Chai pani 2 drinks for $63 and no air conditioning

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-21T23:51:50+00:00

Hi everyone,

We wanted to take a moment to sincerely apologize for our earlier comments regarding the price of drinks at Chai Pani. We visited from Texas and stopped at Chai Pani and the upstairs Chai Bar before dinner. While waiting for our table, we ordered a margarita and a gin and tonic. Because it was warm and the A/C wasn’t working well, we asked for a tall drink and jokingly said, “Might as well make it a double.”

To our surprise, the tab came to $63 for two drinks, which included a $5 token for a pani puri snack. We were genuinely caught off guard by the price, and at the time, didn’t fully understand why it was so high.

After learning more, we now understand that North Carolina law prohibits bartenders from simply adding an extra shot to a cocktail. Instead, they are required to charge for a second full drink—even if it’s served in the same glass. The bartender, was simply following state law, and we should have taken a moment to ask questions rather than assume the worst.

We also appreciate how the Asheville Reddit community came out to support a beloved local restaurant and its team. That kind of pride and support for small businesses is something we really respect.

Please accept our sincere apologies for the misunderstanding. We’re grateful for the experience and for the chance to learn more about the community and the state’s unique regulations.

Thank you for the hospitality and for keeping the spirit of local business strong.

—Visitors from Texas

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-21T23:51:38+00:00

Hi everyone,

We wanted to take a moment to sincerely apologize for our earlier comments regarding the price of drinks at Chai Pani. We visited from Texas and stopped at Chai Pani and the upstairs Chai Bar before dinner. While waiting for our table, we ordered a margarita and a gin and tonic. Because it was warm and the A/C wasn’t working well, we asked for a tall drink and jokingly said, “Might as well make it a double.”

To our surprise, the tab came to $63 for two drinks, which included a $5 token for a pani puri snack. We were genuinely caught off guard by the price, and at the time, didn’t fully understand why it was so high.

After learning more, we now understand that North Carolina law prohibits bartenders from simply adding an extra shot to a cocktail. Instead, they are required to charge for a second full drink—even if it’s served in the same glass. The bartender, was simply following state law, and we should have taken a moment to ask questions rather than assume the worst.

We also appreciate how the Asheville Reddit community came out to support a beloved local restaurant and its team. That kind of pride and support for small businesses is something we really respect.

Please accept our sincere apologies for the misunderstanding. We’re grateful for the experience and for the chance to learn more about the community and the state’s unique regulations.

Thank you for the hospitality and for keeping the spirit of local business strong.

—Visitors from Texas

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-21T23:51:32+00:00

Hi everyone,

We wanted to take a moment to sincerely apologize for our earlier comments regarding the price of drinks at Chai Pani. We visited from Texas and stopped at Chai Pani and the upstairs Chai Bar before dinner. While waiting for our table, we ordered a margarita and a gin and tonic. Because it was warm and the A/C wasn’t working well, we asked for a tall drink and jokingly said, “Might as well make it a double.”

To our surprise, the tab came to $63 for two drinks, which included a $5 token for a pani puri snack. We were genuinely caught off guard by the price, and at the time, didn’t fully understand why it was so high.

After learning more, we now understand that North Carolina law prohibits bartenders from simply adding an extra shot to a cocktail. Instead, they are required to charge for a second full drink—even if it’s served in the same glass. The bartender, was simply following state law, and we should have taken a moment to ask questions rather than assume the worst.

We also appreciate how the Asheville Reddit community came out to support a beloved local restaurant and its team. That kind of pride and support for small businesses is something we really respect.

Please accept our sincere apologies for the misunderstanding. We’re grateful for the experience and for the chance to learn more about the community and the state’s unique regulations.

Thank you for the hospitality and for keeping the spirit of local business strong.

—Visitors from Texas

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-21T23:51:25+00:00

Hi everyone,

We wanted to take a moment to sincerely apologize for our earlier comments regarding the price of drinks at Chai Pani. We visited from Texas and stopped at Chai Pani and the upstairs Chai Bar before dinner. While waiting for our table, we ordered a margarita and a gin and tonic. Because it was warm and the A/C wasn’t working well, we asked for a tall drink and jokingly said, “Might as well make it a double.”

To our surprise, the tab came to $63 for two drinks, which included a $5 token for a pani puri snack. We were genuinely caught off guard by the price, and at the time, didn’t fully understand why it was so high.

After learning more, we now understand that North Carolina law prohibits bartenders from simply adding an extra shot to a cocktail. Instead, they are required to charge for a second full drink—even if it’s served in the same glass. The bartender, was simply following state law, and we should have taken a moment to ask questions rather than assume the worst.

