View Full Version : Places to avoid
chazwicke
11-12-2003, 12:34 PM
I saw this topic on another board. What are features or signals of an establishment that tell you right away this place should be avoided. A couple we have touched on in different threads like frosted mugs, or too loud music. What about TV s or Video games? Smoking vs non smoking. What about decore? Like ferns and brass? Fake Irish pubs? What about crowds or seating space? What is the biggest turn off when you walk into a new place? I, myself, Like quite frendly places where you can hold a conversation and not have to shout. And If they have a large beer selection then thats a huge plus!
chazwicke
11-12-2003, 12:36 PM
Quiet, friendly. I forgot to proof that!
paul84043
11-12-2003, 12:47 PM
Hmm,
My list of requirements would have to be,
1) No dead bodies in the entryway.
2) Comfortabe noise level. A certain amount of background noise is good so that you can still carry on a private conversation, but I hate the really loud music, if I want that, I'll go to a concert.
3) TV's...one or two is fine, one for every other person in the place is too many. And I hate it when you can't tell if the music being played corresponds to a video on the TV screen, or if it's just random noise.
I like smaller places, they have a more inviting personal feel to them. The bigger the place, the more it feels like a nightclub and not a pub.
hops99
11-12-2003, 01:06 PM
Here's what I try and avoid:
1) Excessive smoke. A place doesn't have to be smoke-free for me to enjoy it, but if there's alot of smoking going on, there should be an excellent ventilation system. Nothing is worse to me than sitting in a bar or pub and TASTING smoke, when you should be tasting beer. Ugh!
2) I agree with Paul - a TV here or there isn't a big deal, but I don't want 15 big screen televisions strewn around the place.
3) I also agree - I don't want my pub to be a library, or worse yet, a morgue, but I don't want it to sound like I'm on the runway at Detroit Metro, either. To me, you shouldn't ever notice the noise in a pub - not too loud, not too light.
4) A carefully chosen, and cared for, selection of beer. I don't need 100 brews on tap to be happy. Select about 15-20 good ones, clean the lines, and continually rotate those you have on tap.
5) Friendly and efficient service. Cancel out evrything else if you don't have attentive and competent staff.
definites:
no quality beer on tap (i.e. at least ONE beer not from a macro that I LIKE).
staff that is not kind, courteous, nor helpful
lots of TVs
juker playing at 11 when football game is on (or ESPN countdown).
smoke so thick you could cut it with a butter knife
bar area smells like someone threw up
bathroom has someone throwing up
floor that causes your feet to stick so much you lose your shoe (Kollege Klub in Madison?).
patrons who got of of jail as early as 10 minutes ago
kindas:
plastic cups
chilled glasses
people-me-ratio too high
old guy to college kid ratio too high
newportstorm
11-12-2003, 03:07 PM
Turn offs:
Smoke - I tolerate it, but the bans in NYC & Boston are a step in the right direction. I won't rant, but keep your poison to yourself (in your car, in your house, on the sidewalk). A good smoke-eater can help dramatically.
Bathrooms - not enough pissers or the long line that result are awful. I'd rather not buy a pint and immediately get in line for the toilet, thank you.
Noise - everyone is here to have a good time (I assume). Good times sometimes get loud. But for chrissake, employ some sort of soundproofing or acoustic set-up, and hold the screaming, inaudible-lyric hack bands for late-night.
Space - crowds are good for business and good business means continued beer flow. But I don't want to play "Beer Twister" where you grab your pint and stand on the blue circle for the rest of the night - that is, until you have to get in line for the pisser;)
Jukebox - I hate 'em for the most part. I don't want to listen to the same song from the Stone's, Steve Miller, Aerosmith or anyone else all night. And techno (though appealing at times) does not belong in a pub. I'd rather listen to "Muzak" and talk to my buds.
Plastic cups/frozen mugs - I can always ask for a room temp. glass, but why plastic? Buy more glasses or buy/hire a better dishwasher to keep up with the crowd. If the place is that busy, business is good and profits are being made. Re-invest by buying more glasses (even quality acrylic) - NO PLASTIC! I've been tempted to always carry my own pint glass in my coat.
