I'm questioning the change at the Tavern from blue to white collar... I was really surprised to learn the new motto of chasing the old clients off. I'm speaking of the SUDDEN change of prices that were uncalled for by the current ownership. I should change that if they were putting these prices towards the workers with wage increases and health insurance. I would question the greed if it's due to lining the pockets of the ownership. The regulars are no longer wanted by the current ownership due to change in philosophy. The philosophy is that are friends can pay for the increase and we don't care about the rest. That is sad that the regulars have left. They no longer show up on a daily basis because of the hike in prices. These regulars would show up on a nightly basis and even on 40 below evenings, seven days a week to spend money. The Tavern is no longer home to them and you have made them unwelcome. The current ownership is trying to make the Tavern the equivalent to the Town & Country Club or Spur. I know that many will disagree but I'm blue collar. This means that I have a few dollars to spend after paying my bills and the Tavern was affordable. Well it is no longer affordable for my blue collar ass and times are changing. I find it hard to line the pockets of the rich even more by going to this establishment. I remember just months ago when I can get a mug for under four dollars and be treated as an equal. I feel like that I need to learn the game of golf and cough now when ordering a mug.

[This message has been edited by Union Hall (5/2/2014)]

[This message has been edited by Union Hall (5/2/2014)]

The fact that you think in terms of collar colors says more about you than it does about the Yellowstone Tavern.

You know Richard...I'm not trying to get into politics and views based on the collar color. Nor am I trying to base it on Sacred Heart vs Custer. Or who the families are or who works for the Tavern. It breaks down to money and who is profiting and who is able to pay and if the employee's are being looked after... I understand your views and I also know where I live. I also know the distinction in this community on establishment.

Did Tom Mann sell the Yellowstone Tavern?

Yes. The prices have went up and the customers have also started to change.

Who recalls when Miles City used to forbid the sale of alcohol until 1:00pm (?) on Sundays? Back then the Yellowstone Tavern (Corner Pockets) was the place to go for beer on Sunday mornings because it is outside the city limits.

It is possible the owner had to raise the prices to cover expenses. I can't see the "country club set" heading out to the Yellowstone Tavern even if the T&C burned to the ground so I don't think he/she is really trying for that sort of clientele.

Whoever owns it has the right to do what they want. Sorry that some who could afford will no longer be able to, but that's the owners' choice. Maybe after a bit they will realize how many "regulars" they've lost.

Or maybe they are intentionally trying to get rid of some of the regulars. Sometimes regulars are bad for business.

A Guinness on tap at any of the fine watering holes here is $7.50/pint and a Coors Original in a bottle is $4.25-$4.50. The price of beer has gone up. Deal with it.

Our family sold the Tavern back in December, and since then I've heard about a multitude of issues from that establishment now. However, I haven't set foot into it and likely won't ever again as it just isn't the same without my family behind the bar. If the prices raised, quit your damn whining or stay home and drink beer from Walmart.

It's a sad procreateing day when Kacey and I are the voices of empathy on a thread, but there you go.

Union Hall was voicing his bitter disappointment at the changes in a place that he apparently thought of as a community, and maybe engaged in a bit of hyperbole (although he didn't mention gulags THANK GOD) by comparing the Tavern to the Town & Country club, and finds nothing but 'tough poop'.

As someone who's seen more than a few places modernize their way into a different clientele, I hope you find someplace new to spend your time.

Sometime, change sucks.

As long as Hell is frozen over....

"Sometime, change sucks."

Yeah. I remember when Gardner Grenz raised the price of beer at the 600 Lounge from 3 beers for a buck to $0.35 cents each, because his cost went up. The clientele were outraged. The ones that are still alive, still bitch about it.

Always remember to forget
The things that made you sad.
But never forget to remember
The things that made you glad.

Always remember to forget
The friends that proved untrue.
But never forget to remember
Those that have stuck by you.

Thanks to the loyalty that was shown when a Mann was behind the bar.

Richard, I understand that it's the owners rights to raise the price. They can do this by changing the price of the mug by a buck. It's the right of the owner to raise the prices on the menu as they see fit. I'm glad to know what you pay for a beer where YOU live that sucks.

Amaretto,I wouldn't be to sure on my estimation of the change of atmosphere. The ideals of judgment that were found of the South side are now found. This is also fine by the ownership to make the change to those clients. They are able to pay the hike in prices. You might be able to take in a children's party while having an adult beverage.

"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." I will have to find another establishment for my happiness that won't break my bank.

Goodbye to you that understood without judging. Goodbye to you that made me feel as an equal. The stool that cherished me will now be judged as not being soft enough. It won't be long before you are replaced by a kings chair.

[This message has been edited by Union Hall (5/7/2014)]

Heh, heh...."Amaretto"....maybe you have been spending too much time in the bar.

