20 Things To Never Say To A Bartender (2024)

FAQs

What should you not say to a bartender? ›

What's the 50% rule in bartending? The proper time to serve customers the next co*cktail is once they've consumed 50% of their drink.

Don't talk about politics, don't talk about sports, and don't talk about religion. Back in my previous life as a bartender, before I traveled around the world and then landed in real estate, these three rules were golden.

While some guests are happy to chat with their bartender while they're sitting at the bar, others want some silence with their alcohol. You'll need to “read the room” when you're striking up conversation with your customers, so you can sense whether or not they're responding to your attempts at chit chat.

Rule #1: Be Sociable

The first rule to being a good bartender is to be friendly and sociable. You need to be approachable to make sure your customers are at ease. Of course, it doesn't mean that customers can ask you out on a date every time they go to the bar. They are just simply comfortable around them.

Don't wave and snap your fingers at bartenders. This comes off as rude and it will probably get you ignored. If you feel you've been waiting too long and no one has acknowledged you, try making eye contact, nodding, or raising your hand. Always treat your bartender the way you would like to be treated.

"We focus on the fundamentals of training. Everything from why you shake, when you muddle, to the practicalities of the job, and what we call the five 'P's of world class service: pride, passion, preparation, professionalism and presentation.

A “dirty dump” in bartending refers to the technique of transferring the entire contents of a co*cktail shaker into a serving glass, without the use of a strainer. This method includes all the ice, as well as any muddled fruits, herbs, and other solid ingredients used in the co*cktail's preparation.

Dry is another term used for ordering martinis. It means that you want less Vermouth than the standard recipe requires. “Bone-dry” or “extra dry” will indicate to the bartender that you want the glass rinsed with Vermouth and then discarded.

What does it mean if a bartender gives you a free drink? ›

Generally, the only reason a drink or shot “on the house” is offered is because you've already been a pretty good guest. Whether you've been paying for your drinks as you go, and tipping well, or have just been polite and courteous to the bartender.

Bartenders like compliments, I mean, who doesn't? Next time you slide up to a bar and place your order, take a minute, check out your surroundings, recognize the human being behind the stick, ask them how they are, order your drink, tip like a fiend and enjoy! Human to human, thank you for listening.

An angel shot is not a drink, but a discreet way for bar patrons to signal to the bartender that they need help. This could be because they are on a date that has gone south, or another patron is making them uncomfortable, and they need help exiting that situation.

Similarly, bartenders should be tipped $1 to $2 per drink or 15% to 20% of your total tab. While there's no obligation to leave money in a tip jar, the Emily Post Institute recommends tipping occasionally if your server or barista provides something extra or if you're a regular customer.

As part of attentive service there are ways to note when someone has had too much. Look out for clues like the obvious: slurring of speech, stumbling, slouching, volume increase, and others such as ordering another drink when they've barely touched the one they have, or if they are repeating themselves.