These are just a few helpful hints for bar/pub/tavern owners. Cheers!
brewmonkey
11-12-2003, 03:22 PM
Originally posted by paul84043
Hmm,
My list of requirements would have to be,
1) No dead bodies in the entryway.
So if the body is off to the side.....:D
As far as recent jailbirds go
The pub I was brewing at sits about 1 mile from a major federal penitentiary and about 4 miles from a major state penitentiary. Many a morning while brewing at 0'dark thirty they would wander in wanting to know when we would be open for business.
Fast_Eddy
11-12-2003, 03:27 PM
Originally posted by brewmonkey
So if the body is off to the side.....
As far as recent jailbirds go
The pub I was brewing at sits about 1 mile from a major federal penitentiary and about 4 miles from a major state penitentiary. Many a morning while brewing at 0'dark thirty they would wander in wanting to know when we would be open for business.
Hehe -- that sheds a lot of light on your original avatar ;)
brewmonkey
11-12-2003, 03:31 PM
Originally posted by Fast_Eddy
Hehe -- that sheds a lot of light on your original avatar ;)
During the summer I would get into the brewery about 0200 so I could beat the summer heat (brewery was not airconditioned). I would have to go in and out of the building to get to the malt house. While the brewery is not in a bad section, a high volume largely cash business is a prime target, so if I was in early like that 99.9% of the time I was armed with my trusty old Glock (in .40 S&W).
threecb
11-12-2003, 04:15 PM
tell-tale sign:
Giant Coors Light banner on the side of building proclaiming:
KARAOKE!
EVERY NIGHT!
chazwicke
11-12-2003, 04:36 PM
Originally posted by b3s
definites:
no quality beer on tap (i.e. at least ONE beer not from a macro that I LIKE).
staff that is not kind, courteous, nor helpful
lots of TVs
juker playing at 11 when football game is on (or ESPN countdown).
smoke so thick you could cut it with a butter knife
bar area smells like someone threw up
bathroom has someone throwing up
floor that causes your feet to stick so much you lose your shoe (Kollege Klub in Madison?).
patrons who got of of jail as early as 10 minutes ago
kindas:
plastic cups
chilled glasses
people-me-ratio too high
old guy to college kid ratio too high
Sounds Like some places I've been to in New Orleans
very much like the places i went to in college...and one of the places i go to now (i don't drink beer there, and i would not use the word pub!).
Wilson
11-12-2003, 06:34 PM
Originally posted by chazwicke
Sounds Like some places I've been to in New Orleans
Stay away from most of the French Quarter if you want good beer or dont like puke (except for the nicer restaurants). Its a tourist trap. Go to the Bulldog on St. Charles instead.
I just tend to stay away from the "thump-thump-thump mega-danceplex's." Except when I'm already drunk. Just give me a dark, semi-quiet bar, with nice patrons and I'm happy, but not one that is too up-ity. I still like to get a little loud sometimes. :D
Originally posted by Wilson
Stay away from most of the French Quarter if you want good beer or dont like puke (except for the nicer restaurants). Its a tourist trap.
why, better puke there?
sorry, couldn't resist! the bourbon street places all pretty much suck as pubs, imho...that said, i haven't been there in 16 years.
wortchillergoal
11-12-2003, 07:15 PM
I won't go in any place that has a cover. I will try just about any place. I will leave fast if plastic cups or too loud music is present. As for the body, my father is an undertaker and I have hauled a couple in my day. Just tell me where you want it and I will deliever. I might linger in a poor location if some young women were offering some gratuitous nudity.
not exactly beer related, but....
any place that shakes martinis
any place that gives me a cold glass of gin when i order a martini
any place where i have to instruct the bartender on how to mix the big three (martini, old fashioned, and manhattan)
when ordering a daquiri you get a glass of ice cream
i will walk out of a place like that...no ifs ands or buts...now, if they have good beer, i'll be back, but i certainly won't ask for a cocktail again!
brewmonkey
11-12-2003, 08:18 PM
I don't have that problem. I don't like distilled spirits for the most part.
