RoaringBrewer
Well-Known Member
Wow, I typed a lot in this thread today and cannot continue or my white-collar job may be down the tube, haha.
Anyway, to summarize I say if its not broke, don't fix it... I've been to and immensely enjoyed many brewpubs. The ones I enjoy the most (and maybe its just a product of my environment) have a higher-class feel/atmosphere, but still casual enough (and affordable enough) for the blue-collar person on the weekend. I've gone there for work lunches in a suit and tie and not even had a beer. Then again I've gone on the weekends in jeans and a normal casual shirt and enjoyed my fair share of pints. Noone looked at me funny either time; I sat among many-a rauckus college students and/or blue collar folk, as well as children and even the elderly and everyone seemed to have a great time. I think you need to aim there even if it seems like "following the leader" as far as their brewpub 'methodology' goes.
I can almost guarentee one thing. Very few people (some of us might!) want to drink some unknown beers at a hole-in-the-wall type place [i.e. crappy atmosphere]. You need a good atmosphere for all ages [this is the least limiting factor though] and [more importantly] lifestyles.
Anyway, to summarize I say if its not broke, don't fix it... I've been to and immensely enjoyed many brewpubs. The ones I enjoy the most (and maybe its just a product of my environment) have a higher-class feel/atmosphere, but still casual enough (and affordable enough) for the blue-collar person on the weekend. I've gone there for work lunches in a suit and tie and not even had a beer. Then again I've gone on the weekends in jeans and a normal casual shirt and enjoyed my fair share of pints. Noone looked at me funny either time; I sat among many-a rauckus college students and/or blue collar folk, as well as children and even the elderly and everyone seemed to have a great time. I think you need to aim there even if it seems like "following the leader" as far as their brewpub 'methodology' goes.
I can almost guarentee one thing. Very few people (some of us might!) want to drink some unknown beers at a hole-in-the-wall type place [i.e. crappy atmosphere]. You need a good atmosphere for all ages [this is the least limiting factor though] and [more importantly] lifestyles.