# Would you buy a Cocktail at a restaurant like Outback? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 27, 2015, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042 "2015-01-27T19:37:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042/1 "2015-01-27T19:37:15Z")
We went to Outback yesterday evening. Seeing the bar made us wonder if anyone actually orders cocktails? We don’t associate a place like Outback with drinking booze. Maybe because we go so early. Often right after work around 5:30 and there’s still traffic when we drive home. It would be like ordering a cocktail at Pizza Hut or Ryans. Just a bit odd. I feel the same way about Applebees. Why have a bar? Is their any demand for it? Maybe these places have a different atmosphere later at night? I guess we’re outing ourselves. We don’t visit bars. 😛 I’ve ordered maybe ten cocktails in my entire life. That it was at computer conferences with colleagues at the hotel’s bar. I much prefer a cold beer. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042/2 "2015-01-27T19:42:07Z")
I see people drinking at those kinds of places all the time. In fact, they’re usually known for their fancy drinks, much more so than ‘hole in the wall’ bars. Also, I don’t think you can compare ordering cocktails at a Pizza Hut to ordering cocktails at Outback or Applebees which are both “bar and grill” type restaurants. It’s true, I don’t think people are as likely to go to Outback/Applebees to grab a drink before a movie. They’d probably go to a bar for that. But it’s pretty common to sit at the bar while you wait for your table or sit at the bar and guzzle down drinks while you’re eating. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042/3 "2015-01-27T19:48:30Z")
Why not a restaurant? If the used to advertise cocktails at [Marineland](http://keanespics.com/ThemeParks/SW/ML.jpg), any place should be fair game. Marineland?? Did you need a drink to calm down after seeing the fish? Or was it just something to keep the old man occupied while the wife and kid took in the shows? ---
**Author:** ![Moonlitherial](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Moonlitherial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonlitherial)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042/4 "2015-01-27T19:48:52Z")
I don’t drink beer, I only started drinking wine a couple years ago so yeah, cocktails for everyone! ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042/5 "2015-01-27T19:50:50Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Why have a bar? Is their any demand for it? No. There’s no demand at all. That’s why they have them. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042/6 "2015-01-27T19:52:40Z")
I don’t know that I’d order a fancy drink necessarily, but if I’m having a steak, a whiskey or a gin & tonic would be nice. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042/7 "2015-01-27T19:52:42Z")
I don’t order drink in bars; too expensive. Better to get what you need and drink it at home. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042/8 "2015-01-27T19:55:10Z")
I think you hit on something when you mentioned you don’t go to bars very often. Not being snarky or anything but your question strikes me a bit odd. 5:30 is too early for cocktails? ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042/9 "2015-01-27T19:56:45Z")
I’ve been to several Applebees where people are drinking heavily. (at one, they even had karaoke going in the bar.) I don’t see any reason Outback would be any different. I’m puzzled by the OP’s question. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042/10 "2015-01-27T20:00:09Z")
Black Angus used to have the “Square Cow Fun Bar” (remember those?), so not much of a leap to think Ouback would offer such services. I am not sure if it would be a destination, or as \*\*Joey P \*\*stated, it is more of a place to await your table. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042/11 "2015-01-27T20:01:11Z")
Cocktails isn’t something our family ever orders. It doesn’t even occur to us. We have nothing against it. It just seems odd at casual dining. We’re sweet tea and coffee consumers. LOL I used to order beer at Pizza Hut and Pizza Inn. Gave that up thirty years ago after the DUI laws got so tough. Its not worth the risk. ---
**Author:** ![BurnMeUp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@BurnMeUp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BurnMeUp)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042/12 "2015-01-27T20:02:52Z")
In my experience it’s a MUST to drink a cocktail when eating at Applebees or Outback. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042/13 "2015-01-27T20:09:03Z")
I don’t eat fish, why do they serve it at restaurants? ---
**Author:** ![FuriousGeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecae2f/32.png) [@FuriousGeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FuriousGeorge)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042/14 "2015-01-27T20:09:18Z")
This poll absolutely bewilders me. Who drinks at a restaurant? Seriously, that confuses you? ---
**Author:** ![OneCentStamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/13edae/32.png) [@OneCentStamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OneCentStamp)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042/15 "2015-01-27T20:11:21Z")
“With lots of cocktails” is pretty much the only way I’ll eat at a place like Outback or Applebee’s unless someone else is paying. In my experience, the bartenders at those places have been decent. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042/16 "2015-01-27T20:14:57Z")
\ I associate drinking with clubs and bars. Live music, dancing. A fun night out. Grabbing a family meal is a different experience for us. We eat early and are home by 6:30 to 7pm. I guess others see it differently. ---
**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042/17 "2015-01-27T20:16:55Z")
Typically no. Restaurant drinks are usually overpriced and very weak. I’d rather drink at home or my regular bar. ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042/18 "2015-01-27T20:36:28Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUB](#): > > I think you hit on something when you mentioned you don’t go to bars very often. Not being snarky or anything but your question strikes me a bit odd. 5:30 is too early for cocktails? Yeah, that’s prime happy hour time. And I answered cocktails for everyone. I don’t really go to Outback types, but at say a similar type restaurant, if you’re in the mood, go for it. Actually, I don’t see anything weird or wrong about a drink in the middle of the day with lunch, either. I’ve done that at restaurants that weren’t Outback or Applebees (not chains) but basically not super high end, and it didn’t feel weird. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042/19 "2015-01-27T20:42:48Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > \ I associate drinking with clubs and bars. Live music, dancing. A fun night out. > > Grabbing a family meal is a different experience for us. We eat early and are home by 6:30 to 7pm. I guess others see it differently. I agree slightly. If I’m with my kids, I’m having a glass of wine or a beer (or diet coke). However, if I’m out of town on business (the only time I’d go to one of these places), or grabbing a meal with my wife, I’ll drink a cocktail if I’m in the mood. On the other hand, I wouldn’t be caught dead in a club with music and dancing, regardless of the amount I could be drinking. So, as we so often learn at the SDMB, the world is full of all kinds of people. ---
**Author:** ![FuriousGeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecae2f/32.png) [@FuriousGeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FuriousGeorge)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042/20 "2015-01-27T20:43:55Z")
I went with drinks for everyone. My wife likes a glass of wine or a margarita with her meal and a Guinness is a thing with a burger while the game is on one of the twevelty-eight big screens. We aren’t doing a vineyard tasting of lower/midclass eating establishments like some sort of Sonoma Valley wine excursion, but a bottle is nice with an Italian-ish meal or a Bombay Martini is a thing on a Friday happy hour with appetizers. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-buy-a-cocktail-at-a-restaurant-like-outback/711042.md?page=2)