Like every job, bartending has its pros and cons. When it comes to being a bartender, there's a general consensus of what the job entails. Bartenders are usually known to be attractive and friendly people behind a bar who just pour endless sums of alcohol into your margarita, while dancing to "Bodak Yellow" playing in the background, and collecting a pool of tips at the end of the night. While all of this may seem to be the case, the reality of bartending is quite the opposite sometimes. I'm here to share five things about bartending that break the usual stereotype, and I encourage you to keep these in mind next time you hit up your local bar/ club/ restaurant.
1. MEASUREMENTS DO EXIST
While the guy or girl behind the bar may seem to just be free-handing the amount of alcohol they pour into your drink, there's an actual measurement that's required for serving drinks. There is a legit science to this-- they don't call it "mixology" for nothing! Some bartenders have done it for so long that they can probably determine where the level of alcohol should be without assistance, but that's what measure pourers are for also. You know, that little pacifier looking tip they have on the bottles at the club? Yeah, those. Regardless, drink measurements are not just to ensure people don't get too drunk too fast. If too much of anything is poured disproportionally, it could wind up throwing off the entire taste of the drink, and if you've ever had a horrible Long Island Iced Tea... you'll know just how important this is.
2. DO NOT PRESS THE BARTENDER FOR A STRONGER DRINK
As I just mentioned, there is a science to this people. I know, I know... we've all had a drink that is just so darn light you wonder if the bartender put ANY alcohol in it at all, but over-pouring isn't as liberal as it seems. For example, where I work there are cameras right where I pour the drinks to make sure I'm using the proper measurements. Over-pouring ends up costing the business because the amount of alcohol being served will eventually outweigh the business' profit. You figure a bartender gives you extra alcohol but is still charging you the same price as if they poured the correct amount-- eventually, it does add up. Not all places are the same, and not all places are okay with it. So respect the bartender enough to get what you get, and if you don't like it, opt for a drink that's generally stronger, because some drinks are a lot stronger than others.
For example, the amount of alcohol in a mixed drink will seem like a lot less because you've included a chaser. Whereas drinks served "neat" (straight, no ice) or "on the rocks" (straight, with ice) will hit you a lot faster.
Don't harass the bartender, just switch up your drink. Simple.
3. NOT ALL BARTENDERS ARE FLIRTATIOUS
It's really bothersome having customers try to flirt with you thinking you'll hook them up with a strong drink. Think again, buddy. A job is a job; I don't care how much alcohol is involved, it's still a business. As attractive as you may find the bartender, just know that looks are an added accessory to the business. They are meant to reel you in, but they just want your business as a client, not your number. Bartenders feel like bait as it is, so don't make it worse by trying to come on to us... unless you want a dash of spit with that drink ;) JKJK, lol.
4. TIPS ARE RELATIVE, NOT CONSISTENT
"Drunk people tip more because they're drunk" is probably the biggest misconception I've encountered while bartending. On the contrary, the more drunk people are, the less aware they are of ANYTHING, especially how much they tip you... if they even tip you at all. I've had people get so "turnt" that they don't even consider leaving a tip. I'm lucky if they even remember to close out their tabs. Also, not every night is a successful one. Slow nights don't guarantee you half as much as a busy night would, and I've had customers not tip out of pettiness, i.e., me not flirting back, claiming I didn't pour them enough, etc.-- and yes, people can be THAT petty.
5. WEEKEND PLANS ARE A THING OF THE PAST
Not everyone is equipped to handle working weekends until midnight, or until two to four o'clock in the morning. While your friends are out ordering drinks, you'll be serving them. Weekends are where the money is, so not working is the equivalent of not getting paid. Bartenders are there because they need to be, so keep that in mind next time you want to give yours a hard time. Without them, you wouldn't be out enjoying your own night. So be appreciative.
All in all, I love the experience I've had as a bartender so far.
