Kids in Taprooms?

One scroll through the Show Yourself, BAs! thread and its obvious beer was very present when the kid was being made, so its only fair that the kid should be there when the beer is being made.

 

For some reason if the place serves food, or has a nice outside area (where I never sit) I think kids are OK, but for the most part, I would have never taken my girls to a place that just served alcohol. But everyone is different, I think I'd rather see dogs than kids

 

There are enough places these days where the atmosphere isn't all that much different than being in a casual restaurant. And this seems to be what most people in this thread are relating to, for the most part. That, and the time of day aspect.

There's a place up by my parents in Calicoon that's pretty much like that, at least on a Saturday afternoon, and I've been in there with other families before. It just seems like a natural scene to see the kids there.

 

i have seen kids in every taproom ive ever been to on almost every occasion... you're good.

just don't put anything in her bottle. and if you do, make sure she keeps it cool around the bouncer and doesn't snitch! (joking of course)

BUT i would say breweries with lines are a different story: don't do that to your kid, especially if they are just going to cry the entire time.

 

I have to say that both with and without kids works for me. Our family has been to many breweries, brewpubs bars, etc throughout the years in Colorado, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois and all have their own atmosphere during the day, afternoon and evening. Surly's beer-garden on a Saturday afternoon? full of kids having fun, Half Acre in Chicago? not so much. If the children are some what behaved no one ever seems to have a problem but loud obnoxious off-spring will bring stares anywhere.

Now when the sun goes down and more adults come out to play I would side with the "we're out to eat and then we're bringing them home" crowd as it's just not a place for kids unless they have ID's

 

It's a mixed bag, I don't have so much of a strong opinion in taprooms so much, restaurants it's another story depending on the place and situation.

Child only policy times during the day make a lot of sense, as when the evenings role around and the adults want to unwind and the kids are more than likely supposed to be done for the day. That's a pretty good win win situation for all.

I always have a great memory of hanging out at Murphy's pub in Old Town Alexandria in my early days. Often families would bring their kids there for dinner. They would have live music and I remember the band playing and doing their thing. By around 9-9:30 the duo looked around the room and then just finally said...

"ok folks it's after 9, so we're going to play and sing those... OTHER songs.. so all you youngers might have a few questions for mom and dad later if you stick around".

Half the pub just burst out in laughter. No families took offence, by that time they were heading out anyway too, no harm no foul.

I have no problem with kids in brewpubs/breweries as long as they are behaved (I would think they'd get bored though), I am usually just in the corner enjoying and writing up my notes and reviews by myself so they rarely are a bother to me. Drunks on the other hand... and I also kind of worry about those when kids are around more so than anything.

 

I agree with what a few folks have already mentioned. I draw the line at whether the place serves food or not. I believe there are laws in some areas that actually prohibit minors in taprooms if the establishment doesn't serve food.

 

You brought back some memories. I remember back when I was a kid my Dad would take me and my brother to the local Irish pub. They would have live music going, thick smoke, and the people were just cool. I remember as a kid saying wow I cannot wait to be 21. It feels like times were different back then, it was a total family feel even though a bar. All the people knew each other and looked out for the kids since everyone knew everyone so to say. My dad would set us up on the old bowling machine (With Rice to allow coaster to slide) and sodas and that was our spot while he drank with his buddies. Today it is a different world and different vibe for sure.

 

You are correct. I am not sure on specifics but I believe they must have food for minors to be allowed. If a standard bar it is 21 and over only. I think that is why so many places are now a mixed bag, they want the families in to spend.

 

We generally seek louder (but not too loud) places to take our son to because everything blends into one large white noise. This way, it's not as noticeable to other patrons if he starts to make noise. And we can barely hear any of the specific conversations others are having. If he cries we leave, but sometimes he just babbles away or yelps because he's learning to talk.

 

I've never had an issue with a dog in a taproom, but several times I've been pretty annoyed by kids screaming, running around, taking up tables/stools during very busy hours.

Basically, if you keep your kid as well trained as a dog, I'm fine with it.

 

I'd rather see kids than other people's damn animals. You have to take your kids places they are HUMANS, leave your goddamn dog at home.

 

I take my 5 year old daughter to bars/brewpubs/tap rooms/breweries all the time. And the best part is, in WI, she can drink with me!

http://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/confusion-over-wisconsin-drinking-law

 

Do whatever you want with your kid, but don't expect everyone else around you to watch their language, or change their behavior, just because you decided to bring your kid with you. Personally I'm anti-kids at bars/breweries/taprooms and the bonus for me is that no one under 21 is allowed on the premises in my state, so I never have to worry about dealing with other people's kids.

 

Honestly I never saw any dogs at the bar. On occasion people have them on patio outside, maybe stopped for pint while walking which is cool. But I do have to agree on your opinion, why on earth do you need to take your dog with you? I guess I am out of touch or something. I have noticed a massive increase of people taking dogs to grocery store which is a whole other comment section I could chirp on LOL

 

What?

 

I kind of look at it from the ball park perspective. I have been to many a game when fans are getting really salty, I mean to the point where older people are like holy cow. Then put your 8 year old daughter or son next to them. That is how I see a bar, its just not a place for small ears.

 

I agree 100% with that. I spent many years at the bar and always went for fun and to hang with good friends and people. Noting worse than hot heads or people who want to be noticed. I wish more people acted civilized but you will always have that guy or girl no matter what.
Cheers