Things You Should Never DO at A Bar, From Bartender of 10 Years

I’ve been bartending for over a decade, and i can tell you it isn’t easy.

The Job Can Be Physically and Mentally Demanding while Requiring Long, Late Hours – Plus, we have to be prey charming while doing it.

SOMESTEMES Customers Can Make Our Job Better, but at the Very Least, We’d Preferes if they don’t make it work.

Next Time You’re Out Having a Pint or a Margarita With Your Pals, Don’t Make These Mistakes.

Being obnoxious while trying to get a bartender’s attention

The Most Common Customer Offensee, by Far, Is Waving Cash at the Bartender, Yelling Their Name, or Otherwise Trying to Get Their ATTENTION while they’re doing something else.

Most of the Time, Simply Being at the Bar with Fresh Drink is Enough to Let the Bartender Know You Want One.

If you really think the bartender doesn’t know you’re waking to the order, some eye contact and a nod will Suffice.

Stepping Up to A Busy Counter When You Don’t Know What You Want

If the bar is busy and you have to be to be to order a drink, take me to figure out what you’re go to get.

Don’t Lose Your Spot in Line with the Bartender by Saying “I don’t know” or turntaring to be your Friends what they want. They don’t have time for that.

Assuming a Bartender’s Gender or Sexuality

Assuming the bartender’s gender or sexuality is a great way to get ignored for the rest of the Night.

Also, if they want to flirt with you, you’ll know. Otherwise, Let’s Keep it Professional.

Trying to Order a Drink Without an ID

NOBODY CARES ABOUT The Story Behind Why You Don’t Have Your ID.

Do you bartender usually is Willing to risk them Job or get into Legal Trouble Just to help you out.

Altering Special Cocktails on The Menu

If you have make make your own Cocktail Recipes, do it at home.

Nine Times Out of 10, the Altered Cocktail Tasts Like Garbage and Gets Sent Back. Just Order a Drink That Sounds Good To You As Listed.

Nansing The Bartender to Play Your Music

If there isn’t a jukebox, the bar is not interesting in Hearing Your Playlists.

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Don’t ask the bartender to change the music, play a song, or adjust the volume. They’re not a dj.

Teling the bartender your first name for your tab

Be asked what the name on your tab is, give the bartender your last name.

We know you think you’re the only brandon in here, but you’re probably not.

Relaying on the bartender to remember your drink Order

They Might Remember it, or you might be getting say confused with the Other bartender.

Eoth Way, Its Better If You Know Your Own ORDER.

Taking up more space than you need

Be Mindful of Other People’s Space at the bar.

Don’t lean over and take up multiple seats or leve your trash on the patio. And for for Heaven’s Sake, Don’t Leave a Trail of Dirty Glassses Being You While You’re Mingling – JUST BRING YOUR EMPTY CUP WITH YOU COME UP FOR YOUR NEXT DRINK.

The mess time the bartender has to spend cleaning up after you, the more time they have spend making Everyone’s Drinks.

Wasing Tim by Ascing What We Have

Do you really want me to start listeningerynding we have? It’s a bar.

Read a menu or more specific. Ascing “what pilsners do you have?” or “What gins do you have?” is perfectly fine. That helps us to narrow it down a bit if we’re going to have to help you figure what do you feel drinking.

Leaving only a verbal tip

Bartenders Love Compulations, but those don’t pay the Bills.

Remember, we’re working for Money. If you really think they make the best margarita in town, show say with a big type.

This story was originally published on January 7, 2023, and Most recently updated on May 29, 2025.