Bar Rescue, a reality show available on Paramount Network and first aired in 2011, follows nightlife consultant Jon Taffer as he attempts to help struggling bars turn into profitable businesses. The show has aired nine seasons so far and has become a popular favorite. Here we have ranked the worst episodes of Bar Rescue.
The show follows a general formula, as Jon Taffer visits a bar and its staff and discovers their problems. He then works with the owners and staff to come up with a solution. This can involve changes to the bar's menu, pricing, layout, and staff. Some episodes are more successful than others and are highly praised by viewers.
However, not all episodes are seen as successful or popular. Some episodes have been criticized for the lack of resolution or the changes made to the bar. These episodes have been ranked as some of the worst in the show's history. We'll take a look at these episodes and why they were so unpopular.
Written by Sophie and last updated on Feb 13, 2023.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
Bar expert Jon Taffer attempts to breathe new life into failing Philadelphia champagne bar Swanky Bubbles. To accomplish that, he'll need to deal with a playboy owner, a sprawling menu, and the worst bar layout in America.
The episode was rated 7,31 from 120 votes.
Bar expert Jon Taffer attempts to take Champs, a dated sports bar in Burbank, CA out of retirement. To do that, he’ll need owner Joe to go on the offensive, and take control of his over-pouring bartenders.
The episode was rated 7,34 from 96 votes.
Bar expert Jon Taffer attempts to class up Angels, a failing biker bar in Corona, California. To do that, he’ll have to transform their rowdy clientele, scantily-clad bikini bartenders and strip club persona.
The episode was rated 7,46 from 189 votes.
Bar expert Jon Taffer goes toe-to-toe with a former baseball player turned bar owner as he tries to revive the Canyon Inn, a decaying bar on its last legs.
The episode was rated 7,54 from 95 votes.
Legendary Chicago music venue The Abbey Pub is a family-owned bar on its last legs. When bar expert Jon Taffer tries to return the pub to its original glory, he discovers that two of the sibling managers don’t see eye-to-eye.
The episode was rated 7,55 from 127 votes.
In the episode of Bar Rescue "The Blue Frog Sings the Blues," Jon Taffer is out to help the failing bar, The Blue Frog 22, in Chicago. The bar is owned by Mimi and her son, John, and the place has a "Mom's Basement" look that is dragging them down. Taffer is determined to help them get back on their feet and make their bar a success.
Taffer has a lot of work to do to turn the bar around. He'll need to help the owners create a new vision for the bar, redesign the decor, and make sure that their menu and drink selection are up to par. He'll also need to help them create a whole new marketing strategy to draw in more customers. It won't be easy, but if Taffer can help them make the right changes, he'll be able to turn The Blue Frog 22 into the kind of bar that customers will come back to again and again.
The episode was rated 7,59 from 105 votes.
Kilkenny's, an Irish pub in Redondo Beach, CA, is in a bit of a bind. Owner Allie has called upon bar expert Jon Taffer to help the pub get back on its feet. However, bar manager Carlos stands in the way of Jon Taffer's methods and the pub's success. Allie is hesitant to fire him, leaving Jon Taffer in a difficult situation.
In this episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer must figure out how to salvage Kilkenny's and get it back on its feet. He must also find a way to work with Carlos, or convince Allie to let him go. With the stakes high, it's up to Jon Taffer to save the day. Will he be able to turn Kilkenny's around, or will the pub remain in a state of decline?
The episode was rated 7,65 from 119 votes.
In this episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer visits Downey's, a struggling Irish pub in Philadelphia. Dom, the owner, was once a star chef but has since become a negligent owner, allowing the bar to deteriorate. Jon Taffer must inspire Dom to take back control of the bar and get the business back on track.
Taffer will use his expertise to help Dom with the physical side of the bar, such as repairs and updates, as well as the financial side of the business. He'll also work with Dom and his staff to create a new menu and craft a new bar atmosphere. By the end of the episode, Taffer hopes to help Dom turn Downey's into a successful business once again.
The episode was rated 7,68 from 153 votes.
In the episode "Bad to the Bone", Jon Taffer - an expert in the bar industry - is called to help Bill, the owner of The Chicken Bone in Boston, save his bar from financial ruin. Bill, a former customer of the bar, had taken over the business, only to learn that running a bar is much more difficult than he had initially anticipated. The episode follows Jon Taffer as he works to turn The Chicken Bone into a successful business.
In the episode, Jon Taffer implements his signature “Taffer Makeover” process to try to get Bill’s bar on the road to success. This process includes evaluating the bar from the customer’s point of view, inspecting the staff and management, and reworking the bar’s menu and layout. Jon Taffer also offers Bill advice and tips on how to better run the bar and maximize profits. Through this process, Jon Taffer hopes to turn The Chicken Bone into a profitable business that can sustain itself.
The episode was rated 7,71 from 100 votes.
In the episode "Hogtied Ham's" of the show Bar Rescue, host Jon Taffer attempts to save the automotive-themed Angry Ham’s Garage from closing. This bar, located in a small town, is struggling to stay afloat and Taffer must face the challenge of trying to revive it. He is met with opposition from the rowdy owners and stonewalling city officials, which makes the task even more difficult.
The episode follows Taffer as he attempts to find a way to help the bar succeed. He knows that if he can just get the owners and city officials to cooperate, Angry Ham’s Garage can be revitalized. He uses his expertise and experience to come up with creative solutions to the problems the bar is facing. He also works to make sure the owners are on board with his plan and that the city officials understand the importance of the bar to the community.
The episode was rated 7,73 from 94 votes.
