Schoolyard Beer Garden — Restaurant in Denver

Nice atmosphere and decent food, but that is all. They add a 20% “service fee” to all orders because they operate on a “service included” model. My issues is, when customers order standing up at a counter, pickup their own food at a counter, fill their own waters from a communal dispenser, and bus their own tables, exactly what service is being provided for the 20% fee? Seems like the same level of service that is being provided as fast food,definitely not worthy of a 20% fee.

Also just the concept of a 20% “service fee” because you operate on a “service included” model is oxymoronic. If it was truly a “service included” model, then there would not be a 20% service fee, because service would already be included lol.

In other reviews the owner also says it is a “transparent fee”, which in my opinion by their very nature fees are not transparent, just increase your prices!!! Further more, I ordered in the Schoolyard Cafe and the only sign I saw mentioning the fee is under the counter when you order, so I did not even see the fee until is was sitting there pondering why my food was so expensive and then saw the hard to see sign. If your fees truly are transparent, then you need to put up more signs in more prominent locations.

The owner even says the quiet part out loud in other reviews, “The 20% service fee IS really nothing more than a 20% increase in price.”, if it really is, then why not just increase your prices by 20%? Because in the end clearly a decent amount of your customers do not feel the fee is justified for the service provided and do not feel the fee is transparent. What would be transparent is increasing your...

Live in the neighborhood and pass this building every day- was very excited to see what the current tenants are doing with it, and the concept and ambiance are pretty awesome.

Wanted to give it a try and don't have time to post up for a meal during the day so tried to order takeout. No can do. No options to order online so I called and navigated the unnecessarily complicated menu to speak to a real person. No options to order by phone ("sorry our system doesn't do that!") so was told to come in.

Ok- really want to give this place a shot so I'll take an extra few minutes off work and just go in and order takeout.

The $15 Harissa Chicken bowl somehow rang up to $20+ with the very unexpected but mandatory 20% Service Fee. You've already made me jump through a bunch of hoops to patronize your establishment and then you're charging 20% for me to order at the counter and wait around for takeout?

This better be an awesome bowl.

Unfortunately it was super uninspired, bordering on bad. Probably an ounce or so of finely diced chicken, a couple small slices of browning avocado, relatively tasteless sauce... TBH Cava has a MUCH more impressive harissa chicken bowl for a fraction of the cost.

Sorry Schoolyard. Really hoped to be a fan and regular patron but this was sadly a very...

Pros: Great outdoor patio, indoor ambience is nice (albeit a bit sterile/corporate imo) Great spot for groups Nice variety of drinks, including a good selection of craft beer Seems to be well run (efficient, with friendly staff)

Cons: Vegetarian options are greatly lacking Overall food is only okay (we tried the harissa chicken bowl, a burger, hummus plate, and sweet potato fries; the only one I'd order again is the fries) 20% auto tip added to bill is annoying, especially as there is no table service

I've been here twice so far. I was excited to see how the concept would turn out, as it is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. I'm disappointed by some aspects of this business but will likely (unenthusiasticly) return as it is one of only a handful of options for the Golden Triangle area. Additionally, I would go back for drinks with friends for the great patio option but I wouldn't choose to visit at a time that overlaps with lunch/dinner. If I had to pick one area of constructive feedback to give to management, it would be to focus on upping their food game (with that, I'd be a...