Yes, at many steakhouses you can drop by just for drinks, although this depends on the policy and available space of the restaurant. Premium steakhouses with a separate bar area often welcome guests who want to enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine without ordering a full meal. It’s advisable to inquire about the options in advance, especially during busy dinner evenings. Below we answer the most frequently asked questions about having drinks at a steakhouse.
Can you drop by a steakhouse just for drinks?
At many steakhouses it’s possible to drop by just for drinks, provided the restaurant has a separate bar or lounge area. Restaurants with a dedicated bar section welcome guests who want to have a cocktail, glass of wine, or aperitif without reserving for a full meal. However, the availability of this option depends heavily on the layout and policy of the specific restaurant.
Premium steakhouses balance between maximizing their table occupancy for dinner guests and creating a hospitable atmosphere for casual visitors. Restaurants that focus entirely on fine dining experiences often don’t have a separate bar area and reserve their seating exclusively for guests ordering a full meal. This is due to high operational costs and the focus on a complete culinary experience.
Steakhouses with a bar section offer extra flexibility. Here guests can come for a pre-dinner drink, after-work drinks, or a relaxed evening with friends without the obligation to eat. This setup creates a lively ambiance and makes the restaurant more accessible for different occasions. It’s always wise to call ahead or consult the website for the specific policy.
Differences between restaurants
Not every steakhouse has the same policy. Some restaurants welcome walk-in guests at the bar, while others require advance reservations, even for drinks. During peak hours, restaurants may prioritize dinner guests, making the bar area limited in availability for drinks-only visitors.
What kind of drinks can you expect at a premium steakhouse?
Premium steakhouses offer a carefully curated drink selection that perfectly complements their meat selection. You’ll find extensive wine lists here with selections from classic wine regions, often focusing on full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Syrah that beautifully harmonize with red meat. Additionally, you can expect signature cocktails, premium spirits, and often craft beers as well.
The wine programs at high-end steakhouses are often impressive. Some restaurants have climate-controlled wine cellars with hundreds of labels, ranging from accessible house wines to rare vintage bottles. The staff is typically well-trained in wine knowledge and can advise on the best pairings with different meat types and preparations.
Besides wine, premium steakhouses usually offer a selection of classic and modern cocktails. Think Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Negroni, and house-made creations with premium spirits. The bar menu often includes single malt whiskies, cognac, rum, and gin from renowned brands. For non-alcoholic options, fresh juices, mocktails, and premium soft drinks are usually available.
Quality differences
The difference between casual and premium steakhouses becomes especially visible in the quality and diversity of the drink selection. Premium establishments invest in exclusive wines, trained staff, and a bar program that’s just as thoughtfully designed as their meat menu. The sommeliers or meat sommeliers can explain in detail why certain drinks pair better with specific cuts or preparation methods.
When is the best time to go to a steakhouse just for drinks?
The best time to go to a steakhouse just for drinks is outside the peak hours of dinner service. Many restaurants are quieter between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, before the evening rush begins, and after 10:00 PM when most dinner guests leave. During these times, the bar is usually readily available and the staff has more time for personal attention.
During busy dinner periods, typically between 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM, steakhouses focus primarily on their table guests. Although you’re often still welcome at the bar, wait times may be longer and staff attention is divided. Weekend days are generally busier than weekday evenings, so keep this in mind when planning.
For the best experience, you might consider making a reservation in advance, even for drinks only. Some restaurants accept bar reservations, which guarantees you have a spot. Walk-ins are often possible, but during busy times you risk all bar seats being occupied. A quick phone call beforehand prevents disappointment.
Tips for a smooth experience
When reserving or calling, specifically ask about the options for drinks without dinner. Mention how many people you are and what time you want to come. Be flexible with your timing if the restaurant suggests an alternative time. This ensures your visit fits within the restaurant’s operational planning and you receive the attention you deserve.
What options does Vlees & Co Nijmegen offer for drinks?
At our steakhouse Nijmegen we gladly welcome guests who want to drop by just for drinks. Our location features an atmospheric bar area where you can come for an aperitif, glass of wine, or cocktail without ordering a full meal. We believe in hospitality that goes beyond just dining, and our bar offers the perfect setting for relaxed drinks.
Our drink selection reflects the same quality focus as our meat selection. You’ll find an extensive wine list with carefully selected wines that perfectly complement our premium steaks. From full-bodied Argentine Malbecs to elegant French Bordeaux, our sommeliers have the right recommendation for every moment. Additionally, we offer signature cocktails, craft beers, and premium spirits for those looking for something special.
The ambiance of our bar area combines the warm, authentic atmosphere of our steakhouse with the relaxed vibe of a high-end bar. Whether you’re waiting for your table, want a pre-dinner drink, or are simply out for an evening without eating, you’re most welcome. Our team is ready to advise you on the best choices and provides the same attention and service that our dinner guests experience.
Practical information
For the best availability, we recommend dropping by outside peak hours or calling ahead for availability. You can also take a look at our menu to get an impression of our selection in advance. We strive to offer every guest, whether you come for dinner or just for drinks, the same premium experience that’s characteristic of Vlees & Co.
The combination of our location in Nijmegen, the quality of our drink selection, and the expertise of our team makes a visit to our bar a special experience. We understand that not every visit is about a full meal, and that’s why we’ve designed our bar area as a place where you’re always welcome for a good drink and good conversations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to observe a dress code if I'm only coming to a steakhouse for drinks?
Although the dress code for drinks at the bar is often slightly more relaxed than for dinner guests, it's advisable to dress neatly. Most premium steakhouses have a smart casual dress code, which means sportswear, flip-flops, and caps are usually not appreciated. When in doubt, it's best to inquire in advance about the specific restaurant's policy.
Can I also order small bites if I'm only coming for drinks?
Yes, many steakhouses offer a separate bar menu with small dishes like bitterballen, carpaccio, oyster selections, or steak bites that pair perfectly with drinks. These bar snacks are specially designed to combine with drinks without having to order a full meal. Ask upon arrival about the available bar menu options.
What does a drink cost on average at a premium steakhouse?
Prices at premium steakhouses are generally higher than at regular cafés or bars. Expect approximately €8-€12 for a glass of wine, €10-€15 for cocktails, and €4-€7 for beer. The quality, service, and ambiance justify these prices, and you're also paying for the premium location and staff expertise.
Is tipping required if I only order drinks?
Tipping is never required in the Netherlands, but is appreciated for good service. For drinks only, 5-10% of the total amount is appropriate, or you can round up the amount. If the bartender delivers excellent service, makes personal recommendations, or goes the extra mile for you, a slightly more generous tip is a nice gesture.
Can larger groups also come to a steakhouse just for drinks?
For larger groups (more than 4-6 people), it's strongly recommended to make a reservation in advance, even if you only want to order drinks. The bar area has limited capacity and restaurants want to be prepared for groups. Some steakhouses can reserve a separate space or table for larger groups, especially outside peak hours.
What are the best wine choices to try at a steakhouse bar?
If you want to taste the steakhouse experience without eating, try a glass of full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Syrah - these wines are specially selected to pair with meat and give a good impression of the wine program. Ask the sommelier for their house wine or a 'wine of the month' for a reliable choice, or let yourself be surprised with a premium selection if you want to discover something special.
Can I still decide to stay for dinner after my drink at the bar?
This depends on the availability of tables at that moment. If there's space, most steakhouses will gladly accommodate you and arrange a table. During busy times, however, all tables may be reserved, so if you're considering eating, it's best to indicate this in advance so the restaurant can take this into account in their planning.