The Stray Dog Bar & Grill

Our first time here in New Buffalo and heard so much about this place. Arrived here at 5pm on a Saturday and just a short 10 minutes wait. Place was so cute with lots of pictures of what else? Adorable dogs! Not too busy and we were the only one waiting to be seated.

Food was exceptional!!! Hubby and I shared everything since we're both not a big eater and we just went to a wine tasting before. We shared a large blue moon, fried calamari, onion rings and a short ribs grilled cheese. It was soooooo delicious. A bit greasy but I needed the grease to absorb the wine. Cute bar atmosphere and would absolutely come back for the food again if we're ever in New Buffalo again. Yum!

We've stopped here on and off for years. Every time there was at least a two hour wait. Well my Dad and I came here on Sunday, and like an miracle, there were seats available! Finally!

I would say it was worth the wait 👍🏻 We just came to get a drink and an appetizer. The bloody Mary was done right, and the Philly cheese steak egg rolls were the bomb! On a somewhat cold February day they hit the spot even more! The service was really good too, everyone was conversational and did great with their recommendations. I would definitely return.

Such a cute spot in New Buffalo located on the channel with water views. Cozy, fun atmosphere with charming decor. Any restaurant with a fireplace is a winner in my book! Super friendly service. Amazing onion rings and delicious burgers. I’ve seen billboards for this place on I-94 for years….and I’m so glad I finally stopped to check it out. I’ll definitely go back!

Really cool spot with a great variety of items on the menu. We got the fish n chips and a chicken salad with garlic fries and it was such a delicious meal! Service was very friendly and attentive as well. Will be returning sometime soon! Make sure to try the fish and chips it’s cooked to perfection and packs a ton of flavor 😋

The fireplace adds nice ambience. The staff is very courteous and professional. Our cheese curds appetizer was served quickly and hot. We ordered an Italian roast beef sandwich and fish & chips. Both were served hot and fresh and tasted delicious. We highly recommend The Stray Dog Bar and Grill.

Delicious…everything here is delicious! The beet and goat cheese salad is out of this world! But, right when you think your palate has been satisfied you bite into those delicious jalapeños poppers. Let’s not forget the simple yet delicious French fries !

Parking can be a bit of a challenge- but it’s worth it!

My dad recommended stopping here and oh boy did he get that right. Absolutely LOVED the experience, the food was on point and beer selection was perfect. Awesome views being right on the lake too. There's a gift shop too with a huge selection!

The Stray Dog Bar & Grill is very nice. The restaurant is super clean with indoor and outdoor dining. We dined on the rooftop which was pretty cool. I imagine it can get hot up there in the summer but they actually had plenty of shade. This is a really fun place in a fun town. This was my first visit to New Buffalo and I would definitely come back here the next time I am in town.

A Culinary Ode to The Stray Dog

In the heart of New Buffalo, Michigan, where the waves of Lake Michigan serenade the shores, sits a place of culinary reverence, The Stray Dog. Over the years, my ventures have repeatedly drawn me back to this gastronomic sanctuary, a place where consistency is the norm, not the exception. I've arrived at its doorstep on many a sun-drenched afternoon and moonlit evening, each visit a journey into the heart of simple, yet profoundly satisfying fare.

Ah, but be forewarned, the word of The Stray Dog’s magnificence has spread through the land like wildfire through dry timber, attracting a congregation of food aficionados. Patience, my friend, is the price of admission to this banquet of delights, as waits are as common as the smiles you'll encounter within.

Once you’ve crossed the threshold of anticipation, I implore you to ascend to the higher grounds—the upper deck. It's here that you will be graced with a vista that rivals the splendor of the finest paintings. The marina, a dance of boats swaying gently to the rhythm of the water, extends beneath, while the lake stretches beyond the horizon, its expanse a metaphor for the boundless satisfaction that awaits.

The servers, a brigade of culinary crusaders, navigate the bustling establishment with a blend of grace and efficiency that would have made the knights of old hang up their swords in reverence. They are the silent heroes in this tale, ensuring every gastronomic venture is nothing short of exemplary.

Now onto the sustenance—the food, the glorious food. The Stray Dog doesn’t just serve meals, it crafts experiences that linger on the palate long after the last bite. The flavors are a riot, a celebration of simplicity and quality that sings a song of homage to the essence of good grub.

