Welcome to THEJNSREPORT’S: Bar Etiquette 101

Today’s topic addresses a social norm, that I believe in my generation (30’s) and many beyond, has diminished. Therefore a reminder of what I like to call “Common Sense” will be addressed in regards to how one should behave when out in a social setting, namely a bar.

Generally speaking when going out to a bar in NYC I find it interesting how so many people don’t have the basics of bar etiquette down.  For example I tend to think common sense in a situation where one doesn’t have money to spend, would dictate that one would wait till they had the money to go out.

As simple as that sounds I’ve been unexpectedly surprised at the number of people that do go out who don’t understand that simple concept.  If you still decide against this and do go out, you must keep in mind that you having no money gives you even less reason to be a douche bag to the staff of a bar especially bartenders.  I’m going to hit the topic from both sides of the argument.  Proper etiquette from bar staff towards customers and vice versa.

Point one: When as a customer you enter a bar and have decided that you want to order a drink.  You should approach the bar having in mind some idea of what it is that you would like to drink.  If you don’t know what you want or are ordering for yourself and or a group of people it is absolutely essential to know exactly how many drinks you will order, what the drinks will be by proper name or lay men’s term for whatever drink it is and have your money ready when given the tally.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on line to order drinks behind a bar novice or some ignorant and impatient douch-bag that doesn’t know what it is he/she wants and holds up the line with stupid questions about the bartenders looks or workout habits.  Get your priorities in order people!!!

Point two: If you know that you are going to order more than one drink and your order will be complicated then start by only ordering exactly what you know will be simple to handle.   Pay for the drinks then return for the rest allowing others to get a chance to order.

I realize that some people lack common sense to figure this one out so I say as a general rule of thumb try to order no more than 3 drinks unless they are the same thing.  Don’t decide after being served your Cape Cod or whatever your drink of choice is, that now you want a BudLight or something else.  Bartenders hate this and will remember a patron who unnecessarily makes life harder especially in a busy bar with many waiting customers to be served.   It’s all about being efficient, considerate and above all smart.

Point three: How not to exhibit maggot behavior in a bar.  When you begin to feel your buzz stop drinking and enjoy the buzz or at the very least have a bottle or glass of water between then and your next drink.  It won’t hurt to give your body a chance to rehydrate as alcohol consumption dries you out.  Not too mention the more drunk you feel the less likely you are to be aware that your judgment may be impaired to the point of you acting like a total tool, or douche -bag.  If you have been told by friends on more than one occassion that you can’t seem to handle your alcohol then drinking in excess should always be avoided.

Point four:  Do not assume that just because the staff of a bar is friendly and you’re a potentially paying customer that that gives you the right to harrass, grope, or be unnecessarily in the way of the staff of the bar.  Remember if you want good service treat the staff accordingly.  A little courtesy and respect goes a long way.  And it may even lead to you getting some perks.

Point five: This is directed at the staff of the bar namely bartenders.  If one considers the fact that they are in fact in service to the public, then doing everything to appear professional and courteous should be the immediate concern of all bartenders, as you are the face of the establishment even more so perhaps than the door man or barbacks.

If a customer has been waiting for a long time and becomes impatient simply letting them know that you will be right with them will at the very least give them the sense that they are important and are recognized by the bartender to be served.   The pace of the city is not exempted in bars.  People want to be served courteously, accurately, and above all else fast.

Smiling and having a pleasant attitude is essential.  Just think of what impression you’d get if you went to a bartender who looked miserable or disinterested and was slow in filling your order or was preoccupied with talking too long with friends or other customers or even checking a cell phone while you waited to be served.  Word of mouth is still important and once a negative reputation is established it can be hard to get rid of.  Stay tuned for more to come in Bar Etiquette 102

Till next time this has been Bar Etiquette 101 by THEJNSREPORT.