What's up with the prices at Garwoods?

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by Lucy Goose

As we all know we have limited places to go around the lake, especially on our northern side. I like Garwoods but the last two times we went in for just a cocktail I couldn't believe the prices. We had two beers. A bottle of Miller Lite and a draft. Which came to a total of $11. I looked at the prices on the menu which seem very high as well. Guess we won't be going in anymore. Just not worth it to pay that kind of money.

What does everyone else think?

LG

$11 for two beers $5.50 each is very expensive considering their cost for it. That is more in line with a single shot top shelf drink.
You think that is bad have you noticed how much gas has gone up in the last 2 weeks. Last time I filled up it was 3.25 this week it was $3.63 in Concord and even though I was on reserve and running on fumes I elected to try for and make it to Sam's Club where it was still $3.50 for 87.
In this economy we almost never go out to eat anymore just because it isn't worth spending the extra money. I'd rather spend it on gas for my sleds or bank it.

[Acrossamerica]

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

$11 for two beers $5.50 each is very expensive considering their cost for it. That is more in line with a single shot top shelf drink.
You think that is bad have you noticed how much gas has gone up in the last 2 weeks. Last time I filled up it was 3.25 this week it was $3.63 in Concord and even though I was on reserve and running on fumes I elected to try for and make it to Sam's Club where it was still $3.50 for 87.
In this economy we almost never go out to eat anymore just because it isn't worth spending the extra money. I'd rather spend it on gas for my sleds or bank it.

I understand the Mickies D's is looking to put in a shot and a beer bar at locations in areas that have trouble paying market prices for food and beverages. Patience they will be able to serve you shortly.

In the mean time those other places that are paying $3.79 per gallon for heating oil, more for electricity, more for delivery of produce and beverages because gas is now close to $4 a gallon and coping with other rising costs will have to make it withour your business.

[Heaven]

My feeling is that you are paying for location. And the renovation is nice.

[BrownstoneNorth]

Originally Posted by Heaven

My feeling is that you are paying for location. And the renovation is nice.

Right, you should expect to pay more for a couple of beers at a restaurant like Garwoods than a pizza place or bar because their costs are so much higher. You're paying for their property taxes, ambiance, waitstaff, etc.

The beer prices at our favorite neighborhood restaurant in the Washington DC suburbs are $5.30-6.85. It's a restaurant comparable to Garwoods...but no Lake. :-)

[NoBozo]

Originally Posted by Acrossamerica

I understand the Mickies D's is looking to put in a shot and a beer bar at locations in areas that have trouble paying market prices for food and beverages. Patience they will be able to serve you shortly.

In the mean time those other places that are paying $3.79 per gallon for heating oil, more for electricity, more for delivery of produce and beverages because gas is now close to $4 a gallon and coping with other rising costs will have to make it withour your business.

I am paying $4.24 gal in Rhode island for heating oil. Last bill was over $600 bucks. We are now keeping the thermostat at 66 F. NB

[NoBozo]

BTW: The last time we went to GarWoods was right after the renovation...three years ago..?? The prices were through the roof. Never went back. We had always liked the place. NB

[nightrider]

Originally Posted by NoBozo

I am paying $4.24 gal in Rhode island for heating oil. Last bill was over $600 bucks. We are now keeping the thermostat at 66 F. NB

Why so high?

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by Acrossamerica

I understand the Mickies D's is looking to put in a shot and a beer bar at locations in areas that have trouble paying market prices for food and beverages. Patience they will be able to serve you shortly.

In the mean time those other places that are paying $3.79 per gallon for heating oil, more for electricity, more for delivery of produce and beverages because gas is now close to $4 a gallon and coping with other rising costs will have to make it withour your business.

Yup, rough world we live in. Cost to do business goes up, you pass it on, business goes down because customers can't afford to pay the prices, you close down, someone else comes along and the cycle starts all over again.
Believe me I've been playing the game for years. With increased gas prices I'm eating it and I'm making less but I'm making money, a lot more then I would if I raised my prices and didn't get the work.
Just ask those boneheads that priced Burger King out of their lease what 7 or 8 years ago before Watermark finally bought the property. I wonder how much they paid out of pocket for all those years in taxes on that lakefront property because they were GREEDY.
Oh and whenever I go to Micky D's I always order off the dollar menu. That is another place that has gotten way out of control with prices yet people just keep going there and paying what $7-$10 for artery clogging junk.

[wifi]

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

....whenever I go to Micky D's I always order off the dollar menu....

I've noticed the dollar menu is no longer posted, at the McDs I frequent. You have to remember/hope for what is on that menu now.

[HellRaZoR004]

I think they've done away with the dollar menu....it's now the value menu.

[SAB1]

Garwoods has pretty much always been overpriced for sub par food. Do yourself a favor and walk toward back bay to the Mill Street meat market. You won't be disappointed. A little more than you may pay at the grocery store but the steak is very good and you get to cook it how you like it.

[surfnsnow]

elections have consequences

[P-3 Guy]

Originally Posted by surfnsnow

elections have consequences

Interesting. I didn't realize that Garwoods renovated because of an election.

[sa meredith]

Originally Posted by Acrossamerica

I understand the Mickies D's is looking to put in a shot and a beer bar at locations in areas that have trouble paying market prices for food and beverages. Patience they will be able to serve you shortly.

In the mean time those other places that are paying $3.79 per gallon for heating oil, more for electricity, more for delivery of produce and beverages because gas is now close to $4 a gallon and coping with other rising costs will have to make it withour your business.