With the cool breeze from the lake as my companion, and the symphony of satisfied sighs from fellow diners as the soundtrack, each visit to The Stray Dog transcends the mundane ritual of dining. It's a jaunt into a realm where every sense is regaled, every craving satiated.

So, when the road takes you to New Buffalo, let the trail of satisfaction lead you to The Stray Dog. It's not merely a restaurant; it's a chapter in the chronicle of New Buffalo, an ode to the timeless dance of good food, excellent service, and the simple joys of life.

I'm giving The Stray Dog five stars because of the rooftop seating. Wonderful views of the marina area, fresh bright white umbrellas and bright colorful flowers make this the ultimate summer/early fall relaxation destination.

The service was friendly and adequate - a very busy Friday late afternoon crowd kept the servers moving briskly so I will forgive the fact that I had to ask two servers a total of three times to please bring us some napkins for our appetizers.

I walked across the street to pick up a colorful The Stray Dog t-shirt. There were so many fun colors to choose from it was hard to decide which to buy.

We will definitely be revisiting The Stray Day when we return to New Buffalo.

Food was hot, delicious and fast. We were happy to have vegan and non alcoholic beer and cocktail options near the casino. The buns for the burgers are default vegan. Our server was great too

Our first time in New Buffalo and The Stray Dog didn’t disappoint. After a day out on the beach it was nice to sit on their rooftop deck which is 21 and over. The service was great, the drinks were very good, and the burgers were delicious. I highly recommend!

You know a place is good when people line up before opening just to get a table. The Stray Dog did not disappoint and was a nice way for us to end our trip before heading home.

The atmosphere was nice and clean and it fit the vibe of the town. The staff was great (Cyle was our server) and service was quick for a full lunch crowd. We ordered the Nachos Verde to start and then shared an order of the Fish and Chips. Nothing was left behind for either dish, they were delicious. When we come back there are plenty of other dishes to try.

This is a staple in the community and I would recommend stopping here for food.

Oh my goodness!!!! They really take care of celiac folks, like myself, here. They went over and beyond. I didn’t get sick. I wish all places took the time and effort like Stray Dog did. The staff checked in on us multiple times. Felt really cared for. Thank you for making such a huge effort. I really appreciated it.

Fantastic Eatery In New Buffalo! Great Service and Fantastic Appetizer 👍
Corn Dip was Amazing!

Love the atmosphere! We look forward to dining here every time we visit New Buffalo. Expect a long wait during the summer months. If everyone in your party is over 21, sometimes you can cut your wait time by choosing rooftop dining. Be sure to visit the Stray Dog shop just across the street for some iconic Stray Dog gear while you wait. ❤

Everything was outstanding at this restaurant. The atmosphere is very beachy feeling and the inside is very neat. We did not sit on the rooftop as its 21 over and we have kiddos. It’s still kid friendly and has about 5 kids food options and take home plastic cups. The wait is typically 45 min to 1.5 hour. It’s best to place your name on the list and then walk around to some of the nearby shops. There’s a kids toy store nearby that has some cheaper less than $5 toys to keep them entertained.

Pros:
Food was hot, fresh and very good
Kids food arrived quickly before ours
Service was great

Cons:
Pricier than most restaurants
Long wait times
Parking is a big issue

Food recommendations:
I highly recommend the Jack’s spicy chicken. I’m a big spicy chicken sandwich guy and it was amazing. It had just the right about of spice, pickles and slaw. Also, get the onion rings, they were perfectly hot and crispy. And one more thing, start off with the cheese curds. They are delicious as well.

Overall, if you can get past the parking and wait times, it’s worth it for the good tasting food.

Cool place in New Buffalo with a rooftop and close to the beach with affordable prices and great service. The cheeseburger was mouthwatering and their local Star Chicken Shotgun IPA is amazing.

Fun bright atmosphere with significant portions. The bartender made us a custom frozen margarita, and their jalapeño margarita is solid. We got the fish tacos and a Cobb salad, and they were more than we could eat. Great service, and excellent fresh food

No wait time on a Sunday football evening. The draft cider was amazing and they have a large draft beer selection. I definitely recommend the short rib grilled cheese. It was like a Sunday pot roast + grilled cheese mash up and perfect with a cold pint!