Nothing wrong with asking around a little first. That's why they invented newspaper critics and those websites where pubs get rated, y'know. Servicing the need t' know what you're getting into and allowing for natural laziness, all at once.

[basically: you are his yelp.com]

That'll do for now, anyways. Thanks. [A little pause, as he considers asking this, but, well, why not--] How long have you been here, if you don't mind me asking.