Email
PrintSea Dog Brew Pub
Something's Brewing - Summer Heats Up at the Sea Dog Brew Pub
Across from Sunset Bay Marina in Hull, boat owners watch from the third level deck of the Sea Dog Brew Pub as their ocean toys bob in the water. Though it’s not just the local or visiting boaters aren’t the only people you’ll find crossing the dock and traveling up to the top floor to kick back at this unique nautical-themed pub. Families, vacationers, and local sports fans are all drawn to the restaurant for its relaxed waterfront atmosphere, great classic summer dishes, and upbeat staff who bring the rest of the experience home.
My friend and I enter the brew pub in awe. The view, exposing miles of ocean with the Boston skyline in the distance, is visible from everywhere in the restaurant, including the centered wooden wrap- around bar where we decide to grab a drink before heading to a table outdoors.
Capturing the feel of a boat, the ceiling is strapped with wooden beams and a bunking hammock hangs above the middle section of tables. Maritime signal flags run along two of the walls and together they read: Sea Dog Brew Pub. I am particularly impressed by the enthusiasm of the staff. I watch as they shuffle through the wooden high top tables, greeting patrons with a warm merriness, even during the restaurant’s busiest hour.
“My staff, they love to come to work each day,” says General Manager Emily Turner. “I’m not kidding,” she adds, chuckling at the way it sounds. Turner, who began over at the first Sea Dog Brew Pub in Woburn, couldn’t be happier to have been a part of bringing the Brew Pub in Hull to life last June. In slight resemblance to the Greatest Bar in Boston (same owners), the building was renovated last year and each of the two levels carries a separate charm. The second level is used for events and functions, its elegance and waterfront patio space ideal for weddings. For the avid customers, the jewel location rests above at the brew pub.
Now in their second successful season, 
Turner and her crew weigh attention on the fun stuff. As I observe the 200 beer mugs that hang around the bar, the bartender tells me about the brew pub mug club. For $35 a year, members get their own 20 ounce mug, draft beers for $4, and a handful of seasonal amenities. It can be tough getting your hands on a club mug, but certainly not a signature Sea Dog brew. In partnership with the Sea Dog Brewing Company in Portland, Maine, they host eight Sea Dog brews on tap including a Sea Dog stout, blueberry ale, and hazelnut porter. Some are even found in entrees like the stout glazed salmon and summer ale beer battered fish and chips.
Out on the deck, we order an appetizer — what could go better with a refreshing Sea Dog summer ale than a plate of calamari, lightly breaded and slightly spicy from the accompanying sliced peppers. For an entrée I am tempted by the nightly lobster specials like lobster a la vodka and lobster skewers, though I stick with the classic lobster roll and am anything but disappointed. Huge hunks of fresh lobster meat with only a dab of mayo overflow out of an oversize grilled bun — it’s an easy A for me. My friend orders the sesame encrusted ahi tuna salad, lightly drizzled with an Asian vinaigrette. While nibbling on both sea treats, I realize I am not only indulging in the delight of the food, but the entire experience. As we dine, we browse the custom table top embedded with a map of Boston Harbor. It reveals the bodies of land that are visible from where we are seated, including Paddock’s Island, which hosted the memorable and eerie setting of the 2010 Martin Scorcese film Shutter Island.
Our waiter informs us about the Sunday brunch from 11:30 to 2 p.m., accompanied by their famous build your own Bloody-Mary bar, and reggae jam band to polish off the relaxing mood. My friend and I instantly read each others mind about where we will be on our next free Sunday.