6 years being stationed within driving distance of TJ.........
one tequila, two tequila, three tequila floor!
jlttb
11-12-2003, 11:14 PM
One night two years ago, my wife and I took a detour from our usual haunts and stopped in at a dance club in town for a radio-station-sponsored party. The bouncers not only looked at our ids, they scanned both our drivers' licenses into their computer! My club savvy friends tell me this is common, but I felt violated. Plus the place sucked. And now they send my wife free passes on her birthday!
fidcastro
11-13-2003, 01:34 AM
Any place that is 10 feet by 10 feet and has a band setting up in the corner.
chazwicke
11-13-2003, 09:28 AM
Originally posted by jlttb
One night two years ago, my wife and I took a detour from our usual haunts and stopped in at a dance club in town for a radio-station-sponsored party. The bouncers not only looked at our ids, they scanned both our drivers' licenses into their computer! My club savvy friends tell me this is common, but I felt violated. Plus the place sucked. And now they send my wife free passes on her birthday!
I do not think I would like that either. Wonder what other lists you are on now as a result.
Theakston
11-13-2003, 09:30 AM
QUOTE]Originally posted by fidcastro
Any place that is 10 feet by 10 feet and has a band setting up in the corner. [/QUOTE]
but that would rule out one of my favourites in Arlington - the Galaxy Hut. Great beer selection and sometimes the bands are pretty good!
as reviewes in Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?node=entertainment/profile&id=795975&typeId=5)
I avoid places that:
Smell like hundreds of years of smoke, but the place is empty.
Have $0.25 Bottle night (until somebody uses the bathroom)
That serve a terrible drink called elk creek mixed of orange juice and other spirits. They put it in pitchers full of ice and charge $7.00.
I might have gotten a bit specefic. :)
chazwicke
11-13-2003, 09:41 AM
Originally posted by Theakston
QUOTE]Originally posted by fidcastro
Any place that is 10 feet by 10 feet and has a band setting up in the corner.
but that would rule out one of my favourites in Arlington - the Galaxy Hut. Great beer selection and sometimes the bands are pretty good! [/QUOTE]
Been a while since I was in there. Actually, It's been a while since I went to any of the Arlington bars or restraunts. Cafe Dilat and Queen Bee have excellent Viet Namese food. How about the Rock Bottom Location? It's been a couple years since I went there. And the best one, now long gone was Blue N Gold.
Theakston
11-13-2003, 09:49 AM
[ How about the Rock Bottom Location? It's been a couple years since I went there. And the best one, now long gone was Blue N Gold. [/B][/QUOTE]
Rock Bottom is still pretty good. I was friends with the brewer but he has since moved on. The new brewer in not as good (or as much fun) They occasionally have beer tasting dinners - with other beers as well as their own. Of course now they have that huge Baileys place to compete with (in the same mall).
Yes I too mourn the passing of Blue and Gold - 3 blocks form my house, excellent beer and a great curry place across the street.
BluesHarp
11-13-2003, 06:52 PM
Originally posted by fidcastro
Any place that is 10 feet by 10 feet and has a band setting up in the corner.
...unless I see a guy with a beat-up Stratocaster, a slide on his finger, and a guy with a harp...then I pray for one good beer!! :D
davesarman
11-16-2003, 08:22 AM
When I try a new place, I'll typically sit at the bar instead of a booth or a table and try and observe a few things.
First, the tap lineup. If they have a lot of tap handles, say more than a dozen, but they are all crap tap macros, that's a warning. I recently went into a new Buffalo Wild Wings that opened up nearby recently (not expecting much knowing it's a sports bar) and they had 20 taps. 16 of them I would call crap taps. (Why do you need taps for Bud, Bud Light, Mich, Mich Golden, Mich Ultra, Coors, Coors lite, et al?) The 4 non-crap taps were Summit, Guiness, Bass and Pilsner Urquel.
Second, what they pour. In the couple hours I was there watching the Minnesota-Wisconsin foot ball game, I was the ONLY person that didn't order a crap tap and the place was packed.
