Unlocking drinks in Restaurant Tycoon 3 adds a refreshing new layer of depth and strategy. Start with the basics like coffee and milkshakes, then grow your way into a full-service restaurant with a drink-filled menu.

Drinks Arrive in Restaurant Tycoon 3

Gone are the days when you could only serve food—drinks are here to stay, and they’re already changing the game. Customers love them, they add variety to your menu, and they open up new opportunities for styling your restaurant. Whether you’re running a cozy café or a five-star dining empire, mastering drinks is key to staying on top.

The Basics: Unlocking Your First Drink Station

Unlocking drinks isn’t a one-and-done feature—it’s about adding specific stations, each tied to different beverages. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Open the Build Menu: Click the “Build” icon at the bottom of your screen.
  2. Head to Unlocks/Kitchen: This is where you’ll find all the new equipment.
  3. Buy Your Station: Look for items like the Coffee Machine or Milkshake Bar. Prices vary, so make sure you’ve saved up enough in-game cash.
  4. Place It in Your Restaurant: Drag and drop it into your layout. Remember, good placement helps your staff serve faster and keeps customers happy.

Once purchased, stations are yours permanently—you won’t have to buy them again.

Expanding Your Drink Menu

Each station unlocks a new set of beverages. While the list may grow with future updates, here’s what you can serve right now:

  • Coffee: Unlock the Coffee Machine to add a classic hot drink to your menu. A simple but effective customer favorite.
  • Milkshakes: With the Milkshake Bar, you’ll offer one of the most popular high-margin drinks. Plus, the bar itself looks great as part of your restaurant decor.
  • Juices: Keep an eye out for juice machines in the Kitchen unlocks. They’re quick to serve and add refreshing variety to your offerings.

Pro Tips: Stay Ahead in the Drink Game

Want to maximize the new update? Here are some strategies to help you dominate:

  • Manager Desk: Added in the latest patch, this feature isn’t directly tied to drinks but makes your restaurant run more smoothly. Freeing up your time means you can focus on unlocking new stations faster.
  • Codes = Free Cash: Developers often drop promo codes for free money or diamonds. For example, try jukebox for a quick boost. Codes can make it much easier to afford new stations early on.
  • Optimize Your Layout: A smart design means shorter staff travel times. Place your drink stations where they’re easy to access, and your service speed (and star rating) will climb.