Kids in Taprooms?

I don't think I've been to a brewpub or taproom in the last ten years that didn't have a bunch of kids in it. They're ubiquitous.
So, welcome to the club and congratulations!

 

For it. All the cool kids are raised in tap rooms (or have cool parents that take them to tap rooms).

I'm sure there are some that are shady, not appropriate places for kids, but most are nice places and very family friendly.

 

My kids have been to plenty of breweries, and will continue to do so. Of course, it's always a better situation if the place also sells food. I find that having lunch occupies the kids' time while I enjoy a beer or two. Straight up tap rooms or places that don't serve food usually have very little that interests children, so I usually try to avoid bringing the kids to these places, or limiting my visit to a growler fill or grabbing something to go.

 

I am seeing brewery taprooms becoming more an more like English pubs. A place the entire family can hang out at. The ones in my area all make their own sodas, or fruit drinks for the kids or people that don't want any beer at that time. Along with board games or other entertainment. I for one have always enjoyed seeing families with kids in appropriate bars or taprooms. Though I basically grew up in a dive bar, so I might be a little biased

 

i think its fine and ive taken mine to many and will continue to do so.

whats not cool is crappy parenting.
i was in a taproom last week at about 930pm and there was a couple with a kid there who couldnt have been more than 5 years old. i dont care how good the kid napped during the day, by 9pm little kids should be in bed, not riding his scooter around a room full of adults drinking.

 

honestly, especially in the beginning, good luck being out past 9

 

I've never had a problem with kids in the taproom. Hell I am glad its a thing because I used to worry about not being able to visit breweries after having a child. But what sucks is, and I've yet to run into it is kids who are wild and the parents do nothing. I'm sure I'll encounter this eventually.

 

Since most places are non-smoking, I'd think that there shouldn't' be any problem. As others have mentioned, I'd be mindful of the time and probably sca-daddle before about 5:00 or so, and I'd also avoid taking kids to a place with shitshow releases on a release day.

 

Pretty standard here in Portland.

There are a few beer bars in town that are not kid friendly at all, but for the most part the breweries/brewpubs in town are all good to take kids

 

In my area we have Slumbrew which has its own dedicated kid 'play area' inside the beer garden as well as kid friendly food options (and soda). Also, Jacks Abby has installed Family restrooms with changing tables, and there is even one in the Mens room. So, my 15mo old has been to more breweries then many others.

 

OP, you mentioned vibe. I want to say that you need to know the general busy times and sort of crowd your favorite places get, and plan accordingly. I see tons of kids at local breweries when I head out on a early afternoon Saturday crawl. Off peak for these places is generally when they open at 11 to noon and right before that 5pm happy hour sort of crowd. Ideal family time IMHO.

For the most part, these places aren't crowded, aren't loud, not too many vulgarities can be heard from people telling stories, and it's pretty laid back.

My biggest pet peeve is seeing kids take up a table when places are extremely crowded. Mom and dad are each enjoying a beer and the kid(s) look generally bored sipping on a root beer. The place is loud and if you are any bit as self aware as I am, I hear stories and then look over my shoulder and realize there's a kid there. Vibe altered (at least a bit in my mind. Others couldn't care less)

 

I have 2 daughters aged 8 and 11. They have grown up going to breweries and brewpubs. If the taproom doesn't sell food we find a local pub to go to after the brewery visit. All our outings start with a hike or some family excursion peppered with brewery and pub visits. I think it helps the kids learn the responsible side of alcohol consumption.

 

I think it depends. At a place like Trillium (Canton) I think it's fine to bring kids because they have a 20oz limit and most people are there just to pick up beer and are in and out anyway. But at breweries that serve pints and don't offer food, why would you want to bring a child into that situation? Seems like it would be very boring. Brewpubs are a different story - they serve food so the kid will be occupied.

I have a 2 year old and I think it would be kind of selfish to take him on beer-centric vacations, even as he gets older. Those are trips where you take the wife/gf, leave the kids with the grandparents for the week. In the best interests of all parties.