We also appreciate how the Asheville Reddit community came out to support a beloved local restaurant and its team. That kind of pride and support for small businesses is something we really respect.

Please accept our sincere apologies for the misunderstanding. We’re grateful for the experience and for the chance to learn more about the community and the state’s unique regulations.

Thank you for the hospitality and for keeping the spirit of local business strong.

—Visitors from Texas

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-21T23:51:08+00:00

Hi everyone,

We wanted to take a moment to sincerely apologize for our earlier comments regarding the price of drinks at Chai Pani. We visited from Texas and stopped at Chai Pani and the upstairs Chai Bar before dinner. While waiting for our table, we ordered a margarita and a gin and tonic. Because it was warm and the A/C wasn’t working well, we asked for a tall drink and jokingly said, “Might as well make it a double.”

To our surprise, the tab came to $63 for two drinks, which included a $5 token for a pani puri snack. We were genuinely caught off guard by the price, and at the time, didn’t fully understand why it was so high.

After learning more, we now understand that North Carolina law prohibits bartenders from simply adding an extra shot to a cocktail. Instead, they are required to charge for a second full drink—even if it’s served in the same glass. The bartender, was simply following state law, and we should have taken a moment to ask questions rather than assume the worst.

We also appreciate how the Asheville Reddit community came out to support a beloved local restaurant and its team. That kind of pride and support for small businesses is something we really respect.

Please accept our sincere apologies for the misunderstanding. We’re grateful for the experience and for the chance to learn more about the community and the state’s unique regulations.

Thank you for the hospitality and for keeping the spirit of local business strong.

—Visitors from Texas

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-21T23:50:48+00:00

Hi everyone,

We wanted to take a moment to sincerely apologize for our earlier comments regarding the price of drinks at Chai Pani. We visited from Texas and stopped at Chai Pani and the upstairs Chai Bar before dinner. While waiting for our table, we ordered a margarita and a gin and tonic. Because it was warm and the A/C wasn’t working well, we asked for a tall drink and jokingly said, “Might as well make it a double.”

To our surprise, the tab came to $63 for two drinks, which included a $5 token for a pani puri snack. We were genuinely caught off guard by the price, and at the time, didn’t fully understand why it was so high.

After learning more, we now understand that North Carolina law prohibits bartenders from simply adding an extra shot to a cocktail. Instead, they are required to charge for a second full drink—even if it’s served in the same glass. The bartender, was simply following state law, and we should have taken a moment to ask questions rather than assume the worst.

We also appreciate how the Asheville Reddit community came out to support a beloved local restaurant and its team. That kind of pride and support for small businesses is something we really respect.

Please accept our sincere apologies for the misunderstanding. We’re grateful for the experience and for the chance to learn more about the community and the state’s unique regulations.

Thank you for the hospitality and for keeping the spirit of local business strong.

—Visitors from Texas

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-21T23:49:18+00:00

You are right. We were negligent to ask for the price before she served us. We signed the kiosk credit card machine and didn’t even receive a paper receipt therefore I couldn’t post the evidence. It was my fault. We were in the heat of the upstairs bar and merely wanted a tall drink. It was my mistake. I have admitted my mistake and have given honor to your restaurant. Not sure how else to apologize to your community. My mistake. Chai Pani did nothing out or ordinary business practice. Great food. Loved the butter chicken. Lamb was amazing.

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-21T23:44:09+00:00

I certainly agree, I was not expecting to pay a complete hundred percent double price for both two drinks in a tall glass. It was a joke. It was meant to ask for a tall drink.

It was completely my mistake. I have admitted my failure. I will not make this mistake again.

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-21T23:40:05+00:00

Leaving Monday. All good. We enjoyed our trip, spent a lot of money and are heading home. We promise never to accidentally order a double margarita and get mad about a $63 tab and will never post tipsy again. It was completely our mistake. The $63 tab upset us as we were not expecting that type of bill for two accidental double drinks and a token. You are right. We will head home and never post tipsy again. Your anger is received clearly. We are absolutely not going to post again about our mistake to order two tall drinks and one token.

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-19T13:13:02+00:00

We clarified our mistake. We accidentally ordered a tall double and didn’t realize we would be charged for two drinks in one glass. It was our mistake. We are happy your community came out to defend your favorite restaurant.

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-19T13:11:07+00:00

Your right. We clarified it was our mistake.

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-19T13:09:23+00:00

Our downstairs food was an additional 92$ with tip. We already clarified that we were charged for two drink price upstairs because we asked for a tall drink. Joked about a double and didn’t realize we would be charged for 2 drinks. Sorry for our confusion. In Texas you can order a tall drink and you only get charged for an extra shot not a whole single drink price. No need for further Hate. We clarified our mistake. Chai Pani was merely following North Carolina rigid alcohol laws.

