So I'm Curious

is it like that in real life?

from WinCustomize Forums

So yeah, I see in so many movies and TV show where bar staff pour a beer but never completely fill the glass.  It is always an inch or so from the top, and then there's a good inch of froth [suds in the US] which would roughly equate to about a half glass of beer. 

In Australia and the UK, glasses are filled right to the top, so I'm curious, in real life, when Americans go to a bar, do they get a full glass, or is it like in the movies/on TV, and end up with somewhat less?  I know I'd be mightily pissed if I paid for a 16oz beer and the glass wasn't filled to the top.... and then there was an inch or more of suds as well. 

It sure don't equate to value for money if you're getting less than the prescribed amount per glass size, so fill me in, guys and gals, is it really like the movies and on TV?

On another note, I like to try beers from all around the world, and there is a bottle shop not far from me that specialises in overseas beers and spirits, etc, and I'd like to hear from anyone in the US [and elsewhere] if there are any boutique type beers that they could recommend.  I've tried a lot of mainstream beers from all over, so now I'm interested in lesser known brews of quality.

TIA. :)  

17,733 views 7 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

You should get one of those home brew kits. That way you can make your own beer and fill the glass to overflowing. 

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

  It probably depends on the bar tender.  My Grandfather was a shoemaker and a bar tender. If you run the tap with the glass straight up and down, then you have the foam. He always tilted the glass, whether from a tap or bottle, and there was always a full glass of beer.  I also know, some people enjoy the foam.  So there you go, it can be either way! :sun:  

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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Not really sure on this one, I haven't been to a bar in 40 years or more. ;P  

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Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Uvah, reply 1

You should get one of those home brew kits. That way you can make your own beer and fill the glass to overflowing. 
End of Uvah's quote

That's the plan, and there's a few different styles that I can make.  At the moment, though, rather than having to bottle it all, I'm looking into an economical way to get a keg, maybe two.

Quoting teddybearcholla, reply 2

  It probably depends on the bar tender.  My Grandfather was a shoemaker and a bar tender. If you run the tap with the glass straight up and down, then you have the foam. He always tilted the glass, whether from a tap or bottle, and there was always a full glass of beer.  I also know, some people enjoy the foam.  So there you go, it can be either way! :sun:  
End of teddybearcholla's quote

Aussie bartenders always tilt the glass so it is filled to the rim, with just a small head of froth.  Here, we just would not accept a glass of beer with a two inch head and not filled to the rim.  We get what we pay for.... or else!  I still don't get why, in US movies and TV,  glasses are rarely, if ever, filled to the top.... and all that froth, it makes for way less than a glassful.

And the other thing, it really pisses me off when there's a bar scene and the characters walk out leaving half of what they do get.  I hate waste, and leaving half a beer is the worst kind of waste in my book.  GRRR!!

Quoting LightStar, reply 3

Not really sure on this one, I haven't been to a bar in 40 years or more. ;P  
End of LightStar's quote

I haven't been to a pub in years now.  The high cost of pub beer these days makes it little to no value for money, so I get home supplies at less than half the price from a discount merchant.  There is a local football club that I'm a member of, and occasionally I'll pop in for a couple of beers and a counter lunch.  It is cheaper than going to a pub, but I haven't been in a while now.

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Obviously there aren't that many US beer drinkers frequenting these 'ere forums.  Like what a sad turnout, 5 replies... and then 2 of 'em are mine.  I was hoping forum members across the would do better,

Oh well, time for another Guinness or 3.:beer:  :beer:  :beer:  

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Starkers...don't go by what you see on the telly....in shows it's all about 'continuity'...a full glass will always catch directors' assistants out....just as with newly lit smokes.

I remember a Clint Eastwood western where he's on a balcony taking pot shots while drinking....and the glass level goes up and down like a yoyo in between ...;)

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Jafo, reply 6

Starkers...don't go by what you see on the telly....in shows it's all about 'continuity'...a full glass will always catch directors' assistants out....just as with newly lit smokes.
End of Jafo's quote

That's why I was asking the question, having never been there, does it happen in real life?  I mean, if bartenders frequently short-fill beer glasses, it's big savings for bar owners will be made, right?

Quoting Jafo, reply 6

I remember a Clint Eastwood western where he's on a balcony taking pot shots while drinking....and the glass level goes up and down like a yoyo in between .
End of Jafo's quote

The reason for that.... nobody was game to let Clint run out, so his glass was continually topped up. :rofl: