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To avoid paying a corkage fee at a restaurant, research if they have a BYOB policy and if they charge a handling fee. Some restaurants have no corkage fee on certain days or for special events. Restaurants with a liquor license often charge higher corkage fees. Look for local guides to BYOB restaurants and call ahead to confirm policies and fees.
To avoid paying a restaurant fee, you need to do your research first. Determine in advance if a restaurant also has a “bring your own bottle” (BYOB) policy. After that, contact the restaurant and ask if they have a handling fee. It’s also a good idea to pay attention to special events and dining at restaurants that may feature a “no corkage fee” policy for the evening. Keep in mind that some restaurants, in order to increase weekday business, may have a “no corkage” policy on the least busy days of the week.
If you bring your own wine or beer to a restaurant, the restaurant may add a billing service charge to your bill. This fee ostensibly covers the cost of using a restaurant’s glasses and the extra work a waiter has to do to open and serve your wine. In some cases, a corkage fee is insignificant, but there are some restaurants that charge an exorbitant corkage fee.
In many cases, restaurants that have a liquor license and sell beer, wine and spirits from their bar or cellar often charge the highest corkage fees, while restaurants that do not sell alcoholic beverages may have very low corkage fees or absent. The rate can be indicated in the restaurant menu. If you don’t see a fee listed, you should still ask your server before delivering the bottle or bottles if a fee will be charged to avoid any unpleasant surprises or confrontations at the end of the meal.
If you live near or in a large city, you’ll probably enjoy finding local guides to BYOB restaurants available in print and online. If you live in a less populated area, you may still find that local guidebooks and review sites can direct you to good BYOB restaurants. It’s always a good idea to call the restaurant ahead of time to confirm it’s still BYOB and to find out if it charges a management fee. In many cases, the restaurant may not charge a fee: if so, ask if there are any nights of the week when they do not charge a fee. Another option is to ask if they will waive the cork fee if you bring your own glasses and corkscrew.
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