What is a taproom? The simple answer is the area where breweries serve their beer. But it’s not that easy to define as many breweries use them in very different ways.

Furthermore, customers often have their own impression of what they should be. It isn’t a bar but it is kind of close. The modern craft beer world has created a whole new meaning of what a place that primarily serves alcohol can be.

But I also know there isn’t agreement about who or what should be allowed in a taproom. Which led me to believe that this is a great opportunity to open up a conversation about what a taproom is and what it isn’t. For me, a taproom can be a lot of things but it isn’t a bar.

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What Is A Taproom?

A taproom is the space in which a brewery serves its beer to customers. In most cases, this space is either part of the actual brewery or attached to it.

Some breweries have created taprooms in areas where they do not have a brewery. This is done to help bring their beer directly to customers without expanding or moving their brewing capacity.

Taprooms contain a bar area along with other seating. Most will focus on providing a wide range of seating options (both indoor and outdoor) to accommodate the widest range of potential customers.

In addition to serving beer, many will serve food in their taproom to attract more customers and keep them in their taproom longer.

Games, TVs, and other forms of entertainment are often used in taprooms to give customers something to do while they drink beer and socialize.

Breweries use their taprooms as a way to bring the local community together. You’ll often see special community events take place at brewery taprooms.

From exercise programs, running groups, concerts, community meetings, etc; there is a limitless list of ways a taproom can be used to bring people together.

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Learn How Fifty West Creates Community

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Why A Taproom Isn’t A Bar

The definition of “bar” is a counter across which alcoholic drinks or refreshments are served.

And I think we’d all agree with that definition. And in the past, when someone said they were headed to the “bar”, they meant the local business where alcohol is served.

These places were almost always “adults only”. In my experience, bars are often small, dark, and a little depressing. I’ve never been a huge fan of most “bars”. Maybe my city lacked good bars? Or maybe it just wasn’t the right environment for me but I rarely went to them.

Taprooms are quite the opposite and I’ve found myself spending considerably more time in them compared to any bar. And I don’t think I am alone in this.

Bars always seemed like the place where people went to drink and get drunk. Taprooms are not being used in the same way.

Yes, people go to taprooms to enjoy beer. But we can’t minimize the other elements at play here.

They go to taprooms because of the experience. Every brewery has the ability to create a unique atmosphere that will attract customers. Breweries turn what could be “just a bar” into a place where friends, families, and strangers get to know each other.

Taprooms Build Community

I’ve never witnessed anyone bringing food into a bar so they can spend more time there but you see this at taprooms.

Taprooms host countless birthday parties (for adults and kids), anniversary celebrations, graduation parties, etc.

Business and community meetings take place in taprooms.

The young and the old can be found at taprooms along with every demographic you can imagine.

People feel like they are part of something when they visit a taproom and they are excited to invite their friend, families, and neighbors to join them.

This isn’t behavior that you see at a bar. This all points to the fact that taprooms are not bars.

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My Ideal Taproom

I’ve been to a lot of taprooms and one thing is certain; each is different.

It’s one of the many things we love about craft beer. The taproom is a physical representation of the brewery’s brand and personality. So much so that many customers pick their favorite brewery based on the taproom just as much as the beer.

When I consider what a taproom can or should be, there’s a few items that stand out.

Community Friendly

I almost listed this as Family Friendly but I wanted to be more inclusive than just including kids.

A taproom should be inviting to anyone at some time or another. Kids should be allowed in taprooms; however, I think it is reasonable to restrict kids in the taproom to specific hours. For example, make the taproom 21 and over after 8pm. Or even restrict them to specific hours.

Breweries should host events for different demographics throughout the month with a strong focus on anything that is ultra-local.

Layout

How a space is used is a direct result of the size and shape of the space. However, there are a few things that I like to see.

For the bar area, it should be easy to see and access quickly after entering. Provide lots of stools but also have a designated area(s) for customers to order. These spaces should have a hanging sign that says “Order Beer Here”.

I know that sounds picky but no one likes to squeeze between other customers to order a beer.

The rest of the space should have a mix of high and low top tables. There should be tables designed for just a few people with others made for large parties.

And of course, there should be an outdoor area for those days when it’s just too nice to sit inside. If there’s a covered area outside that is even better.

Entertainment

There’s nothing worse than having to yell at the person next to you because a band is playing so loud that you can barely think.

Live music can have it’s place in a taproom if there’s the space for it. So a taproom should have a dedicated area for live music as well as the space to allow the sound to fill the area without controlling it.

I love seeing corn hole, giant jenga, video games, board games, and other items that help bring people together.

My only request, separate the “adult” games from the family-friendly games. There’s nothing more scary than seeing your child pick up “Cards Against Humanity” and ask to play.

Food

Everyone loves to eat; especially while enjoying craft beer. And while I don’t think that on-site food is necessary, I do prefer it.

Brewing beer and making great food are two distinct skills so I understand why most brewers do not attempt to learn how to cook when they open up a brewery.

Food trucks are a great option as well as leasing out space to someone that does desire to operate a restaurant. In my ideal taproom, on-site food would be available.

I love simple, well made food that pairs well with beer. Tacos, wings, and pizza all come to mind as the ideal food to include in a taproom.

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Final Thoughts

While taprooms have a “bar”, they aren’t bars in the traditional sense. Taprooms are the hub of community and people are using them differently than bars were used in the past.

I know my definition of a taproom probably isn’t the same as your definition. For many, they do not see taprooms as spaces for kids. Or maybe you don’t like how taprooms often host trivia nights and bands.

Luckily, there are more taprooms opening all the time and each has their own character so I’m confident that everyone can find the place where they feel the most welcomed.

For the brewery, it’s imperative to define what their taproom is and how their customers can use it. If the brewery wants to limit customers to 21+ then they should do that. If they don’t want parties hosted at their taproom, then they should make that restriction. Setting expectations is important to help ensure that customers enjoy the time spent there.

And maybe there are different rules for different days and times. For example, West Side Brewing in Cincinnati, Ohio allows dogs in their taproom on Wednesday nights but not any other time. It’s a great way to meet the varied needs of customers.

There’s no right or wrong way to design or run a taproom. However, breweries should constantly remember that it isn’t a bar. Taprooms are so much more. They can be meeting spaces, party rooms, concert halls and much more. And most importantly, they have the ability to engage and improve their community.

When a taproom is “just a bar”, it is missing out on providing so much more value to the community.

What’s Your Ideal Taproom?