The Sneaky Beagle. You have to admit, even the name makes you happy.

Brought to you by the Grumpy Monk group, this newest venture is hands-down a genius concept, cashing in on the Grand Strand’s legion of dog lovers.

Nestled in the woods of Carolina Forest, Sneaky Beagle took over the former Longbeard’s location, which sets the scene for a walk in the park with your furry friend.

And if the consistently jammed parking lot is any indicator, even without any fanfare Sneaky Beagle has already attracted packs of two-legged and four-legged fans.

I sneaky-ed over there shortly after it opened in March with my neighbor (who is a dog whisperer) to have lunch. Luckily for us, the sun was shining that day so we were able to comfortably sit outside in the pet section that offers tiers of decking for you and Fido.

Our server was tail-wagging warm and friendly and, while we were looking over the menu, a Golden Retriever moseyed over for a little nuzzling. It reminded me of some special places and times I’ve had in Key West listening to a band under the stars with loving doggies and human feet tapping out the beat.

Like big brother Monk, the Beagle offers solid bar food with twists and turns. The build-your-own-salad, about 30 sushi rolls and vegan menu options basically follow suit with Grumpy Monk.

The crazy popular jalapeno poppers, Monk Turds, become Sneaky Turds at the Beagle and add in fire roasted corn ($6.99). My Obsession Is Nacho Problem ($8.99) gives the choice of chicken, marinated steak or blackened shrimp, freshening up the nacho scene with corn salsa.

Prices range from $5.99 for an order of Bruschetta with crostini or Fried Ravioli under vodka sauce, up to $10.99 for Spinach & Crab Dip or an order of eight Real Chicken Wings. Sandwiched in between are Stuffed Mushrooms with blue lump crab, Spicy Crab Rangoon, Caprese Skewers, Roast Beef Sliders and Calamari topped with peach salsa.

But the Beagle sets its pointer to an ambitious selection of tacos and paninis.

Right on taco trend, you can order one, two or three ($5.99, $9.99 and $13.99), plus a side like sweet rice or candied cream corn.

Thinking outside of the shell, the Beagle has strayed from the usual ground beef and sour cream. Instead, you can order soft tacos filled with chicken fettuccine Alfredo; a Thanksgiving Day version with turkey, stuffing and gravy; chicken and waffles dripping with maple syrup; pulled pork and mac and cheese; portobello mushroom; jerked pork on coleslaw; coconut shrimp on a bed of sweet rice; chicken glazed with tequila-lime sauce; marinated steak with chimicurri; and a Ruxin Taco combining fried chicken, mac and cheese and Sriracha ranch.

The panini lineup (with an average price of $9.99), based on our experience, can come pressed or not-so-pressed. The LI Girl with roast beef, sauteed onions, Swiss and an au jus dip between Italian bread was well ironed down, while the Cuban on ciabatta was only lightly toasted with grill marks. There’s a BZT with bacon, zucchini and tomato with fresh basil and mozzarella on ciabatta, the Roasted Veggie Panini that surprises with asparagus and pesto, and a sweet Fluff & Nutella of that creamy marshmallow deliciousness, Nutella and fresh strawberries. The Macy’s Day Parade panini is a Thanksgiving dinner on Italian bread and the Twisted Cordon Bleu adds an extra layer of flavor with fried chicken and honey mustard.

But let’s not forget the pups! They have their own menu provided by the locally owned Crabby Dog Eats. Just out of the crate, the two most popular items seem to be a fresh chicken jerky and the Pupcake made of oat flour, honey, egg, peanut butter, coconut oil and pumpkin. Other choices to sniff out include a chicken broth and fruit based cookie, dog bones and Peanut Butter Coco Balls, for $2 to $3 each.

And to wash it down, the dog-friendly patio offers a watering station with a stack of bright red bowls standing ready, courtesy of Smirnoff.

The Grumpy Monk cut its teeth and made its mark by bringing an impressive selection of craft beers and ciders to the market, and Sneaky Beagle also has its dog in this race. The bar is rustically outstanding, with what’s on tap rolling like movie credits on TV monitors. A printed bar menu won’t work here because pours come and go daily to keep it fresh and cutting edge.

In its operating infancy in March, The Sneaky Beagle was still working out some kinks, but you could already pick up the sweet smell of success here.

As welcoming as the Beagle is to your furriest bestie, there are a few caveats posted: “We know your dog is awesome ... but only bring them ... if they play well with others … if they can be around food … if you clean up after them. The Sneaky Beagle does not assume responsibility for your dog or their actions.”

Hmmm ... golden rules that might do well for some two-legged friends as well?

The Sneaky Beagle

5040 Carolina Forest Blvd.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-7877
sneakybeaglemyrtlebeach.com

Hours: 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday and Saturday