Corkage fees, also known as “BYOB fees,” are charges that some restaurants and bars impose on customers who bring their own beer (or wine) to the establishment. These corkage fees for beer can vary greatly, with some establishments charging as little as $5 per bottle and others charging as much as $25 or more. Corkage fees are intended to cover the cost of providing glassware, ice, and other amenities for the customer’s beer.
Most people think of corkage fees only for a bottle of wine, but there are some incredible beer options available to help celebrate special occasions with friends and family. Think about those craft, single-batch, high gravity beers!
Of course, the time of year matters greatly when deciding what beer you will bring. For a cold winter night, you may want to bring Barleywine, Wassail, or a spiced-beer. In the spring, you might feel like a Stout or Porter. In the summer, a Blonde Ale, Pale Ale, Saison, or even a Sour may be perfect! Don’t forget about your Pumpkin beers in the fall!
Some restaurants and bars will waive the corkage fees for beer for customers who purchase a meal or a certain amount of food. This is a way for the establishment to encourage customers to order food while still allowing them to bring their own beer or wine.
It is important to note that corkage fees are not regulated by law and can vary greatly from one establishment to the next. Some restaurants and bars may choose to not impose a corkage fee at all, while others may charge a higher fee for certain types of beer or during peak hours.
Before bringing your own beer to a restaurant or bar, it is a good idea to check if there is a corkage fee and to find out what the fee is. This can help you budget for your night out and avoid any surprises when it comes time to pay the bill. Download the CorkageFee app today!
Download CorkageFee and find out what restaurants are charging in your area
