Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bring in my thermos/water bottle, cup, or other outside liquid container, even if it is empty?
A: No. We are subject to TABC rules and Texas law regarding the sale, consumption, and possession of alcohol on our premise. To ensure compliance we only allow the consumption of liquids provided by our staff in our drinking vessels.
Q: Do you allow outside food or beverages?
A: No. We do not allow outside food, drink, or containers. We offer a wide variety of food, beverages, and snacks.
Q: Are pets/dogs allowed at Emerald Tavern? What about the Patio?
A: No, Effective May 1st, 2025 we no longer allow non service animals inside or outside on our patios. A service animal is strictly defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Emerald Tavern supports efforts to protect persons with disabilities who rely on their legitimate service animals, and takes this step to protect their service animals from untrained pets.
It is illegal to falsely represent a non service animal as a service animal per Texas law, punishable by fine of up to $1,000, and 30 hours community service, per Texas
Q: I’m having a birthday party or similar event, can we bring in a cake?
A: We do make an exception for special occasions with a paid reservation for cakes (only), we do have a plating fee which must be paid as part of your reservation. Please enquire before bringing your cake. We will provide plates and cutlery.
Q: Can I smoke or vape at Emerald Tavern?
A: No. We do not allow smoking of any kind inside nor on our patio. This includes e-cigarettes/vaping/etc.
Q: Can I host a LAN party or electronic game night at the store?
A: We do not allow group PC/tablet/electronic gaming in the store as such activities are generally disruptive to our table top gaming and restaurant customers and can additionally present safety issues with power cords/network cables/etc. stretched across and to tables. Potential exceptions exist for an event room booking, but would be considered on a case by case basis.
Q: Can I use my phone’s speaker while at Emerald Tavern?
A: No, speakers including mobile phones, laptops, and tablets may not be used at Emerald Tavern as it is highly distracting to other guests. You are welcome to use headphones, earbuds, etc. however.
Q: Do I need a reservation to visit Emerald Tavern?
A: Generally no. Our private rooms always require a reservation as do our booths on weekends and after 5PM on week days. All other tables are available first come first serve. However, we encourage reservations especially on weekends if you want to ensure you have a table as we can fill up. Reservations include a Day Pass to our Game Library.
Q: Can I sit wherever I like?
A: We are self seating before weekday evenings. Weekday evenings and all day weekends are hosted seating. During our self seating hours please be considerate of others and choose a table appropriate to your party’s size. We reserve the right to request parties move tables to accommodate other customers to best serve all during self seating hours. (Example: Two people at a 6 person table may be requested to move to a smaller table if we are full and a party of 5-6 are looking for a table).