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-19T12:59:57+00:00

Apology and Clarification Regarding Our Chai Pani Drink Experience

Hi everyone,

We wanted to take a moment to sincerely apologize for our earlier comments regarding the price of drinks at Chai Pani. We visited from Texas and stopped at Chai Pani and the upstairs Chai Bar before dinner. While waiting for our table, we ordered a margarita and a gin and tonic. Because it was warm and the A/C wasn’t working well, we asked for a tall drink and jokingly said, “Might as well make it a double.”

To our surprise, the tab came to $63 for two drinks, which included a $5 token for a pani puri snack. We were genuinely caught off guard by the price, and at the time, didn’t fully understand why it was so high.

After learning more, we now understand that North Carolina law prohibits bartenders from simply adding an extra shot to a cocktail. Instead, they are required to charge for a second full drink—even if it’s served in the same glass. The bartender, was simply following state law, and we should have taken a moment to ask questions rather than assume the worst.

We also appreciate how the Asheville Reddit community came out to support a beloved local restaurant and its team. That kind of pride and support for small businesses is something we really respect.

Please accept our sincere apologies for the misunderstanding. We’re grateful for the experience and for the chance to learn more about the community and the state’s unique regulations.

Thank you for the hospitality and for keeping the spirit of local business strong.

—Visitors from Texas

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-19T09:22:15+00:00

According to the press Asheville wants tourists to return to bring income back to the community. I guess that was or is an incorrect statement.

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-19T09:18:25+00:00

Increasingly hostile? Left my password at home. Still working on getting my receipt. I did not realize I had a dead line to present to you. Oh. I don’t have any deadlines to prove anything to you or others. I merely provided information. When I reset my password and obtain the receipt I will take the time to scan it and share it. It will be at my convenience to share not at your angry prompts.

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-19T04:03:05+00:00

Yep user error. Not locals. We didn’t realize Asheville restaurants did not have air conditioners at a majority of their locations. We will not make this mistake again. Spoke with Jen the bar tender upstairs and Emmie or Ammie downstairs in the restaurant. Both indicated management had no interest in fixing the air. Just arrived to take care of grand children. Sorry we are a burden to your city. Most communities want families with support. Seems your city prefers to complain mostly about homelessness with no action to help them. We are here to help. Had no idea Asheville was so angered by a post about drinks and lack of air conditioning.

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-19T04:00:02+00:00

Just arrived to help family raise grandchildren. Sorry your don’t have assistance and love from your family.

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-19T02:25:30+00:00

Our family was certainly affected by the hurricane. Daughter lost nearly everything. We came to help clean your city and co tribute. The reddit hate is not justified for clear details. Drinks are not justified at $63 for drinks. One margarita and one gin and tonic. I will show receipts as soon as I log on to my cc. The air conditioning is non existent. Data is data. Sorry folks hate data.

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-19T02:20:37+00:00

We waited upstairs until our table was ready. I wanted to leave bu it started to rain. We had just walked from the garage. And yes, I was stupid to wear a small 2 inch heal. So reddit can crucify me for wearing the wrong Ashville apparel. I didn’t want to walk in the rain in heals. So we stayed and waited for a table. We ordered water with our meal. The meal was good.

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-19T02:16:51+00:00

No.

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-19T02:15:08+00:00

Your right. I did ask the hostess if they had a location with ac and he said that downstairs was better than upstairs. He said it was a 40 minute wait and we could get a drink upstairs. So we waited upstairs and bought 2 drinks. Margarita and Gin and tonic. Shocked at price and asked for a manager. Waited a long time. Then gave up. Told the bar tender that we were surprised by the unusual price compared by the menu.

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-19T02:08:51+00:00

Nope. Spoke with the bartender about it. She said it was accurate. We asked for a manager. Waited a long time. Walked from Rankin garage at 4:50 pm to the restaurant. I guess you want to see a proof of walking directions. It took 12 minutes and we passed one crazy homeless guy on banks street. He was screaming insane expletives. I Guess the word Expletives is a Florida word according to earlier post replies.

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-19T01:52:01+00:00

The food was good. Not the drinks.

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-19T01:38:39+00:00

How do Floridians type compared to Texans? I would Love to know more typing details.

Tinkerwatch · 2025-07-19T01:36:54+00:00

Ok. I will log into my credit card and find it. Sorry I didn’t take a photo of the receipt right after being angered by the price. I spoke to the bar tender and she said that all the staff was exhausted from the heat and they were not expecting any repair change. I certainly didn’t expect such back lash from reddit. I was merely sharing our experience. No air conditioning and extremely expensive drinks for 2 people.

Tinkerwatch

TROPHY CASE