It’s a hot day. The sun is beaming down on you, and you’re tired after a hard day of work. There’s only one thing to do: head to your local for a cold, refreshing beverage with your buddies.
However, what truly tops off the end of a challenging day in the heat is knowing you’re drinking your favorite brew with your favorite people at your favorite establishment. Is where you’re drinking truly the best? Here are some tell-tale signs:
It’s Operating Legally
It seems obvious, but your favorite bar can already be one step ahead of some establishments by operating legally. This means that it holds the appropriate Texas liquor license or permit, and all servers and bartenders have current TABC certification.
You may also notice a ‘51%’ sign in the bar. This sign must be displayed in a prominent place if the bar makes more than 51% of its revenue from on-premise alcohol sales. Finally, legal bars will have strict hours of operation and intoxication laws. This means they can only serve alcohol within a window of time and can’t legally serve anyone who is visibly intoxicated.
The Beer is Fresh
There are few things as disheartening to a beer connoisseur as sitting down in a bar and being served stale beer. It tastes flat with a dull bitterness or even a wet cardboard-like flavor.
However, if every mouthful is crisp and balanced, and it’s served at the proper temperature, it indicates your beer is fresh. Many of the best bars prioritize clean, well-maintained draft lines and pay close attention to the most appropriate serving style for each beer type.
The Glassware is Right
Highly regarded drinking establishments ensure they serve beer in clean glasses, free of detergent or cleaning product residue or smell. They also use the most suitable beer glasses and pour the beer with a proper head of foam to enhance its smell and taste.
Photo by Josh Olalde on Unsplash
Most beers are served in American pint glasses, which are a universal glass holding 16 ounces. If you’re drinking light, carbonated beer, you might be served it in a tall, thin pilsner glass that holds 12 to 14 ounces. Beer mugs, IPA glasses, tulip glasses, and imperial pint glasses are also finding favor in bars. The most experienced bartenders choose the glass that’s best suited to your preferred beverage.
There is a Great Selection
While you might always opt for your favorite beer every time you visit your local bar, it’s nice to have options. The best drinking establishments have a thoughtful selection of beers to suit a range of tastes and preferences. Typically, local craft beers are offered alongside well-known favorites. There might also be rotating or seasonal taps to keep things interesting.
Staff Are Experienced
You won’t always know what you want when you walk into a bar. Sometimes, you want recommendations based on your preferences. Other times, you want something that pairs well with a meal.
Many highly regarded drinking establishments feature bartenders and servers who have learned a great deal about beer and can share this knowledge with their customers. You can feel confident receiving recommendations and asking questions about alcohol content, tasting notes, and food pairings.
It’s Clean
You don’t want your feet to stick to the floor while you’re being served beer at a bar. You also don’t want to feel as though you’re in a biohazard zone while using the restroom. Professional bars prioritize cleanliness just as much as quality beverages.
They routinely clean table surfaces, floors, and restrooms. They also pay attention to equipment, tap handles, and glasses. You may also notice that the exterior is tidy and welcoming.
Food Complements the Beer
You might be visiting a bar to enjoy your favorite beverages, but that doesn’t mean you can’t also satisfy your hunger while you’re there. You can also enjoy a comprehensive menu with dishes that pair well with the beer being served.
You may notice that the food is consistently high quality and that the ingredients are fresh. If the ingredients are sourced locally, even better. Sometimes, bar staff even suggest foods that pair well with your beer of choice.
Beer is Handled Correctly
Beer doesn’t stay fresh forever. How it’s handled and for how long can greatly affect its taste and quality. The best establishments understand this. They store and rotate kegs correctly and ensure their bottled and canned beers are kept in good condition. They also treat specialty beers with care, as per manufacturer recommendations. These processes ensure a consistently high-quality customer experience.
Whether you’re trying a new beer or sticking with an old favorite, you want a memorable drinking experience every time. You can improve your chances of that by drinking in establishments with a liquor license, experienced, knowledgeable bartenders, and clear processes for storage and serving.
