A new Sherman Oaks bar with beer-friendly comfort food called Blue Dog Beer Tavern opened September 8. Today, General Manager Ray Garcia shared some more information about the week-old establishment. He said owner Paul Scrivano saw Sherman Oaks “sorely lacking any other businesses of its kind,” so he revamped a former dentist’s office and installed Blue Dog, named for his blue Great Dane named Olive.

Garcia described the space as “part roadhouse, part restaurant,” with exposed framing and roof, a giant concrete bar and a “natural” blend of wood, steel and metal. “We tried to recycle as much as we could from the original building,” says Garcia.

Scrivano’s food is classic comfort, including Root Beer Bourbon Ribs ($12.99), Old Rasputin Fish and Chips ($10.99), and a signature Blue Dog Burger ($8.99) with ground Angus chuck, bacon, caramelized onions, mushrooms, Swiss and hickory sauce.

Blue Dog features 8 taps and 12 bottles. Garcia plans to change 1-2 taps per month, depending on demand. The opening draught list consists of Scrimshaw Pilsner, Erdinger Weissbier, Unibroue Blanche de Chambly, Chimay White, Red Seal Ale, Green Flash West Coast IPA, Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout and Woodchuck Draft Cider. Glasses are priced at $5-9.