Really? Come on now...that's not fair. No matter how you slice it, $11 for 2 domestic beers is a bit strong. I'm sure they know what the the winter market will bear...it's their business to know that. But why take a sarcastic poke at the poster?
And who is to say what someone can or cannot afford? That is not the issue at all. They might be able to affort $100 for a beer. It does not make it a good price.

[BernerGuy]

Originally Posted by sa meredith

Really? Come on now...that's not fair. No matter how you slice it, $11 for 2 domestic beers is a bit strong. I'm sure they know what the the winter market will bear...it's their business to know that. But why take a sarcastic poke at the poster?
And who is to say what someone can or cannot afford? That is not the issue at all. They might be able to afford $100 for a beer. It does not make it a good price.

Who ever said it was two domestics? The original post stated a Miller Lite and a draft. The draft could have been a Guinness or a Stella Artois. Even if it were a domestic, it could have been a Boulevard Tank 7 which costs a restaurant $89 for a 1/6 barrel (just over 5 gallons). Easily can be sold for $8 for 12 ounces. Another question is was the draft 12, 16, or 20 ounces. This also changes the price. I don't know what Garwoods has for beer or what it pays for rent, but that also factors into price. In no way am I defending high beer prices, but we need all the facts before jumping on Garwoods. I really enjoy the place, but I don't drink alcohol.

[jrc]

We don't have to bring politics (Rusty) or religion (Gillygirl) into it, and don't get me started on the boat show venue.

[gillygirl]

Originally Posted by jrc

We don't have to bring politics (Rusty) or religion (Gillygirl) into it, and don't get me started on the boat show venue.

Morals does not equal religion.

[WakeboardMom]

Originally Posted by BernerGuy

Who ever said it was two domestics? The original post stated a Miller Lite and a draft. The draft could have been a Guinness or a Stella Artois. Even if it were a domestic, it could have been a Boulevard Tank 7 which costs a restaurant $89 for a 1/6 barrel (just over 5 gallons). Easily can be sold for $8 for 12 ounces. Another question is was the draft 12, 16, or 20 ounces. This also changes the price. I don't know what Garwoods has for beer or what it pays for rent, but that also factors into price. In no way am I defending high beer prices, but we need all the facts before jumping on Garwoods. I really enjoy the place, but I don't drink alcohol.

And...we all have choices. The OP used the term "ripped off," which is a bit harsh. She had been there previously, so knew that it wasn't the same price for beer as your local VFW.

Still waiting to hear where one can enjoy a beer lakeside retaurant (not your cottage or mine ; ) for less...anyone? Bueller?

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by WakeboardMom

And...we all have choices. The OP used the term "ripped off," which is a bit harsh. She had been there previously, so knew that it wasn't the same price for beer as your local VFW.

Not to mention that the beer prices are usually on the menu, and you could always opt for a soda instead.

The restaurant threads are good places to point out the general ambiance and cost of various places. I'll be honest, for me, a $5.50 beer wouldn't warrant much after-the-fact mention. It might cause me to only have 8 beers instead of my usual 13 with dinner, but $4-$6 seems like the going rate for a beer in most places.

If you're price-conscious you can certainly scope out the lowest possible price. But that, to me, is like driving 8 miles and 20 minutes out of your way to save 5 cents/gallon on a tank of gas... I (thankfully) have better things to worry about.

[Winnisquamguy]

Originally Posted by WakeboardMom

Still waiting to hear where one can enjoy a beer lakeside retaurant (not your cottage or mine ; ) for less...anyone? Bueller?

Only place would be Margate maybe or when the Winnie doesn't go out on the weekends during bike week.

[BroadHopper]

I can think of T'bones, Lakeside, and Lyons Den. They have a bars that overlook the lake.

During the season the NASWA, Town Docks, Margate and new this season AKWA Soleil Marina, has bars almost on the water. NASWA will allow you to cool off in the water with a brew or mix drink.

I am enjoying a drink at The Cove, at Deerfield Beach, FL.

[WakeboardMom]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I can think of T'bones, Lakeside, and Lyons Den. They have a bars that overlook the lake.

During the season the NASWA, Town Docks, Margate and new this season AKWA Soleil Marina, has bars almost on the water. NASWA will allow you to cool off in the water with a brew or mix drink.

I am enjoying a drink at The Cove, at Deerfield Beach, FL.

The places that you mentioned all serve beer for less than $5? That's probably why you didn't mention Lago or the new bar at the Lakehouse...?

[SIKSUKR]

I think somebody needs a stiff one rather than a beer.

[WakeboardMom]

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

I think somebody needs a stiff one rather than a beer.

Are you buying?

(I refrained from posting the line from "The Office" that fits here...!)

[NoBozo]

I was reluctant to post this little trick that I have used in the past. FLL will Like this. It's called Yankee Ingenuity. When going to a wedding there is usually a Bar..sometimes OPEN..sometimes you have to pay. Either way the drinks are watered down. I always Pay for the first drink. It's the RIGHT thing to do.

After that, I have a (Grenade Sized) Poland Springs water bottle with a pre-mixed Martini.. with which i can refill my glass. Just thinking ahead.. NB

[BroadHopper]

NB, That was an old trick I learn from my college days. Those little nips you find at the liquor store also comes in handy!

I would find date with a BIG hand bag!

[SIKSUKR]

I liked using a Camelback but I'm not sure that would look too cool with my suit.