Sticker Shock at Beer Bars

Why would they want to do anything that would deter them from selling beer?

 

I typically won't buy beer unless I know how much it costs. A couple buddies of mine just got absolutely robbed by a bar the other night from just this.

 

Those that don't price their beers don't have any respect for their customers and are either too lazy or trying to fool people into thinking "its just beer, how much can it cost?" to get them to pay for pricier beers. If I find myself at a place like that, I ask first - don't care how busy it is - if an establishment showed more respect for me by listing the prices up front, I would have more respect for their time.

 

I am not saying it's right, I am just saying the beer bar sees no benefit from showing you prices. All it would do it scare you off from buying something they likely overpriced.

BUT what they don't get is you wouldn't be likely to return after getting dupped the first time.

 

The best practice is to have price and serving size displayed on a chalk board or beer menu. Don't surprise your patrons, and they'll be happier.

 

Prime example of the right way to do it, Bailey's Taproom in Portland, OR:

 

Andy: Wow, this place is crowded.
David: Yeah, well, you know... it's nine dollar beer night.

 

I do find it irritating, generally I can estimate what the cost of certain beers will be but in some cases I'm way off. I generally ask about prices or just don't drink more than a couple if its busy. I agree that they should be listed.

 

I think people's opinions regarding price will differ depending on where people live. In DC, there's hardly such a thing as a 4 dollar craft pour (unless it's a really good happy hr). Your BMC is in the $4 range.

If the price is a concern, it may be lame but if you don't ask, it's just as much your fault as the bar for the "sticker shock" at the end of the night. Ignorance is not an excuse. I've tried.

Additionally, I think a good deal of people on BA could come relatively close to identifying the most and least expensive beer on a particular menu.

 

It's sleazy and disrespectful. Seems pretty simple to me, though you're welcome to run your business as you choose.

 

Blue palms did it right as well. Same type of digital board. Great bar. Glad to see them re-opening.

Cheers!

 

That's tough, especially if its the only place locally that offers good craft beer. Given that, all you can do is ask the price before you order which can get tiring on a busy night. Bars should have suggestion boxes, I bet some of them could get rather hilarious as the level of drunkeness elevates haha.

 

Agree, i wish he would get a less distracting avatar.

 

I couldn't agree more with both statements. It took paying $30 for a 22oz. bottle of Allagash Black to learn to ask for the cost of a beer if I'm unsure, or else suffer its consequences when its more than I bargained for.

 

It really pisses me off when people do this. I'd say it would be unprofessional, but it is a bar on the other hand. Just be happy you didn't buy any shots.

 

The places I regularly visit either have a color-coded 'tier' system (Engine15) or a flat $5 per pour, with the pour size of either 10oz or 16oz depending on ABV. (Green Room).

I will admit I have been a victim on this before though when we tried to branch out from the regular spots. Didn't really think to ask, but after 4 pints I had a $40+ bill. $10.75 for a pint of 60min. Needless to say we have never been back. Beer House in Jax, FL...avoid it.

 

I remember seeing an article on this board in a BA magazine not long ago. Love it. And I have to say...I'm impressed with the prices there!

 

Indeed it is.