TVs in bars

As long as they're not stretching SD to fit a 16x9 screen, I'm cool with it.

 

Agreed, get rid of them. Even most sports bars just play Sportscenter over and over ad nauseum. Though it seems most people need it as background as well as shitty bump music. Oh the horror.

I am glad there are a handful of places I can go to without that crap. One is two blocks away from my house, no TV's, they play Miles Davis, one of the best small selections in town, good food. As well as old scientific journals, books, etc around for people to read (including old Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace books). Appropriately named Downhouse.

 

Must have for me, personally. Just keep the volume off.

I go to the bar solo more than times than not, so the TV screen gives me something to focus when there's no one else around or I just don't feel too sociable.

 

I never really understood the point of sitting at a bar

 

I like them because you can always socialize but if you want to watch a game or something you have the TV.

 

I can understand both sides of the debate, but usually prefer no tvs. I like the way many bars in Belgium do it, with just some music turned down low. It's more peaceful, easier to have a conversation, and better to be able to appreciate the beer you are drinking.

 

I prefer to have the tv's. Keep the volume to a level that affords conversation but having the local sporting event is my kind of vibe. Rather not be in the hushed library type of setting while I enjoy my beer.

 

I'm a big sports fan and like the bar atmosphere to watch games, if I'm just going to have a few beers I'd rather be at home relaxing and giving the beer my attention. Bars with no TVs are better spots for dates though

 

Im all for TVs in bars. I hate those stupid trendy hipster speakeasy/quiet bars where you cant talk louder than a whisper or check your phone. How long can you converse for? I like a good barstool chat as much as the next guy but eventually you might run out of things to talk about, regardless of the good beer or indie music playing in the background. putting something on TV, even if its on mute can give you something to discuss if your conversation is running flat. If i want quiet i'll just go for a hike or something. Just my opinion.

 

If there's a TV playing in a bar, nothing says you have to watch it. As long as the volume is off it's ok with me.
It's just our habit to stare at a TV when it's on. Do yourself a favor and practice ignoring it when you go out. It's really not too difficult if you put your mind to it.

 

Because its fun to drink at other places sometimes. A change of scenery/venue makes you feel like less of a hermit.

 

Most posting here proved what a strangle hold this horrible thing has on most people. Even with no sound it is something we, as a culture in America, have to stare at for no other reason than it is there.. I just find it ridiculous that people have to have this on. People really can't go a few hours without a TV?

 

I like it, just no sound unless I'm out watching a game

 

During major sports events I go to Monks to watch them not crowded at all.

 

I agree, definitely a cultural thing but i really dont see the harm in it. Not everyone has someone to talk to at a bar. I think Americans can handle drinking without TV. People do it on camping trips all the time. As others have said, just because theres a TV on doesnt mean you have to watch it. Its just the same if i cant stand Miles Davis doesnt mean they shouldnt play music, i just wont listen. Self control is a wonderful thing hahaha

 

The question amounts to asking whether you like the bar behaviors that are common with TV's.

I strongly Dislike TV's.

Love sports bars - because it concentrates the sports fans in one place and I can avoid them!

Nothing more annoying than being in a regular restaurant or bar and having someone stand up and scream like a baboon, shaking fists, little saliva droplets spewing everywhere...

 

I go to bars alone all the time. Most the time, I don't want to see or hear a TV when out. I really don't want to watch TV anytime, but it is always there. No matter what, there is that glowing crap. Especially at bars, umteeen TV's show ESPN most of the time. Reruns of Sportcenter in every direction. I just don't get why people have to stare at that when they go out? Nothing against you, but I would rather spend that time reading the paper, a book, conversing with people, playing darts, pool, etc, etc.

 

Our local craft pub, plays most local team games and UFC fights, and a lot of the locals plan to go for those, its pretty fun. So they are much appreciated... If nothing specials going on , they're never loud enough to distract you from talking.

EDIT: also many craft bars are small with less money. Many times I go to mine when they get a special keg in, and have a glass at lunch. And as friendly as the bar owner is, many times he's doing paper work at the bar if he's the only bartender, So it's nice to stare at the tv while drinking. than a wall.

 

No offense taken. If im in the mood for something like that i will just do outdoor seating or a beer garden. Is it that hard to ignore the TV even if its on silent?

Also, i would avoid cask and flagon outside Fenway if youre ever in boston. Every toilet and urinal has an 8" LCD in front of it playing the game. You cant even shit without a TV following you no joke.

Some places can do both. Fibber McGees for example has TVs by the bars but has a side room without them with pool, darts, etc. If you want to run a successful bar you gotta cater to the masses usually, so doing both isnt a bad idea.