Dogs and Their Humans Love the Lazy Dog

It’s been awhile since I dined at the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, but after Tank the Corgi had surgery on his right leg, we decided it was time to treat our four-legged baby to a special lunch. The Lazy Dog in Huntington Beach is the location closest to where we live, but they have 15 locations in California and one opening soon in Summerlin (Las Vegas), Nevada.

Tank was super excited – he didn’t know what was up, but he loves field trips and was just happy to get out. Guests with their pups have to dine on the patio, but it was an unusually warm winter day in SoCal so we were happy to do so. Our server immediately brought him some ice water – it’s important for your doggies to stay hydrated, especially on hot days, and we ordered him the chicken and rice doggie meal. Tank is very smart and well behaved and has no issues with the patio rules.

College Girl and I started with some unsweetened ice tea and water, but couldn’t resist sampling a few of their Clean Cocktails once we were suitably hydrated. If you’re trying to keep your girth in check, you’ll love their Clean Cocktails. They’re all less than 150 calories and the calorie count is included in each cocktail description. They’re also made with fresh, natural ingredients, nothing artificial, and have no added sugar. The Coconut Mojito (8.50) and Wild Blueberry Lemon Drop (8.50) were both incredibly flavorful and refreshing.

You can actually dine out and stick with your goals for weight loss or eating healthier with the Lazy Dog’s Nutritious & Delicious menu items. All salads, sandwiches, and entrees (Homemade Vegetable Lasagna and Roasted Tomatillo Chicken Enchiladas anyone?!) are less than 650 calories and the calorie count is included in the description. We went light with the Spicy Thai Chicken Salad and the Veggie Lavosh Sandwich so we could splurge on a small plate of Hatch Chile & Bacon Mac & Cheese (5.25) that was calling our name. And it was incredible! What looks like it could be broccoli, is actually a Hatch chile pesto breadcrumb topping which made this mac and cheese dish stand out from all the rest.

The Veggie Lavosh at 590 calories (8.75) is filled with layers of gouda cheese, sundried tomato hummus, fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, spinach, red onions, avocado & sliced radish, drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette with a lightly marinated cucumber salad. I would have liked a little more hummus, but it was satisfying and I felt healthy eating it – and that’s important. No guilt later.

The Spicy Thai Chicken Salad (9.45) weighs in at only 440 calories and is not spicy at all but full of crunchy goodness from chopped Napa cabbage, fresh mint, cilantro, carrots, cucumbers and sweet red bell peppers with shredded chicken breast all tossed in a Thai peanut vinaigrette.

Girl Scouts have been out in full force selling their beloved cookies, but only until March 1st. If you miss out or are trying to keep your pantry free of temptation, you can give back to the Girl Scouts with Lazy Dog’s Thin Mint Milk Shake (4.95). Back again this year by popular demand, and on the menu from February 16 – March 25, $1 of the proceeds from each Thin Mint Shake goes to local Girl Scout troops! Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar is proud of their commitment to giving back to the communities where they operate.

Fashioned after ski lodges owner Chris Simms remembers from family ski trips to Jackson Hole, the Lazy Dog offers the perfect environment for all ages, making it a great choice for a quick dinner with the family, a leisurely meal with friends, or a night out on the town. Life is good when you can enjoy it like a “lazy dog” by the fire!