The holidays are a time to meet up with old friends and family who come into town. Grabbing a drink at your local bar or pub might be the perfect spot. Before you order your next drink, consider your bartender. Bartenders are the underappreciated heroes of the nightlife scene, crafting a symphony of flavors and ensuring patrons have a memorable outing. Yet, their work often goes unnoticed, especially when customers unknowingly commit bar etiquette faux pas.
While a friendly demeanor and a basic understanding of drink options are always appreciated, certain behaviors can quickly grate on the nerves of even the most practiced bartender. Some seemingly harmless actions can disrupt the flow of service and create needless friction. By understanding these common missteps, you can guarantee your interactions with bartenders are smooth, respectful, and ultimately, more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Whether you’re a seasoned barfly or a novice navigating the world of cocktails, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to avoid common pitfalls and foster positive interactions with bartenders.
1. Don’t Wave Money or Snap Your Fingers
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Bartenders are not performing seals waiting for your signal. Waving money or snapping your fingers to grab their attention is disrespectful and demeaning.
Instead, make eye contact and offer a polite greeting. If the bar is busy, patiently wait your turn and remember that a smile and a friendly demeanor go a long way.
2. Don’t Order a “Surprise Me”
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While this might seem like a fun way to discover new drinks, it puts the bartender in a tough spot. They don’t know your preferences and are forced to guess, potentially leading to a drink you dislike.
Instead, offer some guidance on your taste preferences. Mentioning a spirit you enjoy or flavor profiles you prefer can help the bartender tailor a recommendation to your liking. Try to avoid this when the bar is busy; it’s best to seek recommendations when it’s slow and the bartender has more time to chat.
3. Don’t Demand an “Extra Strong” Drink
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Bartenders follow carefully crafted recipes to ensure consistency and quality. Demanding a heavier pour disregards their expertise and can lead to an unbalanced or overly intoxicating beverage.
If you prefer a stronger drink, consider ordering a double or a cocktail known for its higher alcohol content. Remember, responsible consumption is key to a good night out.
4. Don’t Change Your Order Mid-Pour
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Once the bartender has started crafting your cocktail, switching your order is a major inconvenience. It wastes their time and ingredients while also disrupting the flow of service.
Take a moment to decide what you want before approaching the bar. If you’re unsure, ask the bartender for recommendations or descriptions of various drinks.
5. Don’t Lean on the Bar
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The bar top is the bartender’s workspace, not a resting place for your elbows. Leaning on the bar can impede their movements and hinder their ability to serve other customers efficiently.
Maintain a respectful distance and be mindful of the bartender’s space. If you need to wait, step back and allow others to place their orders.
6. Don’t Order for Your Friends Without Knowing Their Preferences
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Playing bartender for your group without their input can lead to a chorus of disappointed groans. Allow each person to order their own drink or, at the very least, consult them beforehand to avoid unwanted surprises.
While the thought is nice, this saves wasted money, drinks, and the bartender’s time.
7. Don’t Interrupt the Bartender While They’re Crafting Drinks
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Bartenders require focus to ensure each drink is prepared with precision. Interrupting them can lead to errors and delays.
Patiently wait for a natural pause in their work before asking questions or placing your order. A little patience goes a long way in ensuring a seamless bar experience.
8. Don’t Forget to Tip
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Tipping is an integral part of the hospitality industry. While the amount can vary, a general rule of thumb is to tip at least $1 per beer and $2 per cocktail, or 20% of the total bill.
Tipping shows your appreciation for the bartender’s service and expertise. If they’ve gone above and beyond, consider tipping even more generously.
9. Don’t Play the Expert
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Even if you fancy yourself a cocktail aficionado, resist the urge to lecture the bartender on their craft. They are (usually) professionals with years of experience and knowledge.
If you have a question or a specific request, ask politely and respectfully. A good bartender will be happy to accommodate you to the best of their ability.
10. Don’t Yell Your Order Across the Bar
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In a bustling bar, raising your voice to place an order is unnecessary and disruptive. Yelling won’t get you served faster; instead, it will only annoy fellow patrons and the bartender.
Wait your turn and speak clearly when placing your order. If the bartender can’t hear you, simply move closer and repeat your request.
11. Don’t Complain About Prices
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Bar prices are determined by various factors, including ingredient costs, overhead expenses, and local competition. Complaining about the cost is unlikely to result in a discount and can create an uncomfortable atmosphere.
If budget is a concern, consider ordering less expensive drinks or opting for happy hour specials.
12. Don’t Get Overly Personal
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While friendly banter with the bartender is perfectly acceptable, avoid crossing the line into overly personal or inappropriate territory. Remember, they are at work and deserve to be treated with respect.
Keep your conversations light and engaging. Avoid asking intrusive questions or making comments that could be perceived as offensive.
13. Don’t Leave a Mess
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Be a considerate patron and clean up after yourself. Leaving used napkins, empty glasses, or other debris on the bar is inconsiderate and creates extra work for the bartender.
Dispose of your trash properly and maintain a tidy space around you. A little effort goes a long way in showing respect for the establishment and its staff.
14. Don’t Be Indecisive
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Hemming and hawing over your drink order can hold up the line and frustrate other customers.
Before approaching the bar, have a general idea of what you want. If you need a moment to decide, step aside and allow others to order first.
15. Don’t Forget to Pay Your Tab
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It’s easy to lose track of your spending when you’re having a good time, but neglecting to settle your tab is a major faux pas.
Keep track of your drinks and pay promptly before leaving. If you’re opening a tab, be sure to close it out at the end of the night.
16. Don’t Forget to Say Thank You
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A simple “thank you” is a gesture of appreciation that goes a long way.
Expressing gratitude for the bartender’s service is a common courtesy that fosters goodwill. So, next time you order a drink, don’t forget to thank the person who made it for you.
