During our summer 2023 New England roadtrip, we spent a day in Salem, MA, We searched for a local craft beverage venue, and Couch Dog Brewing Co. was one of the only ones open on the day we were there. We decided to stop in for a couple of beers and some lunch, and we’re glad we did!
Location
Couch Dog Brewery is located on a main road through Salem, making it easy to find. The taproom has a clean, modern interior and offers some outdoor seating as well. They had only opened two months prior to our visit, so everything was brand new. Parking was readily available on the street, so we had no trouble finding a spot.
First Impressions
When we arrived around 2 pm, there were a few people already enjoying their beers. The atmosphere was laid-back and inviting, with a straightforward taproom setup. We appreciated the clean, modern design and the fact that it wasn’t too crowded.
Drinks
We sampled a few different beers during our visit:
- Green Plum Sour: I started with this tart and tasty sour beer. It had a nice balance of fruit and acidity, making it a refreshing choice.
- Perilla IPA: Vince’s first beer was the Perillo IPA. It wasn’t super hoppy, and we noticed it had a unique flavor. After checking the menu, we learned that Perilla is a Korean herb with a minty licorice taste.
- Session Rice Ale with Yuzu: For his second beer, Vince chose the Session Rice Ale with Yuzu. The menu described it as “crushable,” which seems to align with Vince’s “slammable” scale. He rated it an 8 or 9, and we both agreed it was really good. The citrusy Yuzu flavor really shone through.
Food
Couch Dog Brewery doesn’t serve food, but it has partnered with Howling Wolf Taqueria right next door. We ordered steak nachos and a chicken quesadilla, which were both tasty. The guacamole was especially good!
Service
The staff at Couch Dog Brewery were friendly and attentive. They were happy to answer our questions about the beers and made sure we had everything we needed.
Dogs and Kids
One of the best things about Couch Dog Brewery is that it’s dog-friendly! Dogs are allowed inside the taproom, and we had the pleasure of petting a friendly pooch during our visit. It’s always a bonus when we can bring our furry friends along for a brewery adventure.
As for kids, we had Parker with us, and he appreciated some non-alcoholic beverages, but he鈥檚 a teen. However, I would say the high-top tables might make it difficult to bring kids here.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a laid-back, dog-friendly spot to enjoy some unique craft beers in Salem, MA, Couch Dog Brewing Co. is definitely worth checking out. The cozy taproom, interesting beer options, and the fact that you can order food from Howling Wolf Taqueria next door make for a great experience. We enjoyed our visit, loved meeting a new furry friend, and would happily return the next time we’re in the area.
You can find Couch Dog Brewing Co. at 76 Lafayette St, Salem, MA 01970
