The Ugly Dog Saloon is a well-known spot in the Warehouse District for barbecue and casual dining, and ownership is currently looking to repeat the feat in Madisonville with the Ugly Dog Coastal Kitchen. Owner Jeff Bordelon recently told What Now New Orleans that the restaurant will focus on seafood instead of barbecue and look to put some unique twists on classic dishes from Louisiana and beyond. The Ugly Dog Coastal Kitchen is slated to open this spring.
“Our team has always wanted to branch out,” Bordelon said. “We love what we do downtown, but this was a great opportunity to spread our wings and do something a little different.”
In addition to featuring a different cuisine, the new Ugly Dog Coastal Kitchen will also have a more elevated look than its sister restaurant just down the causeway. Bordelon said the building at 708 Water St. and the design that was developed led to the creation of a more polished space. The downstairs floor will feature a family friendly vibe, while the upstairs floor will have a lounge atmosphere and be available for private events.
“I wouldn’t use the word sophisticated, but I’d say it’s a little nicer than a saloon,” Bordelon said. “When we originally started planning the concept, it was going to be the Ugly Dog Saloon and Coastal Kitchen, but then we felt like it was such a great design and building and decided that the word ‘saloon’ just doesn’t fit.”
When the Ugly Dog Saloon was established in 1998, the surrounding Warehouse District looked much different than it does today, with its fine dining restaurants and luxury condos. In addition to having a laid-back but family-friendly atmosphere, the Ugly Dog Saloon also won over fans with its house-made barbecue. Bordelon purchased the Ugly Dog Saloon in 2014 and oversaw a modernization of the company.
