Barking Dog Café

Another interesting place I’ve gone recently is the Barking Dog Café. I read a lot of reviews about this place and couldn't wait to try it. Just living a few miles away, it’s a shame that it was my first time.

Barking Dog Café is a small restaurant close to the corner of 49th and Pennsylvania located in a nice grouping of other fine eateries in the southern portion of Broad Ripple. They used to be located at the City Market, but I’m sorry I never got a chance to check it out down there.

One of the reason’s I mentioned reading reviews about this place is because I learned that they do the “BYOB” thing. I know a lot of places in Chicago do this and I was pretty psyched about having this option so close to home. You know, in case we needed to walk back or something like that. Anyway, my wife and I grabbed a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses and anticipated a wonderful evening. We weren’t let down.

When we arrived at Barking Dog Café, we were greeted nicely and had our choice of tables inside. (My wife and I enjoy dining early in the evening and then walking around for the digestion thing. It seems to work for us.) They have outdoor seating as well, but on a warm evening like it was, an inside table seemed to be the best choice.

The owners are a couple of self-starters that know what kind of atmostphere they want to create. The wife portion of the duo has her hands in every aspect of the restaurant. During our visit, she made sure every detail was thought of and met. She even brewed the coffee herself, to make sure it was just right, before we had our dessert. My wife and I could tell she loves what she's doing and has high expectations for the product she puts out. The husband is self-trained in French cooking and has quite an imagination with the dishes he serves.

Here's what we had...

Buffalo Shrimp Cocktail: Jumbo Shrimp on a Celery-Blue Cheese Salad with Buffalo Sauce

Fried ravioli stuffed with arugula and goat cheese

Mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette, red onions and chick peas

Fried clam strips with pommes frites and homemade sauces

Sautéed frog legs on hoe cakes

Homemade cherry pie

Each of  these items stood on it's own and was very delicious. The only problem is that the menu changes every month or so... if you want to call that a problem. 

The owners try to special order all of their items to make sure they get the best quality of everything they serve. Much of it is from local sources as well. When tasting the food, it's obvious that everything is the freshest it can be.

The food is amazing, the prices are reasonable and the portions are just right, so you don't walk away feeling stuffed. These two are doing it right and if you haven't tried the Barking Dog Café yet, I suggest you call right now to reserve a seat.


Please leave your comments below and let me know where you've been to eat lately. Maybe I'll check it out and put a review on my blog. And don't forget to subscribe.