Overlooked pet peeves at bars (consumer standpoint)

There's a current thread with BAs totally disagreeing on what flavors are in different IPAs. If BAs who should know, can't agree on the taste, then I don't think I'd take the opinion of a server.

Easiest way to find out what an IPA tastes like is to ask for a taster sample, which any decent craft bar will provide free. Then you can decide for yourself.

 

Which leads me to an annoyance - bars that don't give tasters. If a bar is busy, that's one thing. But being at a bar in the early afternoon when it is mostly empty and being told that the bar has a policy against giving tasters really sucks. I'm all but certain the reason for it is that the bar in question is frustratingly busy most of the time and it's easier just to have a blanket policy so people will be more aware of it and the bartenders don't get blamed for not giving tasters, but still it irks me.

 

As kdb150 said, this works until they don't want to give you tasters. Both of the brewpubs around town (that my statements were aimed at) have taster trays where you get their 4 house beers and 2-3 seasonal or 1 offs for like $8, leaving out the three to four other beers on the menu that I actually would like to try. If you ask to sample you are pointed towards the taster tray. Which brings up another pet-peeve... don't have a set taster menu, allow us to choose the 7 we want from your 10 beers. No one who has been to your pub before wants to taste the blonde, the wheat, or the light lager that you make for all the BMC drinkers. I want to try that weird one off that you have only one keg of. That way I know what I am getting before I pay $8 for 8oz of a beer that may be disgusting.

 

I am offended when I wear a low cut V-neck shirt and hand wash all the pint glass behind the bar and I don't get stared at.

One should note that I don't work at a bar, plus I am a guy.

 

Like a lot of the other complaints on this thread, I wouldn't patronize a bar that won't give a free sample. I don't recall ever being told I had to pay for a taster.

And BTW, it does little good to leave a bar without telling them why. I was with a large family group enjoying drinks & eats when they cut the LOUD music on. We got up and left, and as we did so, I told them they just lost a group of ten because we could no longer hear each other talk.

 

I am curious if some people here are expecting every single establishment to be the perfect bar/pub.

If I go to an American Legion Bar, I can expect that old men will be sitting around, drinking BMC beer and a jukebox will be playing, maybe loud, maybe not. And no coat hangers. No food served. And if you ask the bartender (who is often 50 years old or older)what they have for beer, she will probably tell you "we've got everything hon". The bathroom will smell like a urinal cake sprayed with disenfectant, but you know what? It's a local bar where all the town folk congregate and I absolutely love the place, foibles and all.

 

It doesn't matter what someone's wearing; have some decency and don't stare at people. It's creepy. If you don't think so, it's probably because you're a creep.

 

Not sure if serious...

 

My coworkers complain all the time about guys creeping on them, whether by staring at them, mistaking friendliness for flirtation, or stopping at the kitchen door on the way to the bathroom to hit on them in what's supposed to be the only place where they can get away from customers. So yes, I am serious.

 

Bleach smell! There's a bar with a wonderful tap/bottle list that I would be in 2x a week but it reeks of bleach

 

Improper glassware is a huge pet peeve.

 

I'm with you on that. I was referring to looking at people who are dressed specifically to be looked at.

 

I want to walk into an establishment, check the menu, and order my beer. I don't need suggestions, pairings, etc. It also grinds my gears when bartenders are clueless to what they have on tap or in bottles. I just want that happy medium.

 

Places with little or no parking or only street parking. The old "location, location, location" adage doesn't just pertain to the address or part of town you're in.

 

Tipping is a payment for good service...and should be offered according to effort. Shame on you brother for stiffing a waitress who was new and trying to feel her way. And having been someone who has lived on tips in the past...I will also say this...cut your server some slack sometimes. We ALL have bad days. We ALL try to rise above them when we do. And we ALL can recognize the difference, by and large, between someone having a tough day and them just being lazy. Have a heart people...and dont look for the excuse to keep that few extra dollars in your pocket. And also, spare the world your cowardly notes. If you have a problem with your service...have the sack to stand up to your not tipping...make your feelings known to your server or their manager in person...not after you have had the chance to run off.

 

Keep in mind my friend...your bartender is not psychic. And by and large will act in accordance with the guidelines established by management. You have your particular wants...simply convey them. I will agree that a properly staffed bar should give you a server that has a knowledge of whats being sold there. Montra at my go to bar, "Here is our beer menu, have a look, taps are on the inside with descriptions, bottles and cans on the outside, if you have any questions or would like a suggestion, please dont hesitate to ask." Being a regular now, Ive reached beyond this little intro, but Ive heard it time and again offered to new customers. It works for me.

 

I have a 10 minute rule. If I get sat down & no one takes my order within 10, I'm gone.

I have been to a few where they charged for samples, but most, not all of the time the first was free...

 

The trouble with using a CC for one drink is simple...its more steps involved...and slows a bartender down on a busy night...not just in getting you paid, but also having to go back later, add a tip and close it out. Time that could have been spent serving someone else...and lets face it...the more that goes over the bar...the more that comes back. The other thing is they get crap from the boss, and not without cause, but its not necessarily the tender's fault either. A place taking CC's is a convenience for the customer. Believe it or not there are still cash only places out there. Here's the thing...in this age where banks make more of their money off of fees, rather than from investing...the CC processors dont only take a percentage of the charge, but they also take a flat fee for every card swipe. Subsequently, it is better for the bar to have one swipe for 5 drinks than 5 swipes...and while it may seem inconsequential to you...the numbers add up. Think about how much it annoys you that you get a fee from the atm you use when making a withdrawal...and then get another fee from your bank for using an atm that was not theirs...Is $2 here and $2 there gonna put you in the poor house...probably not...but it adds up...and is annoying too boot.

 

Now this is interesting...can I ask...a free sample....how big should that be?

 

If the beer is coming out of it...its touching your beer...and truth be told, putting the beer up into the faucet often produces a better pour. Most new technology taps call for the faucets to be in the pour itself. The bar keeping good care of their system should be of greater concern.