By Holly Martin
Come. Sit. Stay. That’s the unofficial motto at Bulldogs Bar and Grill in Egg Harbor City, where a love of dogs is just as much a part of the experience as the food and drinks. With their signature wraparound Puppy Porch, dog-inspired decor and a menu filled with comfort food favorites, this local bar and grill is a destination for both four-legged friends and their humans.
Bulldogs takes its puppy theme to the next level. Photos of local dogs line the walls, while dog-themed collectibles and knickknacks add personality throughout the restaurant. A bulldog statue greets guests at the entrance, and even some menu items, including the restaurant’s famous wings, arrive in an actual dog bowl.
The star attraction, however, is the Puppy Porch, a full wraparound porch where guests can enjoy their meals with their dogs by their side. It’s a fun, welcoming setup that makes Bulldogs a great stop for dog lovers exploring Egg Harbor City and the surrounding South Jersey area.
Inside, the atmosphere is equally inviting. TVs at every booth mean there’s no bad seat in the house, whether you’re catching a basketball game, meeting friends for happy hour or settling in for a casual dinner. With a fully stocked bar, drink specials and a menu packed with satisfying favorites, Bulldogs offers something for everyone.
With fall in full swing, Bulldogs is embracing the season with a lineup of drinks featuring flavors such as maple, apple, and pumpkin, alongside its happy hour offerings and drink specials. As a mocktail lover, I was especially excited to try a couple of the restaurant’s nonalcoholic creations. Both drinks delivered festive fall flavors without the alcohol, and they were a highlight of the visit.
The Apple Cider Ginger Beer offered a refreshing taste of autumn, pairing the familiar sweetness of apple cider with the spicy kick of ginger beer. It was a festive, flavorful option that felt right at home on a crisp fall day.
The Virgin Campfire Cocktail was another standout. Made with maple syrup, ginger beer and toasted mini marshmallows, this drink brought all the cozy flavors of a campfire s’more into a glass. The maple syrup added just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the other ingredients, while the ginger beer provided a little kick. The toasted mini marshmallows were the finishing touch, turning the drink into a fun, dessert-inspired treat.
If there’s one menu item you shouldn’t skip at Bulldogs Bar and Grill, it’s the wings. My mild wings arrived piled high in the restaurant’s signature silver dog bowl, generously coated in sauce and ready to eat. The presentation was playful, but the wings themselves were what made the dish memorable.
They were juicy on the inside with a satisfying crunch on the outside, making them the perfect snack for settling in to watch a game. With LeBron James playing on the TV at our booth, it was hard to imagine a better combination for a casual sports-bar meal.
For my entrée, the Mushroom and Muenster Cheese Turkey Burger, affectionately known as the M&M Burger, immediately caught my attention. The burger featured a turkey patty covered in melted Muenster cheese and topped with a generous pile of sautéed mushrooms, fresh lettuce and tomato. Everything was served on a toasted brioche bun, bringing together a satisfying mix of textures and flavors.
One bite in, and I thought I might have found a new favorite meal. The melted cheese delivered an excellent cheese pull, while the turkey patty provided a hearty base for the savory mushrooms. The fresh toppings added balance, and the toasted brioche bun brought everything together without taking away from the other ingredients. Even the pickle spear served on the side was a welcome finishing touch. It’s the kind of burger that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. When quality ingredients and familiar flavors come together, sometimes that’s all you need.
Of course, no restaurant visit is complete without dessert. And if there’s one thing I firmly believe, it’s that there’s always room for something sweet. At Bulldogs, the Pumpkin Cheesecake was calling my name. Served with a graham cracker crust, a drizzle of salted caramel sauce and a scoop of pumpkin gelato, this dessert was a celebration of fall flavors.
The perfect circle cheesecake offered a smooth, creamy texture with a balanced pumpkin flavor and a hint of cinnamon. The graham cracker crust added just the right amount of crunch, while the salted caramel brought an extra layer of sweetness.
The pumpkin gelato was a particularly nice touch. Lighter than the cheesecake itself, it reinforced the seasonal pumpkin flavor without making the dessert feel too heavy. Together, the cheesecake, caramel, and gelato made for a delicious finish to the meal. For pumpkin lovers, it’s a dessert worth saving room for.
Bulldogs Bar and Grill brings together two things that make a great neighborhood gathering spot: a welcoming atmosphere and satisfying food. Its dog-themed decor and signature Puppy Porch give it a personality all its own, while the wings, M&M turkey burger, and seasonal desserts provide plenty of reasons to return. Add in the TVs at every booth, a fully stocked bar and happy hour specials, and Bulldogs is an easy choice for a casual meal with friends or family.
If you’re planning a fall day exploring local farms, orchards, and other seasonal attractions around South Jersey, consider making Bulldogs Bar and Grill in Egg Harbor City part of your itinerary. Bring your appetite, ask about the seasonal drinks, order the wings, and, if you’re dining with your four-legged companion, check out the Puppy Porch.
At Bulldogs, the motto says it all: Come. Sit. Stay.
Holly Martin has been immersed in the media world since 2012, building a dynamic and versatile career that spans nearly every corner of the industry. She has also hosted as a DJ and created the blog SNJ Sober Party Girl. She enjoys sharing stories that inspire connection and community.
