Podcast 293 – Moondog Grows From Dunwoody Growlers to Chamblee’s Dog Friendly Pub & Grub – Tommy Burda

When you think about living in Dunwoody, certain local favorites immediately come to mind. Moondog Growlers has been one of those neighborhood staples since it first opened in 2012. Known as Dunwoody’s unofficial community center, Moondog Growlers built its reputation around an impressive wall of 40 rotating taps featuring craft beers from local Georgia breweries and beyond. Whether you’re stopping by after work for a quick growler fill or relaxing with friends on a Saturday afternoon, the vibe is consistently laid back, friendly, and authentically Dunwoody.

 

The Story Behind Moondog Growlers

Podcast host Matt Weber welcomed Tommy Burda back to the show for Episode 293 to discuss how Moondog Growlers evolved into Moondog Pub & Grub. Tommy and his wife Felicia bought Moondog Growlers in 2017, falling in love with its “Cheers without the liquor shots” vibe. Tommy shared how he first connected with the community there through weekly men’s group meetups before eventually purchasing the business. As he told Matt, “I can honestly say I’ve never had a bad day being associated with it.”

 

Why Moondog Growlers Works

Moondog Growlers remains beloved because it isn’t just a place to grab beer – it’s where neighbors gather, chat about their day, and form genuine connections. People like regular Paul Holder epitomize this vibe, always making newcomers feel at home by buying them a pint. Moondog’s dog-friendly approach, including its “Dogs of MDG” social feature, cements its role in local pet-friendly culture. It’s no surprise they’ve won awards for Best Brewery/Brewpub, Best Beverage/Wine Store, and Best Place to Take Your Dog in Dunwoody over the years.

 

Expanding into Chamblee with Moondog Pub & Grub

For years, Tommy and Felicia swore they’d never enter the restaurant business. But in 2022, while driving through Chamblee, Tommy spotted a blank building along Peachtree Road that sparked a new vision. With support from the City of Chamblee and a nudge from Chamblee’s former mayor, they transformed that space into Moondog Pub & Grub, opening in late 2024. This expansion brought Moondog’s community-focused vibe into Chamblee, but this time with a full-service bar and kitchen.

 

Building a New Community Hub in Chamblee

Moondog Pub & Grub sits along the rail trail behind Whole Foods in Chamblee, a perfect location for walkability. Locals can bike from Keswick Village or nearby neighborhoods like Huntley Hills and Keswick Park, park their bikes, and relax on Moondog’s dog-friendly patio. Tommy shared how families ride over for lunch, kids in tow, and their dogs happily lounging nearby. It’s this blend of good beer, good food, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes Moondog Pub & Grub feel like an extension of Dunwoody’s Moondog Growlers.

 

What’s on the Menu at Moondog Pub & Grub

One major difference with Moondog Pub & Grub is the food menu. Inspired by a trip to Green Bay for a Packers game, Tommy insisted on including Wisconsin cheese curds, which quickly became a local favorite. Other menu highlights include:

• German soft pretzels with beer cheese

• Hand-battered fried pickles (Tommy insists on minimal batter so you can taste the pickle itself)

• Prime rib Saturdays, with prime rib roasted in-house starting Fridays for weekend specials

• Sunday brunch menu, featuring classics and creative twists

 

Tommy emphasized that they choose quality ingredients, processing their chicken in-house rather than relying on pre-prepped products. It’s classic American bar fare done well, aligning with Moondog’s reputation for quality and community focus.

 

Signature Drinks and Bourbon Club

Moondog Pub & Grub’s bar boasts 20 taps on rotation and a wide range of bourbon options. As a bourbon fan himself, Tommy launched a Bourbon Club, meeting every third Thursday. Members sample three to four bourbons while learning about distillation methods and tasting notes from distributor experts. Food pairings elevate each tasting, making it both an educational and social experience for Dunwoody and Chamblee bourbon enthusiasts.

 

Weekly Events Bringing the Community Together

Living in Dunwoody or Chamblee means always having something to do at Moondog Pub & Grub:

• Open Mic Nights every other Monday, hosted by Dunwoody’s own Tom Carter

• Team Trivia Tuesdays at 7pm, drawing competitive local teams

• Live music Wednesdays with the Mike Veal Band, a beloved Atlanta staple

• Friday live music nights, rotating local musicians for fresh vibes each week

• Music Bingo Saturdays at 7pm, combining music knowledge and bingo fun for all ages

• Prime Rib Saturdays and Sunday Brunch to end or start your weekend with a solid meal

 

Supporting Pet Adoptions and Local Causes

Moondog Pub & Grub’s dog-friendly patio is more than branding – it’s a commitment to rescue animals. Almost every Saturday, they host dog adoption events with Lifeline, offering a $50 Moondog gift card to anyone who adopts a dog. With four rescue dogs themselves, Tommy and Felicia prioritize supporting local animal welfare causes, resonating with many Dunwoody and Chamblee families who value rescue adoption.

 

Felicia Burda: The Backbone Behind the Brand

While Tommy is the business visionary, he credits Felicia as the operational backbone. Felicia manages everything from music bookings to private events, website updates, and social media. Her legal expertise and attention to detail keep Moondog running smoothly. As Tommy put it on the podcast, “I get us into these things, and she keeps us in those things.” Their partnership is a testament to Moondog’s success, blending business acumen with authentic community service.

 

The Moondog Team

The Chamblee location runs smoothly thanks to a strong leadership team:

• Luis (Lead Kitchen) – oversees kitchen execution with quality and consistency

• David Watkins (General Manager) – a Marine Corps Intel Specialist turned Cicerone-certified beer expert, bringing two decades of service industry knowledge

• Corey (Assistant GM) – helps manage daily operations with a focus on customer service

 

Tommy emphasized that his role is not as a culinary expert but as a leader who trusts his team to make the right decisions for menu development, service, and guest experience.

 

Planning for Football Season and Beyond

With football season around the corner, Moondog Pub & Grub is preparing to become Chamblee’s top sports destination. They currently have five TVs and plan to add more, including patio viewing. Tommy also envisions outdoor projector setups on Norfolk Southern property for big college or NFL game nights. As he joked, “We’re in the South. If you don’t do it, you’re in trouble.”

 

Community First, Business Second

Tommy never set out to own a restaurant, but his love for business combined with community connection made Moondog Pub & Grub a natural evolution. From hosting open mics to trivia to bourbon tastings, every event aims to bring neighbors together. As podcast host Matt Weber noted, Moondog Growlers was one of their first on-location interviews back in 2018. It’s clear that Tommy and Felicia’s brand remains a local favorite years later.

 

Final Thoughts: Moving to Dunwoody or Chamblee?

If you’re living in Dunwoody, Moondog Growlers remains your go-to spot for craft beer fills and casual hangs. If you’re moving to Dunwoody or Chamblee, Moondog Pub & Grub is the perfect place to make new friends, grab brunch, join trivia night, or relax with your dog on the patio. Both locations encapsulate what makes Dunwoody and Chamblee special – a blend of neighborhood connection, Southern hospitality, and great local businesses.

 

Visit Moondog Pub & Grub Today

Check out their menu, events, and bourbon club at Moondog Pub & Grub’s website. Stop by, say hello to Tommy and Felicia, and discover why Moondog continues to be a top choice for Dunwoody and Chamblee locals looking for great food, drinks, and community.