Amy S.
Yelp
Edit 4/28/23:
Sorry, have to drop my review back to 1 for the following reasons:
- I visited Old 75 with a colleague a few days ago, 4:30pm on a Tuesday. There was a bad smell (sewage? garbage? near both tables we tried- we reported it to the server.
- Bike rack is useless: too small for full sized bikes, bad location. Bikes still denied entry despite plenty of space. Do better.
Edit 3 4/19/23):
Looks like the owners added some bike racks today after being bombarded with negative feedback about not accommodating locals who come by bike. For that I am increasing my rating to 2 stars for listening and reacting. Sadly, these bike racks are not in a secure location where your bike can be monitored-- they are behind a solid fence. So if you come by bike, bring a clunker you don't mind getting stolen. You still still cannot bring your bike inside with you. Here is hoping the managers continue to listen and make improvements.
EDIT 2 (4/19/23):
Figure I better post the VERY IMPORTANT HOUSE RULES here, since they don't mention them anywhere on social media or on their website, and you will be kicked out or your children rebuked if you don't follow them. These signs are posted at both entrances to the venue, like a big "BEWARE ALL YE WHO ENTER HERE..."
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HOUSE RULES
- No one under 21 allowed after 8pm
- Children must remain seated and with their parents at all times
- No bikes or scooters allowed inside the venue
- Cabanas are by reservation only. Children under 18 are not allowed in the cabanas.
- Only band members allowed on stage. Unless you're willie Nelson.
- Everyone in your party must be present to be seated.
- We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. Be nice.
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1) On the rule of "no bikes":
- Their reasons were because of "safety and space," and they claim it is "customary" not to allow bikes in a beer garden. Yet literally *every* other beer garden or brew pub has no such "safety or space" concerns, and allows you to bring in your bike whenever there's room: The Yard in McKinney, Northside Drafthouse in Richardson, Lockwood Distillery, Lee Harvey, the Truckyard, the Lion and Crown at Watters Creek, 100% of all venues in Frisco, Allen, etc. I literally can't find a single other beer garden outdoor venue that won't welcome bikes, never mind PRINTING A SIGN to specifically ban them.
2) On the rule of kids being forced to be seated next to their parents at all times, and being barred from cabanas:
So I guess this means you can't ever reserve a cabana for your family, since kids aren't ever allowed to sit there? And what kind of venue doesn't understand that kids remaining seated next to parents at all times is not making parents or kids happy? I saw someone wrote "Go to Hat Creek if you want your kids to play..." and maybe that's exactly what Old 75 is hoping you'll do by making this rule. "Don't bring your kids here" is what they're esssentially saying with this rule.
These rules reveal a lot about the owner's true intentions. Those rules, zealously enforced by staff, suggest they truly want no bikes and no kids. I can't see any other logical explanation. This is NOT a welcoming place for locals to hang out, unless the locals come by car, and with no children.
Is the owner's true goal to make this into an adult-only bar or corporate events venue? That is literally the only explanation I can find for the open hostility to locals and their children. At least be honest with your motives. I feel like this whole concept was a bait-and-switch.
EDIT 1 (4/17/23):
Dee Ann, I did email you yesterday with essentially the same info I posted here. Looking forward to your reply.
ORIGINAL POST:
Seriously disappointed you don't allow bikes in the huge courtyard and have no options for bike parking, which effectively means you are opposed to alternative transportation. You have 20,000 square feet, and you enthusiastically welcome dogs of all sizes, and strollers. What exactly is your big problem with allowing bicycles?
My husband and I rode from east Richardson (10 miles) to try out this new Richardson eatery. We love supporting our local Richardson businesses and we bike everywhere. The waiter who kicked us out for coming by bike offered no explanation, no alternatives, and was completely unapologetic, saying it was simply the "rule". We ended up going next door to the Dog Haus who has no problem with bikes in their small patio.
On exiting, we noticed the sign in front with a list of things you don't allow, including scooters and bikes. You clearly have put a lot of thought into this.
Can you please change this very stupid rule? Richardson has an active cycling community and it is regressive to refuse entry to cyclists. Our weekly bike club frequents lots of great businesses who welcome cyclists. I am so disappointed that all our cycling friends have to strike Old 75 off our list of destinations.