Sea Dog Brewing Plans Ninth Location in Lowell

Sea Dog Brewing Company plans to open its ninth location, a new brewpub in Lowell, occupying the former El Jefe Taco Bar space at 203 Cabot St. in the East Campus area near UMass Lowell.

The Lowell brewpub is being planned as a complete renovation of the space formerly occupied by El Jefe Taco Bar. Sea Dog's indoor-outdoor dining and event space is expected to seat more than 300, and Sea Dog has already begun staffing for the site. Sea Dog currently operates eight brewpubs across Florida, Maine, and New Hampshire.

According to a report by The (Lowell) Sun, Sea Dog applied for a new all-alcoholic beverages license before the Lowell License Commission during its Nov. 13 meeting. The board requested that the company publish a legal notice in The Sun and scheduled a public hearing on the application for Dec. 11.

The Sun reported that El Jefe Taco Bar's license was revoked for failing to renew for 2025. Additionally, the property faced deficiencies in fire and building inspections and unpaid annual fees, leading to lease termination and the space becoming available to Sea Dog.

When it opens, Sea Dog Brewing will join a robust slate of projects centered around UMass Lowell's East Campus. The area supports the campus recreation center and sports complex, River Hawk Village, and other housing. UMass Lowell also owns Wannalancit Mills, a five-story building that houses Draper Labs, an anchor tenant in the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor project announced in March 2024.

The brewery will also be within walking distance of LeLacheur Park. The Lowell Spinners will play there as part of a new Futures Collegiate Baseball League team in May 2026.