I've observed over the years that a white tablecloth in a restaurant doesn't mean that the food will be good. In fact, I've found that sometimes the best food is found in the most unique places.

So, when I heard about the family- and dog-friendly, Lacey-based Pints Dog House, I knew that I had to check it out. Located at the intersection of 6th Ave. SE and Woodlawn Square Loop SE, this gustatory gem is located on the ground floor of the new HUB Apartments.

I noticed a colorful and clean food truck parked outside; it's the restaurant's kitchen. It's not for catering; rather, it's for creating more space for dine-in customers. 

Welcomed by a server, I pulled out a chair and sat down. Looking around, I immediately saw a Lego wall for children, a Pac Man game machine, nostalgic skateboards and artwork on the walls. There was even a cool yellow bicycle suspended from the ceiling! And yes, there are treats for the dogs as well.

The chairs are red and yellow, suggestive of ketchup and mustard. Behind the polished L-shaped bar are a variety of craft beers. Outside dining is available as well. Looking at the menu,  I counted 24 different dog menu offerings - to say nothing of the add-ons list to create your own hot dog.

I ordered the Archie Dog - a beef dog between two slices of sizzling bacon and grilled onions nestled in a warm Rotella's Italian Bakery poppy seed bun and generously topped with cream cheese. Combined with a large serving of Lamb Western fries sprinkled with special seasoning and a cold Corona ... delicious! 

"Our dogs are created to spark joy in others," explained manager Terra Erickson, "to remind us of our childhoods, friends, family and dogs.

Erickson added that the hot dogs are named after real dogs owned by owners Suz and Scott McKinney and some of their friends. Besides the Archie Dog, there is a Clark Dog, a Lucy Dog, a Mac Dog and a Sadie Dog, just to name a few of the hounds in the house.

In addition to the dogs, Pints Dog House offers a kids' menu and, for those with a sweet tooth, the Out of the Box Eats & Treats consisting of a choice of chocolate chip cookies, an ice cream float or Ruby Jewel Ice Cream.

Pints Dog House is a family-friendly, kid-friendly and dog-friendly establishment, sure to please everyone. If you're a lover of dogs, you can't go wrong here.

Carry out is available.

PINTS DOG HOUSE,  open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday; 4444 6th Ave. SE, Suite 100, Lacey, 360-742-3355, www.pintsdoghouse.com.