There's a difference between what is actually reasonable, and what we might expect. I think $5 is reasonable if the place doesn't serve their own wine, because they will open it for you, clean up, etc. $15 would be fair if they actually served good wine, or the same wine, and you were denying them profit, but if they just had 2-buck chuck, that figure is outrageous. $25 would make sense if you don't care about money, and are even proud to pay that much.

In New York a lot of tiny restaurants open up (8-20 seats) and they often do so before they get their liquor license. They make up a lot of New York's BYOB joints, and generally dont charge corkage fees which is nice. It would be rather weird if they did as they have no way of providing alcohol and if they expect me to eat dinner there I need wine!

I havent really seen this practice elsewhere, but its a nice bonus to some already cute restaurants

Unless you're brownbagging it under the table, most restaurants don't allow outside wine if they sell their own at a steep markup, it's just business. Unfortunately, American states generally do not recognize the right to drink whatever we want on someone else's property.

It's mostly the restaurants that either don't have a liquor license or are waiting on the list to get one. If they can't sell booze it behooves them to allow folks to bring their own. They'll sell less overexpensive sugar-water but will get more customers in general.

In Hawaii, most finer restaurants are $25 corkage...pretty outrageous, however considering these establishments never have a bottle of wine for $25, I tend not to mind the fee if I'm bringing what I want and usually not on the wine list instead of chosing an inferior wine stritcly for price. Another favorite restaurant (Grand Cafe & Bakery) seems to be more reasonable by charging $2.50 a glass. Also, technically how can an establishment charge you for corkage if it's a screw top that you open. Gotta love the Chinese restaurants here that charge nothing. Happy sipping!

I have yet to dine where there is a cork fee! This thread has given me some warning and preparation of what to expect. I plan on visiting Spokane, WA and dine at a place where you bring your own wine. Any POI's out in Spokane? It is in Washington state and I know some good wines are made out there!

RBoulanger - I just assumed it was illegal, but that no one cared.

New York also has some incredibly complex laws on bringing a bottle of wine purchased in a restaurant back home: http://www.bookofjoe.com/2004/09/waiter_id_like_.html

"New York's law requires restaurants to reseal or recork the wine, place it in a "one-time-use tamper-proof transparent bag," and then securely seal the bag." In addition you need to carry the restaurant receipt that shows where you purchased the wine from and the cork needs to be flush with the neck - ie. fully inserted.

PS. I've yet to see a "1 time tamper proof" bag

In California you can take the wine as long as it is in a bag (doesn't need to be tamper proof). However, there are plenty times where I have had to argue with the wait staff and get a manager involved before they let me. Seems silly that some people would rather you down the rest of the bottle before getting on the road rather than being responsible and taking it to go.

I have only experienced this one time while eating out. And this how I dealt with the situation. There was an older couple sitting across from me and when I ordered the bottle I noticed they were quite interested in the wine I had ordered. So I politely asked if they would like to try a glass. Next thing I know they ordered a bottle and offered me a glass. I made some new friends and there is nothing more enjoyable than sharing good food and wine with new friends.