From my side of the bar I see so many different types of people. The majority of them are kind and decent but there are those that just don’t get it.
Having read many articles about the Bar “Dos and Don’ts”, I felt the need to do my own.
So here goes…
DON’TS
Wave money at me – Good for you, you have money and so does everyone else trying to get a drink. Wait your turn.
Fail to have your payment ready – While I am waiting for you, everyone else is waiting for me. So if you think about it, everyone is waiting for you so be ready.
Call out to me by name unless you know me – It’s very annoying to hear your name called only to find you don’t know this person who’s hailing you. If you want to pretend you know me then I will pretend you aren’t there.
Keep adding to your drink order – You ask for a beer and I get it for you. Then you ask for a glass of wine and I get it. You then ask for a mixed drink. Be considerate of all of everyone involved and have your drink order ready because remember, while I am serving you there are others waiting for me as well.
Request me to “make it strong!” or “put a lot of liquor in it” – So you are the only one on this planet who likes a strong drink?! When you say something like this you imply that I make weak drinks which I take as an insult. If you want a stronger drink, order a double.
Act confused when I ask you for your drink order – Don’t walk up to the bar unless you know what you want to order. There are those instances where asking a (this means one quick) question may be warranted. Be ready because most everyone else that is waiting for me is ready. I will politely move on in an effort to allow you time to “unconfuse” yourself.
Presume I know you – Unless you follow the “Do” rules below, I don’t remember you. You’re one of hundreds of faces I see each day, and when you raise your empty glass or beer bottle, as if I can’t tell it’s empty, your attempt to get my attention does nothing but piss me off and makes your wait time a little longer. Use your Big Boy or Big Girl words and tell me what I can get you!
Be Mr. and/or Ms. Money Bags – Usually professionally dressed and have this “everyone look at me” air about them. They order top shelf martinis putting out a vibe that they have money until it’s time to tip. Don’t be this A-Hole.
Point at your empty glass – I am not some trick monkey that gets you another drink because you gave me some kind of hand gesture. I addressed this earlier but just in case your weren’t paying attention…Use your Big Boy or Big Girl words and tell me what I can get you!
Be Mr. Micro Brew – Don’t act like the world is coming to an end because we don’t have the “Blueberry Buckwheat Porter” that happens to be your personal beer de jour. I have a well rounded beer selection behind the bar so if it is a problem for you to drink one of the beers from our selection then I predict your wait for your next beer, you settled for, may be considerably longer.
Come in for Happy Hour and proceed to drink a gallon of water – Happy Hours provide bar guests with discounted food and/or drinks with the assumption that you will order something from the regular menu and/or return at a later date. Sitting at the bar eating a Cheeseburger, you ordered from the Happy Hour menu, while drinking water only serves to make you look cheap. Taking advantage of Happy Hour specials is frowned upon.
Act like I should be at your beck and call even though it is very busy – Look around you. Everyone wants to place an order or pay their bill. I try to treat everyone like they are the only guest that I am serving but when it gets busy, it just isn’t realistic. Maybe a little situational awareness on your part would help you understand why you have to wait an extra 30 seconds for your drink.
Treat me badly because I'm serving you – Looking down on or mistreating me because I am a server is ill advised. Not only is it rude in any situation but in the bar setting it will serve to increase your wait time considerably. The bar industry employs characters from all walks of life. Many are college graduates, some are working a second job to make ends meet, and some are just people who love the business so much they do it full time. Most importantly, we are people just like you.
Complain when asked for your ID – Under no circumstances is it acceptable to complain when asked to for your ID. My job depends on me following laws. If you don’t have an ID or you forgot it, you don’t belong in a bar. If you are old enough to be in a bar then maybe you should be responsible enough to remember your ID. No excuses and don’t try to debate this with me.
DO’S
Tip – Tip well right from the start, and guess who’s the person is who gets the quickest service? We bartenders talk behind the bar so word will spread and you will be served quickly. This also serves to increase the chances of receiving a complimentary drink.
Be patient – I see you are waiting for a drink and you see I am very busy. Making eye contact with me and patience will get you served before that “Don’ts” person referenced above. Remember, getting your drink is not life or death. If it is for you then you may need help.
Be Happy – Positive energy attracts positive things.
Sorry if this comes off as being a little trivial. It had to be said.