You need to remember that the old owners were the workers also. That means no work comp or payroll since they could just take it out of the business side. The new owners are trying to make it somewhere the whole family can go, and that is something we need around here. Yes prices will change with new ownership, it always does. Change happens, and good things come.

Family Beer and Fun

I know they have been working on improving the building. Such as cleaning and getting a new hood installed. Personally, I would gladly pay a little extra not to smell like fried chicken when I walked out. Plus they still have some of the best prices in town and their food is still one of my favorites!

Well, Manns have owned that for a long , long time. They didnt give it away either. So this guy has to pay for it, employees, work comp, insurance, etc. Give him 30 years and see where his prices are then. Otherwise , either pony up or quit drinking.

I think those improvements were known when the final price was established. They knew what they were in for on the price of the Tavern. I don't think that the employee's are getting any of the hikes in wages or insurance. Ya it's good food service delivered food. I've said my reasoning and stick by the early posts. I won't quit drinking but took the advice to find cheaper. Cheers Goodbye old friend...

So, Union Hall.....as a fellow cheapskate who is contemplating planning a trip to MC in the next couple of months, where is the most economical bar to drink at, to be found?

This is a subject near and dear to my heart.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Slight edit to get back to my blue collar roots, I apologize for using an elitist word in my post.

I think if you are "contemplating" a trip you may or may not go, but if you are "planning" a trip your mind is made up and you are just working out the details.

My guess is the Eagles, Parkers, and/or VFW...

I find it hilarious how so many people feel they know everything about our former family business, and yet have no clue. I can agree with "roxie_lady" about the not smelling like chicken issue, however I will say my previous statement is incorrect.

I stated that I have not set foot in there since the change in ownership, but I got it in me last weekend to pop in and see what's new. I'll gladly tell anyone that after standing in clear, open view of the two VERY HARD (not so much) WORKING young bartenders, my friend and I left and went to another establishment that serves greasy bar food to satisfy our appetite. We should not be required, as paying customers of the new increased pricing, to wander up and flag down a clearly not wanting to be working bartender for our order.

However, it did smell slightly less like fried chicken. That was a nice change.

I had no idea the place even served food. But don't hang around in cheap bars, so what do I know.

Amoretto, " don't hang around in cheap bars, so what do I know. "

Amorette only hangs out at expensive bars. Since she lives in MC where there are no expensive bars, and works at the Star, this is probably a good thing, economically speaking. .

Blue collar? White collar? In Miles City? Ha ha ha ha ha!

Amorette, How do you insult local business's (that may be potential advertisers in your paper) and keep your job?

I have always wondered that myself.

Bump

Amorette could just create an anonymous account and make her opinion known that way but apparently she has more courage and integrity than that.

And maybe the business owners have enough sense to know that one newspaper employee's personal opinion doesn't negate the value of advertising as a way to draw in customers.

I'm reminded of a certain newspaper editor who many years ago in a published editorial in the Star lamented the lack of a decent steak to be found at a Miles City restaurant. And then promptly retracted the editorial the next day.

I was making a joke about the original poster wanting his bar to be cheap. I need an emoticon that means THIS IS A JOKE.

Or that sarcasm font I read about. I need a sarcasm font.

Or some sort of humor warning. THIS CONTAINS HUMOR.

Something like that.

I am allergic to hops so I don't drink beer and back in my bar-hopping days, when I drank wine coolers, I was also allergic to cigarette smoke so I didn't go to bars much. Besides, my husband makes a FABULOUS Brandy Alexander and that is my drink of choice.

I know a joke about Brandy Alexanders but I think I'd better not tell it.

:

We had our daughter's 16th birthday party at the Tavern this past Saturday. Had about 40 people ages 6 months-70yrs old. It was fantastic! All of the staff and food exceeded our expectations. Everyone at our party left happy. Total bill ended up being about $175.00. Great price for this blue collar family. Thank You to everyone at the Yellowstone Tavern for making her 16th the best yet!

Great Pizza's Wade.

Just had a 32oz mug of Bent Nail IPA for $6 there on friday. Tough to beat that price for a Montana IPA. Delicious.

Suggestion: Go to a casino. Put in $5 and play....and get a free beer!

You would have to crazy to pay $5.00 for the "free" bud light or whatever cheap beer they serve in the casinos. It's not free.

Richard,

I didn't think quality was the issue. I thought it was price. So if you're inclined to throw a few bucks into a machine and the beer is free, it's not a bad idea. I think they said an alcoholic drink is free every half hour at the Cellar.


I personally drink very seldom so it's not an issue to spend money for a good beer or whiskey once in a while.

If you're spending money to be there it ain't free.

Finally some accurate reports. As I pay $4 for 16 oz. of Montana-made IPA in western Montana (where the stuff is actually made), BDB is correct in that that is a great price. Sounds like Union Hall was whining for nothing.

BigDryBug doesn't like to advertise this too heavily, but any bar he's drinking at is also providing free prostate exams.

Apparently Bridger drinks at these establishments to know this.