Bar Rescue

10 Best Episodes of Bar Rescue - Season 1

Bar Rescue is a popular show that first aired on Paramount Network in 2011. Hosted by Jon Taffer, the show follows him as he helps transform struggling bars into profitable businesses. This has been a long-running series with nine total seasons, and viewers have been treated to some great episodes over the years. If you're looking for the best episodes of Bar Rescue, here are a few that are highly ranked.

The first episode to consider is the two-part Season 3 premiere. In this episode, Jon Taffer helps a failing bar in Las Vegas, Nevada. He has to face some tough decisions, as well as dealing with the drama that comes with a failing business. This episode is highly rated by viewers, as it sets the tone for the rest of the season.

Another great episode is Season 5's "The Greek Odyssey." In this episode, Jon visits a Greek-themed bar in Florida. He has to deal with a difficult owner and her strict guidelines while trying to turn the business around. This episode is considered one of the best due to the unique setting and the challenge of dealing with a stubborn owner.

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!

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Bar Rescue - S1E5

#10 - Swanky Troubles (Season 1 - Episode 5)

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 117 votes.

Bar Rescue - S1E8

#9 - Chumps (Season 1 - Episode 8)

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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 7.45 from 93 votes.

Bar Rescue - S1E1

#8 - Fallen Angels (Season 1 - Episode 1)

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 7.49 from 186 votes.

Bar Rescue - S1E9

#7 - Bar Fight (Season 1 - Episode 9)

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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 93 votes.

Bar Rescue - S1E6

#6 - The Blue Frog Sings the Blues (Season 1 - Episode 6)

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 7.57 from 104 votes.

Bar Rescue - S1E3

#5 - Shabby Abbey (Season 1 - Episode 3)

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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 7.57 from 125 votes.

Bar Rescue - S1E2

#4 - Downey's and Out (Season 1 - Episode 2)

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 7.67 from 151 votes.

Bar Rescue - S1E4

#3 - Beach Bummer (Season 1 - Episode 4)

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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 7.68 from 116 votes.

Bar Rescue - S1E7

#2 - Bad to the Bone (Season 1 - Episode 7)

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.

Bar Rescue - S1E10

#1 - Hogtied Ham's (Season 1 - Episode 10)

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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 93 votes.

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