The relationship between bartenders and their customers can be a delicate dance, one that hinges on mutual respect and understanding. While patrons are there to have a good time, bartenders are there to ensure the night goes smoothly for everyone. Unfortunately, some behaviors can sour this experience.
Let’s take a look at 18 things bartenders everywhere wish you would stop doing:
Waving Money
Waving money in the air to grab attention from a bartender is incredibly offensive, and it has demeaning undertones. Instead, simply place your money on the bar or hold it discreetly to signal you're ready to order.
Hitting on Bartenders
Flirting with bartenders while they're working is unprofessional, and uncomfortable for everyone concerned. They are there to serve drinks, not to date customers, so we suggest that you save any romantic gestures for a more appropriate time and place.
Yelling Orders
In a busy bar, shouting your order out might seem like the quickest way to get a drink, but, it often leads to frustration on both sides, as if everyone is shouting out orders it can be confusing for the server, and create a rowdy, noisy atmosphere. Remember, bartenders are aware of your presence and they will get to you as soon as they can. Shouting out your order won’t help them go any faster.
Bringing Babies into Bars
Unless the establishment is explicitly family-friendly, bringing a stroller into a crowded bar is a no-no. Bars are usually rowdy places where people go to get drunk, and loud, and it’s not a good environment for a small baby. Plus, from the customer's point of view, a bar is an adult zone, and having a baby present can create an uncomfortable atmosphere.
Asking for Complex Drinks in Busy Bars
Ordering elaborate cocktails during peak times can slow down service, and irritate waiting customers. Instead, whenever you see that the bar is extra busy, stick to simpler drinks to help keep things moving efficiently.
Expecting Special Treatment
Just because you’re a regular doesn’t mean you should expect special treatment every time you visit. For example, don’t expect to get served first over newcomers, or monopolize the server's time whenever they have lots of other clients to attend to.
Leaving a Mess
A bar is a shared public space, so try to be considerate of others, and whether it’s leaving behind a pile of napkins or spilled drinks, try to keep your area tidy. A little consideration goes a long way in maintaining a pleasant environment for everyone.
Asking for “Whatever”
When you ask for “whatever,” you put the bartender in a tough spot as they then have to randomly choose something for you when they literally know nothing about you, or any potential allergies you may have. It’s better to have some idea of what you want to drink or be prepared to accept their first suggestion graciously.
Snapping Fingers to Get Attention
Nothing irks a bartender more than the impatient snapping of fingers, this gesture is not only rude, and counterproductive, but it’s also incredibly demeaning. A simple, polite “excuse me” will always work better.
Expecting Free Drinks
Thinking you deserve a free drink because you had a friendly chat with the bartender or shared a common interest isn’t fair, servers are professionally employed people with a boss to answer to, and you could get them into trouble by pressuring them for freebies.
Using Phones While Ordering
Talking on your phone while trying to place an order is disrespectful and delays service. It also gives off an unattractive air of arrogance, and nobody likes that. Instead, finish your call before approaching the bar to place your order clearly and concisely.
Sending Back “Weak” Drinks
Complaining about the strength of your drink can be offensive, as most bartenders follow precise recipes and legal measuring guidelines, so if you want a stronger drink, it’s better to order a double or an extra shot up front.
Eating from the Garnish Tray
The garnish tray is not a buffet, and sticking your fingers in it is unsanitary and annoying, so if you need extra garnishes, simply ask.
Putting Napkins in Glasses
Discarding napkins into your empty glass seems like a small act but can make the bartender's job much harder when cleaning up at the end of the night as there can be literally hundreds of glasses to clear, and wash. It’s more helpful to simply leave your napkin on the bar instead.
Ignoring Greetings
When bartenders greet you, it’s their way of acknowledging your presence, so ignoring this and jumping straight to your order can come off as rude. Servers are humans too who deserve respect just like me and you so make an effort to acknowledge their greeting as it’s only common decency.
Using Credit Cards for Single Drinks
While convenient for you, swiping a card for every single drink slows down service for everyone, and it's best to just open a tab if you plan on ordering more than one drink.
Closing Tabs Repeatedly
Constantly closing and reopening your tab is time-consuming, and slows up service for other customers. If you’re worried about forgetting your card, most bars will gladly keep it safe until you come back the next day.
Ordering Drinks One at a Time
Ordering one drink at a time for a group can be frustrating for bartenders, especially during peak hours, instead, consider doing rounds of drinks and try to gather everyone’s orders before approaching the bar.
Bar Etiquette
Respecting these unwritten rules can significantly enhance your bar experience and help to maintain a positive relationship with your bartender. Remember, they’re there to ensure everyone has a great time, and a little courtesy on your part can make their job much easier.
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