Eagledriver
15-08-04, 15:45
This one's for DW.
Here's an article that is a personal one to me. I can't say that this article will be true to all bartenders, but it is to me and, I believe, most that have ever striven to give great service and have been in the weeds. ("In the weeds" is a term that means you are so busy, you can't see your way out.)
Being a bartender is similar to running a real estate leasing company. The faster patrons move in or out of the bar space, the more money a bartender will make. If the bartender is obviously busy, (cocktail waitresses, dining room drinks or other patrons ahead of you), rest assured that you are not overlooked nor forgotten.
Scenario One: You walk in to a bar and it is bustling. You can't find a seat and you finally find a spot at the bar and look to catch the bartender's eye. From personal experience, I see you there and will get to you as soon as I get the orders fixed ahead of you, so hang in there. A good bartender will nod or wink to let you know that he or she sees you, depending on the brain load at that particular time.
Scenario Two: You walk in to a bar with five friends and it is bustling. You can't find a table and you finally find a spot at the bar and look to catch the bartender's eye. First things first; "What do you want?" This is not the time to now ask your friends what they want and figure out who is paying for what. Buy a round and tip. At this time, the bartender is sizing up what else has to be made and is putting the drink making plan in place. Guess what might come last? If you answered the "layered shot", you win the booby prize!
Scenario Three: You don't drink and are only there for the free food or entertainment. Chances are you are there for the duration and are taking up valuable bar space for the bartender. Don't ask for free refills on your sodas and please tip. The time you sit nursing your soda could have been a lot more money for the bartender. Designated drivers are not included in this scenario though.
Ready for how to tick off your bartender?
Come in half lit and announce to the world that you can't taste the alcohol. Here you will get the most even shot ever poured, and chance getting shut off.
Whistle or yell. You think I don't know you are there? Did you flunk taking turns in Kindergarten class, or do you not have manners at all?
Chaw. Man, don't spit in my bar glasses. I'll pay you to go away.
Ask for a free drink, or ask me to tip the jigger more while pouring if you don't expect to pay for it. These are not my drinks to give away. I might buy you a drink, but believe me, I will pay for it.
Bring up unseemly topics. Politics, racism and religion are not the proper things to discuss at a bar.
Don't be gross. I don't want to see you picking your nose or adjusting those nads. Sure thing that you'll be put on the ignore list.
Mooch drinks. I have regulars and just because you think you are something, doesn't mean you can hit every one of my patrons up for a drink.
Tell a story when I am busy. Rest assured I'll be nodding my head and walking away not hearing whatever wasn't really all that important that I hear.
Demand a fresh cold glass for each beer. Be prepared to come wash some glasses! Not that anyone would ever let you behind the bar, but it isn't always physically possible to get a new, chilled glass with each beer.
Make me wait. If you are in a conversation and can't give me your order, I'll get back to you when I can.
So, now that you know what not to do, how about some positives?
Get the bartender's name & say thanks with a tip.
Have your order ready if the bartender doesn't know you.
Have some patience, especially if you order a frozen drink. I personally work with one blender and there may be a few drinks ahead of you.
Get to know your bartender on a slow night, so they will see you and know what you prefer to drink. If he or she remembers, remember that bartender! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Here's an article that is a personal one to me. I can't say that this article will be true to all bartenders, but it is to me and, I believe, most that have ever striven to give great service and have been in the weeds. ("In the weeds" is a term that means you are so busy, you can't see your way out.)
Being a bartender is similar to running a real estate leasing company. The faster patrons move in or out of the bar space, the more money a bartender will make. If the bartender is obviously busy, (cocktail waitresses, dining room drinks or other patrons ahead of you), rest assured that you are not overlooked nor forgotten.
Scenario One: You walk in to a bar and it is bustling. You can't find a seat and you finally find a spot at the bar and look to catch the bartender's eye. From personal experience, I see you there and will get to you as soon as I get the orders fixed ahead of you, so hang in there. A good bartender will nod or wink to let you know that he or she sees you, depending on the brain load at that particular time.
Scenario Two: You walk in to a bar with five friends and it is bustling. You can't find a table and you finally find a spot at the bar and look to catch the bartender's eye. First things first; "What do you want?" This is not the time to now ask your friends what they want and figure out who is paying for what. Buy a round and tip. At this time, the bartender is sizing up what else has to be made and is putting the drink making plan in place. Guess what might come last? If you answered the "layered shot", you win the booby prize!
Scenario Three: You don't drink and are only there for the free food or entertainment. Chances are you are there for the duration and are taking up valuable bar space for the bartender. Don't ask for free refills on your sodas and please tip. The time you sit nursing your soda could have been a lot more money for the bartender. Designated drivers are not included in this scenario though.
Ready for how to tick off your bartender?
Come in half lit and announce to the world that you can't taste the alcohol. Here you will get the most even shot ever poured, and chance getting shut off.
Whistle or yell. You think I don't know you are there? Did you flunk taking turns in Kindergarten class, or do you not have manners at all?
Chaw. Man, don't spit in my bar glasses. I'll pay you to go away.
Ask for a free drink, or ask me to tip the jigger more while pouring if you don't expect to pay for it. These are not my drinks to give away. I might buy you a drink, but believe me, I will pay for it.
Bring up unseemly topics. Politics, racism and religion are not the proper things to discuss at a bar.
Don't be gross. I don't want to see you picking your nose or adjusting those nads. Sure thing that you'll be put on the ignore list.
Mooch drinks. I have regulars and just because you think you are something, doesn't mean you can hit every one of my patrons up for a drink.
Tell a story when I am busy. Rest assured I'll be nodding my head and walking away not hearing whatever wasn't really all that important that I hear.
Demand a fresh cold glass for each beer. Be prepared to come wash some glasses! Not that anyone would ever let you behind the bar, but it isn't always physically possible to get a new, chilled glass with each beer.
Make me wait. If you are in a conversation and can't give me your order, I'll get back to you when I can.
So, now that you know what not to do, how about some positives?
Get the bartender's name & say thanks with a tip.
Have your order ready if the bartender doesn't know you.
Have some patience, especially if you order a frozen drink. I personally work with one blender and there may be a few drinks ahead of you.
Get to know your bartender on a slow night, so they will see you and know what you prefer to drink. If he or she remembers, remember that bartender! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: