What makes a bar great?

[UDT89]

Well i finally found the backing to purchase a bar in my area.

We're going to be purchasing an already existing bar but we will definitely renovate. My partner is a contractor and wont have any problems getting a loan for us to do so after the purchase. Another benefit is we'll be doing everything at cost, so it works out well.

Anyway....

I've been working in bars for the last 4-5 years, and have pretty much seen it all. I was just curious to see what ATOT thinks makes a bar great.

I personally think it is the owner/bartenders/patrons that made a bar great, no so much the music or drink selection. Most places I liked was due to the fact I was surrounded by people that could talk to anyone about anything.

And I guess you could say the ambience has a part in making a bar great too.

What are your opinions?

 

[IronWing]

Non-smoking, no TV sets, music volume that doesn't blow your eardrums out, no drunks, non smoking, free sodas for the designated driver, good food at cheap prices (subsidized by the cost of drinks), and non-smoking, music that is dancible. Then again I might be getting old.

 

[andylawcc]

hot bartender. /thread

 

[UDT89]

Originally posted by: ironwing
Non-smoking, no TV sets, music volume that doesn't blow your eardrums out, no drunks, non smoking, free sodas for the designated driver, good food at cheap prices (subsidized by the cost of drinks), and non-smoking, music that is dancible. Then again I might be getting old.

really no tv's?

 

[laurenlex]

Pool table.

 

[TallBill]

I HATE smoking in public places. Its very annoying. I still dont understand why anyone smokes to begin with. Its straight up dumb.

 

[Baked]

The strippers.

 

[IronWing]

Originally posted by: UDT89

Originally posted by: ironwing
Non-smoking, no TV sets, music volume that doesn't blow your eardrums out, no drunks, non smoking, free sodas for the designated driver, good food at cheap prices (subsidized by the cost of drinks), and non-smoking, music that is dancible. Then again I might be getting old.

really no tv's?

TVs are annoying. If you're just going to get drunk and watch TV you might as well stay home and save a few bucks. Bars should be for socializing.

 

[UDT89]

Originally posted by: Baked
The strippers.

its not gonna be "that" kind of bar, though what happens between 2am-4am is anyone's guess

 

[beer]

depends on your audience. The best bars that i like feel very pretentious. The easiest way to do that it to enforce a minimal dresscode (NO tennis shoes, NO t-shirts, no shorts, etc)
Pretentious-feeling bars also don't have TVs. They're not plaacing you go to watch the game though

 

[UDT89]

Originally posted by: ironwing

Originally posted by: UDT89

Originally posted by: ironwing
Non-smoking, no TV sets, music volume that doesn't blow your eardrums out, no drunks, non smoking, free sodas for the designated driver, good food at cheap prices (subsidized by the cost of drinks), and non-smoking, music that is dancible. Then again I might be getting old.

really no tv's?

TVs are annoying. If you're just going to get drunk and watch TV you might as well stay home and save a few bucks. Bars should be for socializing.

I guess they are only good during sporting events. Football, world series, etc. I mean here in NY everyone goes out for these reasons when they occur

 

[rocadelpunk]

non smoking

patio for when season is right

good selection of beers (i.e. more expensive fuller beers...i.e. so you don't get drunkies buying lots and lots of beer)

Good music selection catering to your ...audience (no mainstream hip-hop or hip hop in general) ...note: I am a huge huge indie hiphop fan, but I don't want it in my bar.

Courteous staff

Cool atmosphere where I can talk to my friends, but still chill to a song

TV's in one part/like a downstairs or something/darts

Special program to signup...where if you drink like x amount of beers you get bigger/personalized glass/happy hour prices/whateva.

 

[Tylanner]

Golden Tee

 

[anxi80]

my criteria: tv's, *good* jukebox, pool table(s), good/easy parking, well-kept restrooms with a working door lock, sports page over the urinal/toilet, hot bartenders who have a good knowledge of mixed drinks

 

[andylawcc]

okay, time to be serious.


It really depends on your clientele. If you have a pretentious crowd, you want upscale modelling and high-end liquor. If your neighborhood is more layback, just a few good draft and a TV will do.

Designated smoking is a plus.

 

[hjo3]

Pinball!

 

[rocadelpunk]

Originally posted by: anxi80
my criteria: tv's, *good* jukebox, pool table(s), good/easy parking, well-kept restrooms with a working door lock, sports page over the urinal/toilet, hot bartenders who have a good knowledge of mixed drinks

ah yes

ample parking.

and a smart staff that will just naturally come around less when they know you've had more than..enough heh

 

[ucdbiendog]

definitely the ambience. drink quality/bartender quality are right up there also. i also tend to like places that arent dumps, so that means resorting to places that are slightly more expensive. having live music is always a plus, but not required

 

[Hubes]

plasma TVs, or at least HD widescreens, Good beer deals for football or other sporting events, Hot bartenders are a must, Music but nothing to loud so you can at least talk to the people you are with. Clean bathrooms. Cheap appetizers or some good wings.

 

[CyraKrin]

Originally posted by: laurenlex
Pool table.

two of em.. and good cues.. and a dartboard or two.. and non smoking.. or has that been mentioned?

 

[EvilYoda]

I think that it depends on what type of bar you want to have and who your audience is going to be...on one hand, a friendly atmosphere and cheap drinks is always good, but a great interior with high-quality selections and bartenders that REALLY know how to make drinks is too...

Any idea on what type of establishment you want to have? On any given day, I'd just as soon go to a comfortable hole-in-the-wall as I would the chic place down the street.

 

[anxi80]

Originally posted by: rocadelpunk

Originally posted by: anxi80
my criteria: tv's, *good* jukebox, pool table(s), good/easy parking, well-kept restrooms with a working door lock, sports page over the urinal/toilet, hot bartenders who have a good knowledge of mixed drinks

ah yes

ample parking.

yep, nothing pisses me off more than when im ready to go and then have to go back inside and have the bartender announce for so-and-so or the driver-of-a please move your car.

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: CyraKrin

Originally posted by: laurenlex
Pool table.

two of em.. and good cues..?

hehe... there are sooo many f-ed up cues ended up in bars.

 

[anxi80]

Originally posted by: CyraKrin

Originally posted by: laurenlex
Pool table.

two of em.. and good cues..

yep, and perhaps making the table open for say the early afternoon or on sundays helps.

 

[loup garou]

Depends, there are several different types of bars I like. The essentials for me are good, attentive bartenders, good beer selection, a reasonable amount of seating without interrupting the flow of people, good music (it can be loud if the equipment and acoustics are good--nothings worse than echoey, screechy music in a bar, invest in soundproofing), and if the area permits, a great patio (preferably with a second, small bar) with low, quiet music and minimal lighting. Happy hours and other specials are always welcome. For example, probably my favorite bars in the world are dba NYC and dba NOLA.

Please keep us updated on your progress. I've always wanted to open a bar myself, and plan to in New Orleans in the next 5 years. Where is this bar? I see you're in LI...I'd like to drop by if it's within a reasonable distance from the city!

EDIT: Damn, looks like dba's site is down.