeared on my credit card was wrong, I immediately called the restaurant and spoke to Amy, the manager.
Amy looked up my receipt and told me that the server, Melissa G., must have thought I didn’t leave a tip (I left a cash tip — as a waitress once upon a time myself, I always try to leave cash tips whenever I can) so she added on a 20% tip for herself.
Now, people, this is HIGHLY illegal. A big no-​no. I told Amy as much, to which she said that it is not (we’ll agree to disagree on this Amy). She said that they notify customers on their menu that, if they ditch out on a bill, the staff can run their credit card and add gratuity. Not sure where it says this (pretty sure it doesn’t) and VERY SURE that this practice is unethical, if not completely illegal. Also, while this *might* make sense for someone who leaves without closing out their bar tab (still, here, an added tip is a no-​no) it definitely does not for someone who ate dinner, had their credit card run and left a cash tip.
Amy even went so far as to suggest that the cash tip might have gotten swiped by a table-​mate of mine. My friends are many things (fun, awesome, hilarious) but thief is definitely not one of them. She also thought the tip may have gotten mixed into another tab that paid cash. Ok, that one I get. And while I totally sympathize with a waitress that thought she got stiffed on a tip, under no circumstances does that mean you can add on a tip for yourself. So wrong.
Like I said, this has happened multiple times to me at this establishment. I have now learned my lesson. Bulldogs N.E. — your burgers might be tasty and your tater tots crispy, but the threat of additional charges and added tips is not worth the food. See ya never.

The server here was attentive and very kind! She helped us with some tie-​breakers on our menu choices — there was so much that looked good, we couldn’t pick. She was able to speak to every dish we had questions about.
Anyway, I ordered the Surly Braised Corned Beef Sandwich with a side of Onion Rings. Oh man, this was really succulent and amazing! The pretzel bun classed the whole thing up, but the brussels sprouts and gruyère really brought some great deep flavors to the party. Saucy and sumptuous, I think me and this sandwich are getting married — I’ll edit this post with the address to send us flowers.
My other friend ordered El Cubano and while it was nothing crazy bonkers that you wouldn’t expect, it was a solidly delicious cuban sammy.
We were there around lunch time on a Friday and, although the place wasn’t packed, it was pretty full and we didn’t have to wait at all for a table. All-​in-​all an awesome experience!

I’ve gone to all Bulldog locations a few times, and they were all ok’ish most times. The last time is what warrants them a 1 star review. I’d give them a –1 if I could. I excepted decent bar food but it was one of the worst cheesesteaks I’ve ever had. It was basically boiled meat, and swiss cheese! My husband took a bite of it — he thought the cheese went bad/​moldy that’s how bad it was. He’s a nice guy who never complains, but for once he thinks they should know it was one of the worst meals he ever tried. I had two bites and then left it on my plate.
Swiss cheese on a cheesesteak? Eww.

The Bulldog in N.E. is my favorite place to get brunch. The black bean eggs benedict is the perfect hangover cure. The staff is always super friendly and fun.

This place is a must go to if you ever find yourself in Northeast Minneapolis. There are quite a few good restaurants around this area, but if you are in the mood for a good American grill you can’t go wrong with Bulldog.
They have some amazing apps, as well as some great burgers. We had the nachos and the soft pretzels which were absolutely delicious. I got the Junk Burger for my entrée. All of which I was extremely impressed with. Some American Grills just don’t do American food justice. This place definitely exceeds the expectations of the typical American Grill.

oh wow… is the best place to describe The Bulldog N.E. I was recently at the Uptown Bulldog and I was expecting something similar (read meh) and to my surprise, N.E. was eye-​popping-​ly packed, loud and fun.
We came here on a Saturday night around 10 while we waited for Ground Zero next door to open. People are sexy, the space is posh and there’s plenty of tap beer selection, if a bit pricey but it was worth it since it’s a hot spot. Can’t wait to go back and give them another shot at taking my money.

I have been here a few times over the past years and have always enjoyed coming here when I want some pub food and relaxed atmosphere. Plus, I love the location since it is a busy area and close to a lot of other bars and restaurants.
The most recent time I came here, I was with a group of friends who were from out of town. They wanted American pub food so I suggested the Bulldog. We came around 5 on a Saturday and got seated immediately — the place was pretty busy so we got lucky. Our server was very friendly and got our drink orders in right away. I ordered the Stuffed Pretzel Burger. I have had their food before so I felt like I knew what I was expecting but this was way better! The cheddar stuffed bun was really good and roasted garlic aioli was amazing! My burger was what made this go from a 4 star to a 5 star. My whole group loved the food, the variety on their menu, and the atmosphere, and we were pretty satisfied with the prices.

Great bar and good food. What else do you need to know?

Came here for our friends birthday last night! All in all fun atmosphere. Bartenders were great and super helpful when we ordered birthday shots of patron. I can’t remember his name but he had longer hair and we definitely appreciated his service and interactions.
Drinks were strong and effective but my absolute favorite thing… Was the TOTS!
They were perfect with cheese melt/​fried on top with some GODLY garlic dipping sauce I would have taken a bath in if I could!
Going back for tots even when not drinking… For SURE!

