Jennifer B.
Yelp
5/5 stars for karaoke night at Branded. It's the only reason why I would ever come here.
Otherwise, this place is expensive... but even also petty, as I came to find out recently.
Example: I cannot drink alcohol at the moment, but there is a two-drink minimum for karaoke. I have no problem with this- I ordered a seltzer with lime, fully expecting to pay whatever that costs (I had assumed it would only be a few bucks- more on that later).
Eventually, I decide I'm going to buy the karaoke host some cocktails. I figure I would do this b/c a) the bar for some reason doesn't consistently offer the karaoke host any extra perks like free drinks and b) I felt bad about making the two-drink minimum by just ordering seltzers, which are obviously going to be less expensive than booze.
Because I ordered two scotch and sodas (one with a top-shelf liquor) I expected that my seltzers would be comped... that's pretty standard. In fact, most people/establishments are kind enough to just waive the cost even if seltzer is the only thing I order (I always tip).
But no. I get my bill and not only am I charged for the seltzers... I'm charged *5 dollars* for each seltzer. The bill, which I expected to be around 25 dollars for the already slightly overpriced cocktails (2 scotch and sodas), ended up being almost 50 dollars b/c I wanted sparkly hydration.
They also for some reason charge you the tax on beer? Like, wtf- charge an even amount so the rest of the money can go to the bartender.
Anyway, Branded- I love you for the karaoke, but please consider changing your policy about sparkly water if someone is ordering booze on top of that...