1. Don’t Expect Special Service
Just because you’ve been coming to this bar for a few semesters or even if you know the bartender personally, expecting free or reduced drinks or priority service is not fair. If it happens, great, but your buddy is just doing his or her job…and would probably like to keep it.
2. Speak Their Language
If you try to sound fancy and order a drink “neat,” “straight,” or “on the rocks,” know what you’re getting. If the drink is what you ordered but not what you expected, deal with it. Asking the bartender to remake a drink takes away time from other customers and wastes a drink.
3. Don’t Complain About Prices
The bartender didn’t make the prices. There’s nothing he or she can do.
4. Wait Your Turn
Snapping your fingers, waving money around, or calling the bartender’s name will only prolong your wait for a drink.
5. Don’t Hit On the Bartender
…When they obviously want nothing to do with you, of course. If they’re flirting, it’s likely to be polite, show you a good time out, and/or to get a bigger tip. Let them do their job without being borderline harassed.
6. Have Your Order Ready
Don’t wave down a bartender THEN turn around to your group of friends and ask what you should get. It’s fine to ask questions about drinks, but keep it relatively short. You’re not the only person there.
7. Don’t Argue
Bartenders have the right to refuse service if they think you’re too drunk. Fighting them on their decision won’t make them change their minds-you’re just embarrassing yourself further and asking for security to be called.
8. Be Specific
“I’ll have a beer.” There are many, many types of beer.
“I’ll have a rum and coke.” If you specifically want Captain Morgan, say that.
“Whatever’s good.” Are you serious?
