As college students, it's a given that we like our liquor. And if you're not already out hitting the bars, soon enough your time will come to do so. You don't want to forget who's serving you though, so here are some tips to make your bar experience a memorable one for both you and your bartender.
1. Don't be disrespectful to the bartender!
This includes yelling, grabbing, arguing and calling the bartender inappropriate names and things alike. If you're rude to the bartender, then don't expect to get served as often as the others.
2. Don't tell the bartender to smile!
As a bartender myself, I can tell you just how incredibly annoying and disrespectful it is to tell your bartender to smile. They're working really hard remembering your ridiculous drink order and have plenty of other work to do. Please don't tell us that we need to smile for you while we're at work dealing with many drunk people.
3. Don't hit on your bartender!
This includes telling your bartender to smile! Plus, why would you want to get with the only sober one in the bar anyways? They're not going home with you or giving you free drinks.
4. Don't argue with your bartender!
We're able to dish it right back to you, and if we feel you've crossed the line arguing with us, then we'll stop serving you and may even kick you out if you're causing too much of a ruckus within the vicinity.
5. Don't haggle!
Most of the time, we would love to give you a double for the price of a single, but we have no control over the prices of the drink. Please realize this and stop asking for deals we can't give you. It'll save us both some time.
6. Please be patient!
If you see that the bar is full, then please be patient with us! Chances are, we're working as hard as we can to get to everyone, please don't yell at us to get to you sooner. First come, first served.
7. Get the bartender's attention nicely!
We don't like being snapped at and having money thrown up in the air at us or being yelled at. If you can get our attention in a nice, well-mannered way, we'll be more than happy to get to you as soon as we can!
8. Know what you want when you order!
Especially if you have a large group of people, that way we can get started working on the first few drinks at the same time instead of making them one by one when everyone finally decides what they want. Otherwise, we may just jump to another customer that's ready with their order.
9. Don't ask to make the drink stronger!
You get what you pay for. Please don't ask me to make your drink stronger or have light ice so you can have more alcohol. It's stealing from me, it's stealing from the bar and it's not acceptable. Also, we can get in trouble for it.
10. Have your money ready!
Whether it's cash or card, please have your form of payment ready! That way I don't have to sit there awkwardly waiting for you to get money or run to the ATM in the corner to make sure you can cover the cost of your drinks, or have your card ready to keep a tab open if necessary. Having your money ready is important since the bartender has other customers to tend to. The quicker, the better.
11. Tell your bartender if you're buying someone's drink!
That way the bartender can let them know and so they don't charge them for a drink they weren't expecting in the first place. The bartender also has to keep track of is paying for which drinks, so be clear and courteous to avoid confusion.
12. Don't forget to tip!
Bartenders live off of their tips and work very hard to keep their customers satisfied. They need to be tipped in correspondence to what you ordered or drank. For example, please don't leave $1 on a $25 tab. Also, the more difficult the order, the bigger the tip. Please remember, your phone number is not a tip. Monetary tips only, please.
By following these tips, you can ensure to build a great friendship with your bartender, and will soon work your way up to a lovable regular, instead of out on the curb.
