The Lucky Barrel — Restaurant in Brownsville

My husband and I went there to watch the UFC Nunes vs Spencer fight. We actually had a great time. The food was good, Happy Hour Specials (while it lasted) were good, prices were ok and our server, Dalia, "seemed" on it. The establishment was clean and fairly new. Initially social distancing (6 feet) was observed but quickly devolved into a crowd. We really enjoyed ourselves and had plans to make it a regular hangout spot. However, what we didn't like is that they charged a 15% gratuity on a party of 2 which was not indicated on the menu or by the server or on the walls. I totally understand on parties of 6 or more and it's usually indicated on the menu which wasn't the case in our situation. We normally tip a minimum of %20 for good service and even added $10 to the automatic tip of $20.43 that they added to our bill. Between 2 people we spent $136.23 before taxes, tips and fees which says we like to have a good time. Then looked on the receipt to see that they charged us to use a credit card to pay for our bill. We're not from here but I looked up TX statute

Sec. 604A.002. IMPOSITION OF SURCHARGE FOR USE OF DEBIT OR STORED VALUE CARD. (a) In a sale of goods or services, a merchant may not impose a surcharge on a buyer who uses a debit or stored value card instead of cash, a check, credit card, or a similar means of payment. […]

Sec. 604A.0021. IMPOSITION OF SURCHARGE FOR USE OF CREDIT CARD. (a) In a sale of goods or services, a seller may not impose a surcharge on a buyer who uses a credit card for an extension of credit instead of cash, a check, or a similar means of payment. […]

and it looks like they've been charging people to use their credit card machines when it's illegal. Lord knows how much they've collected from unknowing patrons.

What was also aggravating is that they allowed vendors to constantly harrass you into buying candy, flowers or pictures. It's one thing after you say no to each of them but when they keep coming back.... That isn't good business practice.

They also charged us for things we didn't get. I already messaged the company and was told that the automatic gratuity is posted all over the place (it wasn't) and that the charge is something the credit card company charges. What people don't realize is when companies charge you a credit/debit card surcharge they are double dipping because they claim those fees as a deductible for tax season. Very shady practice. I've already made a consumer complaint to the TX Attorney General and BBB (to begin with :)

In conclusion... lol... despite having a great time we won't ever go back. Might be worse on our credit...

I was visiting from out of town and came here with friends that had suggested this place. Music was great, drinks were good, and we played some pool. It was a pretty fun night. So when I went to visit again, we came here again. Everything was great until it was time to pay. It was a party of 6. My tab seemed high but I payed it anyways. One of my friends said the same thing. None of us got a receipt, just told how much it was and we payed. So I call the waitress back to explain why my tab was that amount. After going through it on her little machine, I noticed being overcharged on all the drinks. She apologized and gave me HALF back of what I over payed. When she did my friend’s tab, she took the cash out to pay him back, put it on the table, turned around and walked away. Like if we offended her for getting caught! Mind you, each one of our tab had a service(tip) fee that was supposed to be a certain amount but obviously she charged more for that too and we had given her cash tip beforehand cus we didn’t know that fee was going to be included. We were not drunk enough to get taken advantage of and that upset her. Spoke to the manager. We were going to get a free shot next time. Shots are $4-$5. That’s not gonna make me feel better knowing that I have to now check to make sure I don’t get overcharged again. Idk if it’s just her or all the waitresses that don’t give out receipts to try to scam people. It was very disappointing because everything else was great. Would not recommend you to go if you plan on getting pretty tipsy or drunk cus they will take advantage of you. I could bet my life we weren’t the first ones this happened to. Idk if this is how they run their business. Management should train these employees better or hire people with mortals instead of people with no integrity that will give the...

We've heard the rumors, and were excited to stop by. "Adults only after five, free pool tables, and massive wings."

As you walk in, you instantly feel comfortable and the waiters and waitresses come by to take your drinks. A wall of beer stands before you, and the choices are all excellent. A bonus is they can salt, or dress your glass!

Four pool tables, so occasionally you'll have to wait, though you can't beat free. Tables are in great shape, and the sticks are okay.

We ordered forty wings, simply because you can only select one flavor per order. The garlic parmesan were our favorite, followed by the lemon pepper, and a close third being the classic hot wings. They are delicious, and definitely as big as they say! Only downside is they don't include dipping sauces (ranch, blue cheese), so it is an upcharge.

The only complaint, and reason behind not a perfect 5 stars, is that families with kids definitely came in and ate after 5pm. We even saw some come in a little after 7pm. The sign outside is very obvious and the wait staff didn't seem to care. Nothing wrong with families of course, though when you advertise something... You should follow through.

Don't let this sway you though, this is where you should start your...