The first rule of getting served at the bar is to stop waving your hands like a maniac and try doing these easy habits instead.
Getting their attention
When bartenders are waiting to see who’s ready to order, they’ll usually go straight to the person making eye contact with them. They prefer to serve people who don’t make a big show of being ready, and aren’t clicking their fingers to get service.
They don’t like serving customers who keep calling out, as these people are usually a real pain in the backside and are often the worst kind of customers. Treat a bartender like they’re a human being by simply making eye contact, and you might be pleasantly surprised to see them treat you just as kindly.
Finishing up
Let the bartender do their job, instead of demanding that they serve you immediately. They have a lot of responsibilities to juggle, including mixing drinks and processing payments, so bartenders appreciate it when people give them space to finish their work.
Once it’s clear that the bartender is done, feel free to approach them. They’ll be glad you didn’t harass them as soon as you got to the bar, and there’s a good chance they’ll want to serve you first.
What’s in your hands
When you’re waiting at the bar, it feels totally normal to go on your phone. You’re just sitting there, so it’s a good way to kill some time, no harm done. But it won’t get you served quickly. The bartender has no idea that you might simply be sending a quick message or passing the time.
They’ll look at you on your phone and assume that you’re not ready to order. They’re not going to make a beeline for someone like that. Instead, try giving the bartender your full, undivided attention because it makes them aware that you’re ready. That message you’re sending can wait.
The first round
How you behave during the first order affects every order after that. To make a good impression, you should try to leave a generous tip. It’ll help the bartender remember you, and they’ll be more likely to pay attention to you later.
Make sure not to use tipping as an opportunity to show off or demand better service. Just make sure you tip well to start the evening on the right foot.
The rest of the staff
You probably know that you should treat the bartenders well, but they’re not the only staff members who are important. The barbacks handle a lot of things behind the scenes. They’re the ones restocking supplies and collecting glasses, while also keeping the bar clean.
Bartenders notice how well you treat the barbacks, and your behavior can influence how they treat you. Making room for a barback and treating them respectfully, for example, shows you respect everyone. You’re not simply being kind to get something back. Bartenders appreciate customers who respect the group’s effort, and they’ll prefer serving these people.
Knowing when to stop
There’s nothing majorly wrong with talking to a bartender. In fact, it’s something you should do, instead of treating them like a robot. But you have to know when to stop talking. Some customers keep talking to the bartenders when other patrons are waiting to order.
Pay attention to the situation around you. If you notice that the bartender needs to fulfill someone’s order, end the conversation and let them do that. Doing so is a sign that you respect the bartender’s work and their time. They’ll be more willing to approach you in the future as a result.
Controlling the group’s behavior
It’s not only your behavior that matters. The way the rest of your group acts counts, too. Bartenders notice when customers try to keep their group under control, such as by stopping someone from being loud or demanding.
They genuinely appreciate the customers who keep their friends in check and stop any problems from escalating. So, they’ll probably want to talk to them before anyone else, as these individuals are keeping the atmosphere civil.
Supporting the staff
Unfortunately, dealing with rude customers is part of being a bartender. They have to figure out the best way to manage customers who insult staff members and make unreasonable demands. You can make it easier for them.
Try sticking up for the staff and supporting them when you see something going badly. You don’t need to get involved in an argument or anything. Be patient and perhaps tell another customer when they’re getting out of line. It’ll leave a positive impression on the members of staff working.
Waiting for others
There’s one thing that bartenders appreciate most of all from customers. It’s consideration for others. They like customers who understand that everyone deserves to be treated fairly, and don’t expect service to be some sort of competition. You can be that kind of customer.
It’s simple enough, really. You just have to do things like offering to let someone who’s been there longer order first and allowing someone with a simpler order to go before you. It won’t get you served first that time. But next time, the bartender will remember your generosity and may choose to take your order first.
Standing in the right place
Quite a few bars have specific areas for bartenders to take orders. There are other areas where they’re meant to collect drinks and prepare orders. It’s useful for customers to know exactly where these places are because then they’ll stand in the right place.
Don’t hover around where bartenders prepare drinks or collect orders for servers. Pay attention, and try to find the proper ordering spot. Stand there. It increases your chances of the bartender approaching you, especially because you might be overlooked if you stand elsewhere. The bartender might not expect to take any orders from there.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
12 red flags at a bar that bartenders say should have you running out the door
Take a good look around before you order your next beer, because certain signs will tell you it’s time to finish up and leave.
12 red flags at a bar that bartenders say should have you running out the door
