Dog & Bull Taphouse and Kitchen
Dog & Bull Taphouse and Kitchen
By: Ashleigh Devine
What began as a dive bar about 15 years ago has become a Croydon, Pennsylvania, institution known for fresh, distinctive dishes and a refined culinary journey.
Chef and partner Max Schindler opened the kitchen when he joined Dog & Bull about 15 years ago. Under his leadership, the former dive bar evolved into an English pub-inspired gastropub, added a patio, and underwent a remodel about four years ago. Today, its craft beer focus and gastropub roots remain, but the original dive has been transformed: the restaurant now offers a full-scale, elevated dining experience.
Originally from Colorado, Schindler inherited his love of cooking from his father, who was also a chef. He began working in kitchens while studying at the University of Colorado and quickly embraced the creativity, pace, and adrenaline of restaurant life. These days, he spends less time in the kitchen and more time building and developing the business, while remaining closely involved in the menu.
Special dinners and themed events are central to the Dog & Bull dining experience. They host special dinners on the first Monday of each month, alternating between a chef-curated Sushi Night for the even numbered months, and a three-course Cigar & Beer Dinner for the odds. The restaurant also offers a Seasonal Chef’s Pairing Dinner four times a year. The upcoming Autumn Dinner will have a Russian River theme and feature two different seafood courses. The first course will pair diver scallops with a brown butter-ginger emulsion, parsnip purée, and a tangerine zest frisée salad, utilizing U10 scallops. The third course will feature a pan-seared snapper with a charred tomato and puttanesca relish, served over braised fennel. To Schindler, the main philosophy of the establishment is to deliver an upscale product without being too pretentious. He regularly draws on Samuels’ daily and monthly specials to develop distinctive dishes for weekend specials and events.
Aside from special dinners and events, seafood also has a strong presence on the regular menu. Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos and Calamari Fritti offer a starting point, followed by Fish & Chips made with cod and Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna, which has been a menu staple for the past decade. Summer favorites included Sweet Chili Grilled Mahi and Linguini Pescatora with scallops, mussels, and shrimp.
Dog & Bull’s evolution from neighborhood dive bar to full-scale restaurant reflects its commitment to creative cooking without pretension. With great craft beer and cocktail options and an inventive menu with strong seafood offerings, the restaurant continues to offer Croydon diners an experience that feels both approachable and refined.
