12 Things You Never Say To A Bartender
12 Things You Never Say to a Bartender
Take a moment to reminisce on some of your best nights. Correct us if we're wrong, but if we had to guess, alcohol was involved at one point or another.
Alcohol definitely loosens things up and gets the party going, but if you're at a bar, you wouldn't be able to enjoy it without the bartenders. They're the ones who mix up all of the magic.
Today, December 4th, is National Bartender Appreciation Day. That being the case, we thought it would only be appropriate to educate you on how to treat your bartender with the utmost respect that he or she deserves.
Let us raise a glass to the people who make the party what it is, and promise to truly appreciate them no matter what happens (or how tipsy we're feeling).
In general, when someone is serving you something, try to always use common courtesy and treat them the way you'd like to be treated.
Read on to learn 12 things you should never say to a bartender.
Can I Have a Free Drink? It’s My Birthday
If bartenders gave out free drinks to everyone who asked for them, your favorite bars would probably be out of business.
Can I Have a Free Drink? It’s My Birthday
It is your birthday? That's great! We hope that friends, family, and kind strangers around you will buy you free drinks so the bartender doesn't have to. In reality, it's never "free." If the bartender gives you a drink and you don't pay for it, someone else is, whether it's them or the owner.
Can You Do Any Tricks?
If the bartender can "do something special" or exciting during the mixing process, they'll probably do it without being asked.
Can You Do Any Tricks?
Until then, they're not a dog... so try not to ask.
Can You Make Me Something With Fewer Calories?
If you're drinking alcohol, are calories really your main concern?
Can You Make Me Something With Fewer Calories?
Chances are, if you're ordering drinks at a bar, in that moment, a healthy lifestyle isn't the first thing on your mind. If you want to be healthy and drink fewer calories, order a gin and tonic or a vodka soda. Try to know the drinks before you ask for a healthier option.
Can You Make Something Strong and Cheap That Tastes Good?
Cheap, strong, and tasty? Does that even exist? Maybe a nice glass of delicious everclear?
Can You Make Something Strong and Cheap That Tastes Good?
If you request a drink like this, you're basically asking the bartender to do something impossible.
Did You Go to College?
Usually, whether or not the bartender went to college has nothing to do with how good your drink is going to taste.
Did You Go to College?
Though there are bartending classes available, that's different than attending a standard university. Think about it this way: If they failed calculus, it probably won't affect their ability to create a killer cocktail.
Do You Have a Phone Charger?
The funny thing is that they probably do. And if they don't, they could probably get their hands on one if they tried hard enough.
Do You Have a Phone Charger?
The fact of the matter is, finding you a phone charger isn't their job. If you constantly need your phone, make sure it's fully charged before you leave or bring your own charger with you.
Do You Have a Phone Charger?
This way, you won't have to bother the bartender with something that has nothing to do with tending the bar.
Hey, Buddy!
The drink you're drinking may make you more confident or outgoing once you drink it, but that doesn't make the person who made it your friend.
Hey, Buddy!
We don't want to burst your bubble, but the person making your drink has to do it because it's his or her job. Maybe by the end of the night, you actually become friends with them, and that's great! But until then, keep the phrase "buddy" out of the conversation.
How Much Do You Make in a Night?
Whenever you meet someone new and ask them what they do for a living, do you ask them how much money they make?
How Much Do You Make in a Night?
Chances are, the answer is no, you don't ask someone how much money they make because it's common courtesy not to. If you wouldn't ask anyone else right off the bat, why would you ask a bartender?
I Know the Owner
If you are close enough with the owner to receive "special treatment," he or she will be sure to tell their staff in advance.
I Know the Owner
If you tell the bartender your name and claim you know the owner (even if you do), but they haven't heard about you already, they're going to treat you as if you don't.
I’ll Have a Beer
A beer? Great. There are stouts, IPAs, porters, amber ales, and plenty of others to choose from.
I’ll Have a Beer
If you order a beer, the bartender will be happy to bring you one. Just try to specify which kind you'd like to have upfront to make their lives easier.
Is This Your Actual Job?
Actual job? What does that mean, anyway? If they're standing behind the bar, they're working.
Is This Your Actual Job?
So if they're working, it's his or her actual job. Whether it's his or her side job, full-time job, or just a hobby is their business and their business only.
What Do You Like to Make?
Sure, a bartender might have a "signature" cocktail, but that doesn't mean it's all they like to make.
What Do You Like to Make?
Want to know what they really like to make? Money. It's as simple as that, so don't forget to tip your bartender.