Do people go to Olive Garden just to drink at the bar? Probably, but the reasons behind it are more nuanced than just the thirst for a drink. Olive Garden operates primarily as a family-friendly Italian chain restaurant with a bar area that serves a limited selection of drinks, often at higher prices. This makes it a venue for certain types of patrons, which we will explore in this article.

Introduction to Olive Garden's Bar

Olive Garden's bar is not a primary destination for those seeking high-end alcohol experiences. The bar is mainly designed to service its dining patrons, with occasional bar patrons being welcomed if the circumstances align. The selection of drinks is limited, the service is basic, and the prices are higher than what one might expect from a more traditional bar.

Target Patrons of Olive Garden's Bar

There are several types of people who might find themselves at Olive Garden's bar:

Businesspeople and Travelers on Expense Accounts: For individuals who are traveling on business or are on an expense account, there's a sense of freedom to indulge in drinks without the direct financial burden. Locals Seeking Variety: Those who live in the area may find a more interesting bar experience at Olive Garden compared to the usual watering holes. There is a novelty to it, and it offers a different vibe from the typical local bars. Risk-Avoiding Drinkers: People who have had negative experiences with local bars might prefer the safer, more contained environment of Olive Garden's bar to avoid the risks associated with visiting less reputable establishments.

Quality and Cost Considerations

The quality of drinks at Olive Garden's bar is often subpar, and the cost can be prohibitive for those seeking a more refined drinking experience. The bar staff, often recent entrants into the bartending profession, must adhere to company protocols, which can lead to basic and sometimes poorly executed mixtures. This can result in drinks that are decent but far from exceptional.

Bar Staff and Drink Execution

Olive Garden's bartenders are often in their first or second bartending job, often with limited training. They follow strict procedures that can result in mixtures that are merely adequate. The selection of liquors is limited, and they stick to a "well" liquor, which is determined by management. This means that while there might be a selection of affordable liquors, the quality is not necessarily high. For those who prefer a specific brand, this can be an issue.

Call Drinks at Olive Garden

Those who want to order a specific brand of liquor can do so, but it comes at a higher cost as it is marked as a "call" drink. For instance, ordering a Maker's Mark whiskey sour could result in a drink that lacks the quality or presentation one would expect from a more upscale bar. The drink may be made with cheap sour mix and not the handcrafted simple syrup that many bars use to enhance the flavor.

Proper bars with pride in their craft would start by pouring the Maker's Mark into a shaker with simple syrup made from fresh ingredients, add fresh lemon juice, and possibly an egg white for texture. This attention to detail and quality of ingredients can result in a much more enjoyable drinking experience, one that Olive Garden's bar does not typically provide.

Conclusion and Recommendation

While Olive Garden might be a unique venue for those who need a night out or prefer a different kind of bar experience, it is not the ideal place for those seeking high-quality drinks. The bar area is not designed for discerning drinkers, and the cost can be prohibitive for those who want a better experience.

For those who still choose to visit, it is highly recommended to go with an understanding of the limitations and to have a sense of humor about the shortcomings. If the aim is to truly enjoy a drink, it is advisable to seek out a more reputable bar setting where the quality of the drink is a priority and the experience more enjoyable.

If you want to project the poetic image of a miserable person at a terrible bar drinking their woes away, find a proper dive and order a PBR before 2 PM. Even a pathetic drunk deserves more dignity than sitting at the bar in an Olive Garden drinking poorly made cocktails with unlimited breadsticks.