Third, how they serve. I ordered a Bass and the guy asks if I want a large. Not "what size", or "pint glass or a the big one", but he just assumed I wanted the glass the size of an oil tanker everyone else was drinking their Lites in. When I said a pint glass (16 oz is a small beer) he gave me a look that said, you poor pathetic wuss! Then he proceeds to pull a glass from the depths of the freezer that was just short of zero degrees Kelvin. He pours the Bass in it, sets it in front of me and there are chunks of ice coming up from the insides of the glass. Not only that, he poured me a "TV beer". So full that the beer and foam were spilling over the sides and all over the bar in front of me and he made no effort to clean it up. I refused the beer and said a non chilled glass, please. He gave me a look like dogs get when they hear a strange sound, you know where they tilt their head? He obliged me, but I got the feeling no one had ever made that request before. The guy sitting next to me goes "Oh, you like REAL beer!" (as he's drinking a tank of Foster's) I said "absolutely".
Needless to say, I will not be frequenting that place again. Sadly, I know this experince is not unique among posters to this forum. But if we keep up the good fight, we'll continue to make progress in the name of good beer!
i agree, davesarman, the way a draught is poured is important as well. i always watch how my draught is poured. do they pour perfectly vertical, pour out a bunch of foam, then pour some more? is there beer all over my glass? is the glass chilled (i hate that)? how much of a head is on the beer (don't hand me a glass of foam)?
chazwicke
11-16-2003, 03:04 PM
The pour is very important. Another reason I love English pubs. Most take it seriously.
The Route 66 Brewery at Union Station in St. Louis. My wife and I ate there while killing time before meeting a train.
First things first: the hostess apologized for the smell of brewing beer as we walked in. This sets the tone for our visit.
The menu was a bit limited and seemed to cater to the young urban professionals who work downtown and commute in from the suburbs.
The food was good, but the portions were small. Perhaps I'm too accustomed to Jaybird's cheesesteaks in Fairbanks, but the cheesesteak I had Saturday was about half the size I had expected.
My wife liked the chef salad. It was mostly filler, though. Imagine so many croutons that one has to search for lettuce.
The food was WAY over-priced. Again, it may be my roots and rearing, but I do not typically pay $8.95 for a 6 inch sandwich.
The service was fair, though prompt, but the server (waitress?) was hard to understand due to the spikes that had been shoved through her tongue and lip. Nice.
The atmosphere was more like that of a sports bar than my vision of a brew pub. Lots of televisions tuned to various college games and plenty of shouting at the players.
The beers...Where to begin? There were only three on tap, all their own brews, and those were the Great Plains Porter, the River City Red, and their Continental Wheat Ale.
The wheat ale was so crisp that I thought someone must have poured battery acid in the glass. I first thought it must be my tongue, so I sipped some more. It did not improve. The taste was fully overpowered by the crispness. It looked like a wheat beer, but...
The porter looked like a brown ale and tasted too smoky. They had attempted to sweeten the beer with honey and, for my tastes, failed. I'd much rather have a Sierra Nevada porter.
I am unable to comment on the Red, as we were pressed for time and I was not able to sample it. This may have been a good thing...
We will not be returning.
Originally posted by ron
The service was fair, though prompt, but the server (waitress?) was hard to understand due to the spikes that had been shoved through her tongue and lip. Nice.
yeah, i tend to walk out when i see that! when the server looks like a OSHA poster-child for nailgun safety, i look for the nearest exit!
freddiefreelanc
11-25-2003, 12:28 PM
Originally posted by fidcastro
Any place that is 10 feet by 10 feet and has a band setting up in the corner.
There should be a list of exceptions to this rule. I nominate the Old Town Pub in Pasadena be added to the Galaxy Hut in Arlington. Back when it was called the Loch Ness Monster Pub they used to have a bagpiper, in full kilts with Highland pipes, occasionally on the stage... and the place didn't empty out!
chazwicke
11-25-2003, 12:36 PM
Welcome Freddie. I've been told I sing like a bagpipe with a hole in it. Hhhmmmmm........ Maybe I got a new career in pasadena.
Yeah, the Blue Marlin in Fairbanks is a great pub, with two areas for bands. They feature a variety of artists; I even saw a jug band there once.
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