Most underrated in Prospect Heights

alafairnadia

Laura B wrote: I'm sort of embarrassed to say this, as I've spent my fair share of time in bars, but: What's a buy back?

when the bar buys you a drink. some bars have set policies -- you buy two, and your third is free -- others are at the bartender/waitresses discretion.
sepia doesn't even hook you up with free fountain bevs (after alcohol purchases), which is pretty annoying.

daveb

alafairnadia wrote: [quote=Laura B]I'm sort of embarrassed to say this, as I've spent my fair share of time in bars, but: What's a buy back?

when the bar buys you a drink. some bars have set policies -- you buy two, and your third is free -- others are at the bartender/waitresses discretion.
sepia doesn't even hook you up with free fountain bevs (after alcohol purchases), which is pretty annoying.

Fountain bevs should be free. All the bars in Vermont have a free fountain policy to encourage the designated driver thing. However, there's no bar that I know of with buy-back policies. Shame.

steve austin

I think that Pataki made bar buy backs and all you can drink nights illegal a few years ago. There used to be a place on 3rd Avenue near NYU that had all you can drink beer for $3. Those were good times.

alafairnadia

Steve Austin wrote: I think that Pataki made bar buy backs and all you can drink nights illegal a few years ago. There used to be a place on 3rd Avenue near NYU that had all you can drink beer for $3. Those were good times.

there are still plenty of bars that have all-you-can-drink nights.
I've never seen a buy back policy posted or anything - I think it's more understood than articulated.

whyfi

I like to buy directly from the barkeep and I don't carry a tab- generous tipping the first couple of rounds usually increases the frequency of buybacks. If you do carry a tab, it sometimes works in your favor (if they're really busy, they're less likely to keep accurate count of the drinks, and when in doubt, they'll guess low), but results typically aren't as good...

whyfi

alafairnadia wrote: I've never seen a buy back policy posted or anything - I think it's more understood than articulated.

Yeah, usually it's just understood- I've only worked at one place where the manager pulled me aside and said, "you should be giving them a buyback every fourth round."

"what if they're pricks, and I don't like 'em?"

"give 'em a drink anyway."

:?

kate

I was at the after work bar I go to in the City and these guys I'd never seen there before were giving the bartender a hardtime about it being time for their free drink and wouldn't let up. They were complete douchebags so finally he game them their free drink and was like now can you leave... it's because of people who abuse the system that nice alcoholics like you and me get screwed.

bluedove

Steve Austin wrote: I think that Pataki made bar buy backs and all you can drink nights illegal a few years ago. There used to be a place on 3rd Avenue near NYU that had all you can drink beer for $3. Those were good times.

There's an all-you-can drink Chinese restaurant on the Upper West Side. Silk Road or something like that. Unlimited Franzia. I've never had such a hangover.

daveb

nybt wrote: [quote=alafairnadia]I've never seen a buy back policy posted or anything - I think it's more understood than articulated.

Yeah, usually it's just understood- I've only worked at one place where the manager pulled me aside and said, "you should be giving them a buyback every fourth round."

"what if they're pricks, and I don't like 'em?"

"give 'em a drink anyway."

:?

A bar in Williamsburg that i used to practically live at when I was in that neighborhood had a buy-back policy that was enforced by the owner. He'd chew out waitresses and bartenders if he caught them slipping on it.

mc

Steve Austin wrote: I think that Pataki made bar buy backs and all you can drink nights illegal a few years ago. There used to be a place on 3rd Avenue near NYU that had all you can drink beer for $3. Those were good times.

And our current mayor made it illegal to smoke in bars, but it still goes on-at least late at night.

I can't remember going to a bar in NYC where the third drink wasn't free. But then, I tend to frequent the same locales, or places where friends I'm with are regulars.

t-fal

i never drink enough these days to trigger the buyback, but back in the days when i could, i would always wake up looking and feeling like keith richards. which got overrated. fast. but my lushy friends seem to dig it. especially the ones from boston where free booze "just isn't done."

my underrated spots: kombit, the guyanese bakery down my block, delicacies, le gamin (i LOOOOVE crepes).

carnivore

t-fal wrote: ...the guyanese bakery down my block...

Where is that?! :shock: :shock: :shock:

dan.h

KateBklyn wrote: I was at the after work bar I go to in the City and these guys I'd never seen there before were giving the bartender a hardtime about it being time for their free drink and wouldn't let up. They were complete douchebags so finally he game them their free drink and was like now can you leave... it's because of people who abuse the system that nice alcoholics like you and me get screwed.

I see you met my friends from new jersey.

anonymous

i have been going to sepia since they opened and have gotten buybacks often. although i rarely drink three drinks. it is and should be at the discretion of the bartender. if a bar has a strict buyback policy for everyone...well that's a lot of alcohol passing for free. they treat their regulars well. they make strong drinks. present a comfortable, diverse atmosphere. respect their neighborhood. and gosh darn everyone is just lovely there. delissa rocks.
tips for getting free drinks...chat up your barkeep and tip well. throughout the city, buybacks are usually reserved for regulars.