Bringing Kids to Beer Bars

Breweries are much better places for them... at least when they have food and room to roam

 

First, I think some have already mentioned it, but it depends on state laws. Some bars require that all patrons be 21+ in certain states, or it may be enforced during certain hours of the day. If the facility doesn't abide by the rules than they can get fined and/or loose their liquor license. Second, some places may have it as a site policy that patrons not take their children to their establishment (also could be pending certain hours). As long as site policies are non-discriminatory than they should be followed.

My wife and I don't have children yet, but I personally don't think I would take my children to a bar, even if I was with my wife. As the OP mentioned the stroller incident, I would just not risk that. I'm only responsible for my behavior, not the behavior of others. Bars obviously have rules, but with mass amounts of alcohol involved sometimes people do stupid things, I just personally wouldn't risk that.

However I want to make it clear, I would not judge someone or accuse them of being a "bad" parent if I saw someone bring their child to a bar (pending they were being responsible of course). This is just my personal preference.

 

I used to go to a terrific Irish pub in Boston (Matt Murphy's, Brookline Village) for breakfast. One of the best things about that was that people would bring their kids in. It had a really wholesome vibe. That said, most bars are not kid-appropriate.

 

see. normal shit.. and i grew up in Brookline Village and remember MM well.

 

It's a double edged sword. I'd argue that if you're at the Yard House and can't tolerate reasonably well-behaved children, then you're in the wrong place. Anywhere with a kids menu and activity book is literally saying that they want children to eat there.

Also, sometimes people want to eat out as a family. You know, to spend time with their kids at a meal outside of the house. It's not always about the cost of a babysitter.

All of that said, I do generally agree that if your kid can't behave himself, then you of course shouldn't bring your kid to an environment where they will ruin other people's meals.

 

I say bring your kids to a bar. It's a good way to see if they can take a punch or are just cry babies!

 

FYI - Concerning my experience at the Yard House, this kid wasn't even reasonably well-behaved and the first outburst wasn't the last.
If people want to eat out as a family, and they know their kid cannot behave, there's always McDonalds. Besides, this is what the kids want to eat and you may actually be able to threaten them with not going if they don't behave.

 

For me it's kind of a gray area. I don't have kids yet, but I wouldn't have any problem taking them to lunch or dinner at a place like Redbones or the Publick House (I'm from Boston). I've seen kids (ranging from 14 mos to preteen) in both places, and occasionally chatted with their parents because of the close quarters at Redbones. Kids, especially tots, really don't belong in a place like Lord Hobo or Deep Ellum and I wouldn't take mine there. So it's really up to the parent to judge where the line is between beer-centric restaurants and food-serving bars.

 

I don't eat at McDonald's solo, and I don't eat at McDonald's as a family. You'd be surprised at what kids actually want to eat when you don't raise them on fast food.

 

I agree with what you are saying regarding the community aspects. To be fair, though, binge drinking is a problem with younger people in many countries in Europe. It's not just an American issue because of conservative uptight nature.

 

The family type of places like for instance the bar of Westmalle are perfectly fine or like beergardens, things like that they have playgrounds, kids dishes, etc. they are family places. Breweries also seem not bad usually.
Typical craft bars or just regular bars, no – I found those places boring as hell as a kid & I don’t really consider them kids places. Unless if your kids are like 13 / 14 years old in that case just get them a beer – this is no longer ok unfortunately in Belgium since like the 90’s. Used to be cool. 15 is like a borderline – how old are the kids anyway that we are talking about here? 1 yr old absolutely no – that is a bit way to young unless if it is a family type of place.

 

Touche. You are correct. I guess this puts this to bed but I think we do agree about unruly children in restaurants.

 

Usually people that bitch about kids being in pubs don't have kids. If the parents are irresponsible or it was a dive bar full of dirtbags, yeah kids don't belong. I've been taking mine to good beer bars for years. No problems. Go early evening and have a couple beers. If someone can't deal with that, well....

 

You let other people punch your kids? What's the problem - your punches aren't good enough?

 

it's true. but those are the kids that didnt' watch their dad drink pints at the local pub. my hypothesis isn't very serious though

 

Bag of oranges. They don't leave marks.

 

Is there a sign on the door of any bar that says "Kid friendly bar, no cursing, no sex talk, Rated G" ?[/quote]

Funny you should mention this. I was in a Rockbottom location [first time] when visiting Chicago. I sat down next to a woman who ordered a beer. The bartender was having a conversation with someone else at the bar and during the conversation, the word shit was used several times in normal conversation. When the woman got up, she politely stated that she would not frequent the place again because of the cursing and 'negative vibe" whatever that is. After she left, I asked the bartender if I was sitting at a bar or a kindergarden. I then got an idea that maybe a "G" rated bar would work, somewhere. Then I came to my senses.

 

I don't have kids, but found this thread interesting as I know I'll be asking myself this question sooner rather than later.

One of my favorite beer bars in Philadelphia, Resurrection Ale House, is situated directly across from the "Naval Square" (large newly constructed, hoity-toity condominium village filled with city doctors and their stay-at-home wives or husbands). In an attempt to appeal to this large, untapped market the bar holds a "Mommy & Me Happy Hour" every Monday from 1-3pm with $3 drafts... which is amazing considering the caliber beers they serve.

I guess if you're going to bill yourself as a "small neighborhood beer bistro," then regular events like this give you some sort of legitimacy.

From their website: Moms! Dads! Join us EVERY Monday from 1-3pm for a casual
gathering of the 'This is Mommy's Special Juice' crowd --
Bring your kid and any draft beer is just $3!

 

Soap works too - Ivory is the softest.