Restaurant Beer Lists

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by otispdriftwood, Mar 5, 2013.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. otispdriftwood

    otispdriftwood Initiate (0) Dec 9, 2011 Colorado

    Whenever I'm looking for a place to go, whether just to drink or to eat and drink, I like to peruse the place's website for a beer list so I can base part of my decision on what is being poured. I'm aware that these lists are pretty much never 100% accurate but as long as they have a few selections I like, I'm good. Problem is, there are a few places that don't put their beer lists on their website or any other website for that matter and as a result, I usually don't consider them unless I'm daring.
    So - are there other BAs out there who do the same?

    Edit - the title should be: Restaurant, Beer Bar & Brewpub Beer Lists but I went for brevity.
     
  2. Labgrownmangoat

    Labgrownmangoat Initiate (0) Jan 23, 2013

    If it's going to be a deciding factor, you can always call and ask what's on tap.
     
    dennis3951 likes this.
  3. kdb150

    kdb150 Initiate (0) Mar 8, 2012 Pennsylvania

    I almost always do this. I will go so far as to not go to a bar/restaurant if they do not make at least their tap list available online. There is simply no excuse other than laziness/crappy management for not doing so, and if management doesn't care enough to advertise the beer they are serving, they likely do not care enough to properly manage the beer service in their establishment.

    I don't always drink beer. But when I do, I prefer establishments I know will provide proper beer service.
     
    SoggyCoasters and otispdriftwood like this.
  4. otispdriftwood

    otispdriftwood Initiate (0) Dec 9, 2011 Colorado

    And take the chance getting someone who says "oh we have everything" meaning Bud, Coors, Heineken, Amstel. Been there, done that. And if they do actually have craft beers, getting someone who doesn't know that [pick one] is a brewery that produces more than one beer.
     
  5. Hanzo

    Hanzo Initiate (0) Feb 27, 2012 Virginia

    I'd much prefer they put their tap/bottle list online, but I understand why they don't as it is time consuming to keep it up to date. I'd settle for a once a day FB post about what's on or what's new.

    Now if it is a beer bar I'd say that is almost a requirement.
     
  6. Labgrownmangoat

    Labgrownmangoat Initiate (0) Jan 23, 2013

    If you don't like what you hear, you still have more information than you did. Then you make your decision on a more informed basis.

    Another alternative at some places is to get on a mailing list that provides updated tap lists.
     
  7. denver10

    denver10 Grand Pooh-Bah (4,081) Nov 17, 2010 New Mexico
    Pooh-Bah Society

    When it comes to going to beer bars, 80% of the time a bar posting their beer lineup online is the deciding factor for where I go. Probably my favorite bar in town does not post their tap lists and as a result it is probably the beer bar I visit the least of the three beer bars I hit up.

    As for restaurants, I will sometimes go online to check out what they might have available but I won't ever make a restaurant decision based upon their beer list. Fortunately, in Colorado most places will always carry something respectable. Even if not, if I really want to drink I am fine with going with a bourbon or even glass of wine.
     
  8. checktherhyme

    checktherhyme Pundit (890) Apr 8, 2008 Washington

    Most respectable beer bars will use some sort of social media to keep their tap/bottle list updated. There are even apps (i.e. Taplister) that will show you what bars have available. The problem is that the restaurant or bar has to keep it updated or it doesnt do any good. A few places in Spokane do a great job of staying current and I have since been going to these bars because of it.
     
  9. LRTR

    LRTR Initiate (0) Jun 21, 2005 Massachusetts

    Also, apps like Untappd help make finding what's on tap easier -- tho not as easiest as picking up the phone :wink:
     
  10. otispdriftwood

    otispdriftwood Initiate (0) Dec 9, 2011 Colorado

     
  11. UCLABrewN84

    UCLABrewN84 Initiate (0) Mar 18, 2010 California

    I think with all of the technology and applications available today, it is not acceptable for a craft beer establishment to not have a beer list online or to not update the list at least once a week if they have something on the internet.
     
    Kerrie, kotayk and zach60614 like this.
  12. BetterBeerPlz

    BetterBeerPlz Initiate (0) Sep 8, 2007 Arkansas

    Yes, I do this. I appreciate the places that put their lists online. It is a factor for me in deciding where to go.
     
  13. Sirvis

    Sirvis Initiate (0) Apr 29, 2012 Michigan

    I manage for California Pizza Kitchen and we just rolled out all new beers with craft beer being a focus company wide. We are serving all 22oz bombers besides a couple and most locations offer a few worth mentioning like: Stone Arrogant Bastard, Rouge Brutal IPA, Chimay Grande Reserve. On top of that, we also get to choose 4 local drafts and 4 local bottles. I ordered Founders Centennial IPA, Bells Kalamazoo Stout on draft, Atwater Dirty Blonde and Bells Oberon in local bottles for my store for now and if they sell...I will add 4 more. I personally prefer high gravity beer but need to start off with some easy drinkers going into spring. Next winter I will definitely order some local Imperials!! I hope our web-site is updated soon so everyone knows we have some great beers to offer. I am also looking into getting tulip glasses and offering local draft beer flights :wink:
     
  14. TongoRad

    TongoRad Grand Pooh-Bah (3,848) Jun 3, 2004 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    That's pretty cool- I wish you guys success with the beer program. Now see what you can do about the pizza! (just kidding... sorta :wink:)
     
    Mercury4040, Judgie and dennis3951 like this.
  15. Onizilla

    Onizilla Initiate (0) Apr 25, 2009 New York

    Places that don't abuse/use beermenus to keep a semi-up to date draft list are beyond confusing to me as it's way too simple. If you're gonna be that lazy about your taps, I'm gonna skip out on the trouble of heading over to you.
     
  16. Giantspace

    Giantspace Pooh-Bah (2,879) Dec 22, 2011 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society

    Local place here has pretty good food and really good beer and atmosphere. No list online and they will not tell you on the phone. I asked about why no online list and was pretty much told "we want you to come back and see what we have". I go maybe 10-12 times a year. I would go more if I knew the beer list. They get very good beer but I cant just swing by and hope something great is there.Guess I save money and they lose mine. Oh well......
     
  17. Sirvis

    Sirvis Initiate (0) Apr 29, 2012 Michigan

    Oh there are some great pizza changes in the works...artesian pizzas using local & seasonal ingredients.
     
    TongoRad likes this.
  18. zach60614

    zach60614 Initiate (0) May 1, 2012 Illinois

    Northern French pizza?
     
  19. nootch23

    nootch23 Initiate (0) Mar 29, 2012 Massachusetts

    Calling the establishment is the safest bet. If you care that much about what is being poured, take the time and call ahead. I find the majority of beer lists online are not updated.
     
  20. yemenmocha

    yemenmocha Grand Pooh-Bah (4,092) Jun 18, 2002 Arizona
    Pooh-Bah Society

    I do it often.
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.