What Taprooms Get Right!

That second cartoon? That's me before and after some "Personality Juice". My BossLady is amazed at how I can work 10 straight hours without a non-work related word, but, those couple beer the lats hour or so of work? Cannot shut me up.

Kinda like me here on BA, the days I don't drink, I rarely post. Days like today?.........

 

Excellent post. I was also a frequent pinball player on trips with my father or grandfather. The bar owner sounded awesome!

Some people mentioned the availability of non beer options (cider, wine, etc.). State laws may prevent breweries in your state from carrying alcoholic beverages outside of beer they brewed (even excluding their collaborations with other breweries not brewed at their brewery). Thankfully laws have been eliminating some of these hurdles lately, but states should strike a balance to let bars have rights breweries don't have for an even playing field (fundamental disadvantage is breweries can avoid three tier and earn a much higher margin).

My contributions to the thread:

1. Non Smoking. Not a factor for many at this point (since smoking isn't allowed indoors in many states including ILL), but I really appreciate the fact Nevada breweries don't allow smoking (I visit a few weeks each year).

2. Beer Conversations: I enjoy conversations with bartenders or customers at both bars and breweries, but I appreciate the fact that most brewery (and dedicated beer only bars) bartenders and customers are really passionate about discussing beer. I've learned a lot over the years, in terms of beers, brewery recommendations, and other industry news during my brewery visits.

3. No TVs / Sports: Not every brewery accommodates this, but I do appreciate not having to listen (I can ignore the visual TV) to some game broadcast at a brewery. I do agree with other posters music is fine, and sometimes great (like 3 Floyds - RIP), but should be kept at a level which allows conversation.

 

Many of you won't like this. Good thing we live with the rights to dislike or be offended by things with complete freedom.

I spent 23 years of my life raising children under 16 years of age. I don't want to see yours, think about yours, be reminded of yours, or most especially have to be considerate of yours when I am out trying to have a good time. I don't want to deal with your pet(s) either, and I don't want your pet smell on my body when I walk into my house for my dog to smell. And of course I care too much for my own dog to drag him out to a tap room as a living part of my wardrobe.to show off.

 

Well it's not a combo with both activities intermixed.

Just make sure that you're not wearing open-toed shoes for the axe throwing.

I don't know if beer is permitted during that activity, but being associated with the brewery, it must be okay.

 

I love how a thread specifically dedicated to discussing positive taproom experiences has become another opportunity to bash NEIPAs and bitch about kids in taprooms.

Never change BA.

 

I've read this one through, and I see both sides. I do like to go and be alone - but on the other hand being with family is nice too. My kiddo is almost 7, and the only time I've brought him along to a brewery is when it's an in-and-out picking up, or where there's a restaurant attached. I haven't sat down for a beer with him along. That said, there are some that I'd feel comfortable with him hanging around and some that I wouldn't.

100% on non-smoking inside. I've never been a smoker and I don't like the smell. |Allowing outside, I can deal with, as long as I'm upwind.

Also agreed most of the time - but you also have to read the room and the person. Don't monopolize a bartenders time if there's other customers there, or things s/he needs to do - let them lead the conversation once started, and if they need to go, let them. Ditto fellow barflys - some just want to drink, and read or whatever. Don't force them into conversation.

I don't mind TVs in the place, as long as the volume isn't up - most of the time - if the sports championship is on, that's fine, or something else similar. Same with music. I hate having to shout to make my order known. Again, exceptions if there's a live band going on.

 

Taprooms that have great beer is one thing I love. I also love taprooms that restrict to adult humans. I mentioned that instead, since we all love taprooms with great beer. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for posting . I used to sit in the smoking section of restaurants to be away from children . The taproom has become part of the family outing. There are few places guys can go alone . You can jog, go to the gym, and gamble at a casino.

 

I like when taprooms have a tap list that's on paper, like a menu. I'm not a fan of the screens. I can barely read what's on them. I like having a list I can hold and take my time with, instead of ordering a pour like I'm ordering at McDonald's.

Or, at the very least, make the list visible with LARGE writing on a chalkboard or white board. Hell, do both.

 

This is a strange statement, unlsss you mean "guys" in the non male-specific sense. Children are one thing, but plenty of women go to the gym and gamble. If you're yearning for men's clubs, I am sure there are some in your area even if they don't specifically exclude women, or at least bottle share meetups with mostly dudes.

 

Speaking just for myself, and only because the reply to whom you refer was a reply in agreement wiith a comment I made--- I do occasionally mean both men and women when speakng of "guys", not usually, though, and I greatly enjoy the company of both men and women when enjoying adult activities free from our children and pets.

 

Could not (respectfully) disagree more strongly. I watched the world cup last time around at a local brewery, and it was the lone beautiful moment where I actually got to interact with other soccer fans in South Jersey, South Korea upset Germany and it was absolutely fantastic. Then again I love when breweries have games and quizzo nights etc.

 

I like outdoor seating, especially when there's a park-like environment to hang out in. During colder weather it's cool if the place has fire rings or those standing propane heaters to keep warm.

 

Very little for me. I know I must be in the clear minority here, but I haven't been to a brewery taproom that I enjoyed as much as a decent bar. The only thing that I have ever really enjoyed about a taproom was the occasional opportunity to talk to the staff.

 

My favorite taproom (All-American) does not even have my favorite local beers (although they ARE good!). They made a very positive first impression when the owner remembered my name on the second visit, they very visibly support the military and first responders (all employees are vets) and support local charitable activities, they have an outdoor space, really good food, and excellent service, and multiple big screes showing a variety of entertainment/sports.. Plus, good wine for the Mrs (verrrrrry important).

 

I thought juiceadvocate.com was the Tree House thread? Or is that the Other Half thread? I always forget.

Regarding what tap rooms get right…

1. The ones that allow kids and dogs.

2. The ones that don’t allow kids and dogs.