The owners have no human decency and do not care about the well being of their patrons.
Last week I brought in a group of 15+ people to enjoy karaoke at the Apple Inn. I want to preface this by saying all of us were buying drinks, both alcoholic and pop. Throughout the night, several of us approached the bar and asked for glasses of water and were told we could pay for bottled water only. The younger bartender on duty was giving us glasses of tap water at the start of the night, before being scolded by the older bartender/owner. After that we were refused free tap water as an option.
As per the liquor norms and standards act section 4.7 : “Free drinking water, which includes tap water, must be made easily available at all on-consumption liquor outlets to the patrons.”
I informed the owner of this. His response was to scoff in my face, put a bottle of water on the bar, and said “Two dollars.” My friend eventually bought one bottle of water, having no other choice. Meanwhile my other friend went outside for air because he was getting sick. He wasn’t getting the water needed to balance the liquor they were more than happy to serve him.
The DJ approached me saying how much she loved our group and wanted us to come back to “bring the vibe” because we were so much fun. I informed her of how we were treated and how we were unlikely to return. She asked if it would be okay if the owners wife got in contact with me for a resolution. She claimed the owner was in a “bad mood.”
I closed out my tab ($20 for Sprites?) and on the receipt I wrote that refusing free water is illegal and I would be filing a complaint. Later, the owner approached me, angrily, and said “I never refused you water” and pointed out that all I had was Sprite, as if that was remotely related to the point. This was an outright lie as not only was I refused a glass of water at one point but also most of the 15+ people in my group were all refused free water and/or forced to purchase bottled water.
As we were about to leave, the owner attempted to placate the situation by comping one of the purchased bottles of water for one of the members of my group, primarily because I happened to be standing with them at the time he announced his oh-so-gracious offer. I can’t help but wonder how many others they have taken advantage of who don’t have someone like me to stand up for them.
The next day, I did receive a call from the owners wife who proceeded to give me a sob story of alleged groups of people who will sit in the bar and drink nothing but water for 5 hours and it how hard it makes the bar business.
If a homeless person came in from the street, asking for water, a decent person would give it as it is a basic human right. Not to mention, the great sob story doesn’t make what they were doing any less illegal. After speaking to the owners wife, I did some research and found this isn’t even the first liquor code violation by this bar and owner.
They obviously don’t know how to run a business. There are plenty of successful bars that know serving water is not only right, but designated drivers are a part of bar culture and the happier customers are, the more likely they are to return and bring additional business. On the contrary, if customers are treated poorly, they will go elsewhere. I know myself and my consistent group of 15+ karaoke lovers will not be returning to the Apple Inn, we will happily take our money and our vibe to a better bar with owners who care. I strongly advise anyone reading to do the same.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Honestly, giving this place 5 stars feels like I’m being way too generous, but the 1 star review bombs from a bunch of entitled people who quote liquor laws from a different country is sadly what it takes to get me to defend this place. The drinks are great, food is fine, it’s not a 5 star restaurant and no one expects it to be.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Violates local liquor laws by not providing free water to people drinking at the bar, which is a serious health and safety concern both for patrons as well as other drivers on the road.
Would love to be able to edit this review if they would just update their policy to be compliant with the law.
Service: 1
Listen... after David freakin' Stephens (who has two first names?!?) and the other two bots copied and pasted a way too long review, I felt like I had to counteract their comments. It's a DORMONT DIVE BAR YALL. it's never that serious. Rob serves great drinks, great bar food, and always has a fun environment. how dare you make me defend this place jfc
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
When I moved from Texas, I sought out great wings. My wife and I came to the Apple Inn for a beer on one sunny day and the owner suggested we try their wings, not even expecting what we would find. We now won’t eat any others..hands down the best kept secret in Pittsburgh, time to let it out!
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chicken Wings with Fries
Go-to bar not far from my place for a night out early in the week.
They have delicious shoestring french fries. Nice time with friends to play pool and darts.
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3