You saucy little number you. I can only hope to fall and die into a human body sized portion of hot dish one day and then be washed away into a river of hard root beer float.
I remember the first time I had locked eyes on you. It was pouring rain. I checked high and low searching for a place to park. I made my way in your direction. We sat in a window booth. The rain droplets cascading down your windows. So much about you, I heard. There… on the menu… love bloomed. Resist, I could not. I saw the hard root beer floats made with Not Your Father’s Root Beer (which btw we JUST got this in KC). Ice cream and alcohol, you know the way to my icy tundra of a heart.
Wait…Minnesota eats await. Tater tot hot dish, my discovery that you paved the path to. I am forever indebted. «Beer-​braised brisket, caramelized brussel sprouts, roasted mushroom béchamel, truffled tots.» You were meant for me. I’m a love sick fool for you. I want to be sick forever. No cure needed.
I consider us a long distance relationship of sorts. I know where you are. We have plans to see each other again.

Bulldog NE just rocks. As a bar it excels, plenty of taps heavy on Belgian Ales and plenty of local brews. Bottom line some very interesting beers. Bartender know their stuff
It only gets better. They menu is wonderful and the food is fantastic. They go beyond regular bar food with apps like Bavarian Pretzels, ahi tacos and tuna tartare. A great selection of salads and burgers to die for.
I love the brunch menu, in addition to weekend specials i particularly like their version of classic eggs Benedict and the corned beef hash.
Stop by anytime. You can’t go wrong.

Okay, so not a super happy moment, but while we were there, a woman fell off her chair. Like chairs flying, woman confused, friend panicky, the whole she-​bang.
The staff handled this whole ordeal unbelievably well. The manager was there in ten seconds flat to check on her, some waitstaff was checking her physical responsiveness, the bartender was re-​routing foot traffic and trying to minimize the number of gawkers and provide the woman some privacy. The ambulance arrived in approximately six minutes.
Note to the future– if you intend to drink yourself into oblivion and fail to remain in an upright position, Bulldog’s gonna be your place for it.

The corned beef sandwich was really tasty. The Brussels sprouts in it were a great, unique twist.

I can only really speak to the awesomeness of the deep fried caramel roll with bacon.
It is life changing.

I’ve been to this location a few times and have had a great experience. This location has excellent burgers and a pretty good selection of beer on tap. Aside from the awesome burgers the truffle oil tater tots are really good!
I also had the chocolate peanut butter cupcake and it was amazing! Definitely will be coming back.

Meh, good beer but this one gets rounded up from 2.5 stars over the food. Never have I had such a pathetic portion of mediocre burger for more than 10 bucks. They do some really creative stuff, but fail to deliver in value or quality. By that, I mean that their special creations just aren’t that good.
Tldr insanely underwhelming, but worth the shot.

While traveling in Minnesota, I found a article listing the top 5 chicken and waffles places in Minneapolis. The Chicken and waffles trend has seen the meal become my favorite dish. I have had it at 18 different restaurants this far. This one is rated #4 in the article, but it was the best that i tried while on my visit.
It’s a true giant sized portion of food. You get drum, thigh, and breast of Southern-​style fried chicken over two sourdough waffles which adds a light bitterness to the dish. The thyme is noticeable and refreshing. It’s topped off with a load of bacon. All sits atop a bed of bacon infused maple syrup. The syrup makes the bottom waffle soft and a tad soggy, but you top waffle maitains a light crunch. The perfect contrast.
Also ended that brunch with their barrel aged Manhattan. It was a well balanced drink and the atmosphere was great. Fun, though a bit loud, I’d recommend it as a must stop or a regular place to hang out with friends on gameday.

This place is home to one of the most epic burgers I’ve ever consumed: the Peanut Butter Bacon Burger. Seriously, it’s everything good in this world. In addition to the peanut butter and bacon, it also includes a fried egg and is served in a croissant. Breakfast meets burger = heaven. I’ve also been to the Bulldog Uptown, in hopes of having this burger, but it is only featured at the NE location. Someday I want to come and try all the burger options here as there are many really unique ones. There’s nothing I love more than a good burger, and it’s cool to see options aside from your standard mushroom and Swiss cheese or bacon and blue.
Highly recommend upgrading to tater tots if you get a burger. The fries are solid (definitely look like they come from real potatoes, not overly processed), but the tots are perfect.
They also have a pretty unique beer selection. I’m a craft beer addict, and over half their list of taps were beers I’d never even heard of.
On my most recent trip I also discovered that they serve brunch. I’m always looking for a new brunch spot, so hopefully I’ll be returning soon and writing an updated review!

Had the Peanut Butter Burger and my fiancé got the El Cubano both soooo good!
Followed by the deep fried caramel bacon sauce and people are lucky I didn’t lick the plate!
This is my third visit and cannot rave how great it is!

At the suggestion of our great waiter, I got the Rooster, and my friend got The LaFrieda with an egg on top.
I thought the Rooster was fantastic and unique. The sriracha glaze, sweet pickles, roasted garlic aioli, and pepperjack cheese came together amazingly well. It was like this spicy, yet sweet delicacy. I could’ve championed two of those bad boys; it was a great, unique burger!
My friend’s LaFrieda was less unique, but a well put together burger. I could tell the difference the blend of short rib and black angus beef made, it was tender and more flavorful. What really stood out and made this burger was 4 year aged cheddar, that was delicious!
Aside from the burgers, our waiter was awesome which contrasts a number of reviews on here. This may be because we went at off-​hours. He was friendly and welcoming despite waiting 6 – 7 tables by himself.
They have a huge, front window that lit up the room; I really liked that.
The price of a burger is a bit steep at $ 12 – 14. I may visit here on occassion, but it’s hard to compare to Hopdoddy’s fresh, organic $ 12 – 14 burgers or PTerrys all natural $ 2.45 burgers (both of which are in Austin, sadly). *DROOOOOLLLLLL*