Going to Griffin Claw Tonight...

I like this place. Definitely a cool summer hangout with the patio/firepits. Though the price is a little on the higher end it is Birmingham so its to be expected. The foods pretty good.

 

So were almost neighbors, I'm about 15 mins to the north. Sure everyone has a different "worth" level, I get that. I also found a thread where a bunch of Guy's were slamming Griffin Claw, the Clubhouse and Jason pretty hard for their above average pricing. It was like reading my post all over, Cept that one was when they released their first batch of BA bombers at $25 that tasted like butter. Now I see where the $9 is better than $12 comment came from...lols! I knew The Clubhouse and Griffin Claw were pricy bars and I go to the Clubhouse alot, I may sneer at a $12 draft, but I also enjoy that they bring in the big beers for me to enjoy and I give them my money. However bout two months ago I stopped at CK Diggs down the road and found 41 taps w/10 premium crafts, 20/12oz pours, considerably cheaper, plus they give me 8% Back on a "member" card. It was that day I started being more cost conscious, and I wouldn't call it cost conscious even, more like a realization that there are places that are not pushing the price envelope like I feel the Clubhouse and Griffin Claw are doing. I guess I'm paying for the atmosphere! Both Clubhouse and Ck's are 5 from my house so I bounce between the two now. The $5.50/ 11.5 oz drafts of Hopslam at CK's is what opened my eyes really. That would be a $9/10oz at the Clubhouse.

 

you'll never see a Bell's product in BFD again. After the Black Note incident, the distributor and Bell's said no more.

 

Please do tell

 

I knew there was an issue but I didn't know what it was. BM me if you think it shouldn't be said in public. Thanks Brian!

 

jason refuses to carry Bell's products, and boycotted them. well, they ended up with a barrel of Black Note for their 1 year anniversary. at a trade show i asked why i can't get black note and an account that boycotts bells get's it. well, BFD got the barrel from one of bell's top accounts that had an extra barrel. which is totally illegal. distributor decided they'd never distribute bell's to them again and bell's is fully aware of this but didn't want to piss off the other account so they took no action. BFD could have lost their class c license. this situation annoyed me. but it happens all the time at places.

 

it's common knowledge. i haven't been in clubhouse in over a year, because of pricing. i prefer their food and atmosphere over OEB. but damn, they are just so high.
all my info is DIRECTLY from 2 bell's reps and the distributor

 

This must have happened before I was a customer, can you fill me in or post a link to where was discussed? My friend Scott is the chef at the Clarkston Union and when he heard I was going to the Clubhouse, he replied " enjoy the beer but fuck that place and those people" I think this is what he was referring to. And I just realized no I've never seen a Bells product in there.....

 

You type faster than me thanks for the info!!

Explains a lot....

Very close to home has it' "worth" I'm a pretty small dood, I can only put a couple back so when I'm overpaying at least it's on a small scale....but if I add it all up?!?! Dammit, need more local competition.

 

Scott is a solid guy, i've met him before. he has some strong opinions on BFD and what they copy from other bars. I'm sure you know what i mean, lol.

 

my wife is a bigger beer nerd then I am, and it's always an easy 100 when we go in. i get tired of paying that much for a couple of beers and food. but i can see why people love it. i wish we could charge what they do. BTW, there's going to be a martini bar on the other side of griffin claw soon. it's beautiful. Norm took me and my wife through there friday night. i really enjoy GC and big rock, but i'm just not a fan of BFD.

 

Where do you work? And that's a good idea to draw other drinkers to the brewery, my wife does not do beer, but vodka is a go!

 

My brother & I have a bar in st Clair shores called BoatWorks. GC is making they're own vodka now. It's supposed to be excellent