Bar Etiquette: How to Behave at the Bar
Written by Jose M. Quezada
In all my years of bartending, I have noticed how people behave at the bar. Unfortunately, many people don't behave properly. After noticing inappropriate behavior at the bar for several years, I decided to write a bar etiquette. For several months, I observed people and I wrote down any behavior that I found inappropriate. I compiled all these behaviors to make a bar etiquette.
The list that I compiled got so long that I decided to break it down into sections. These sections were arranged from the time that people arrive at the bar until they leave.
Arriving at the Bar
It's the weekend and you would like to go out and have some fun. You've decided to go to the nightclub. There are a few things that you should know before heading to the bar. For example: Is there a dress code? What are you allowed to bring to the club? Did you bring your ID?
Getting the Bartender's Attention
Upon you arrival to the bar, the first thing that most people would like to do is to get a drink. Therefore, you go to the bar and approach the bartender to order some drinks. What is the best way to get the bartender's attention?
Ordering Drinks
Now that you have the bartender's attention, you want to order a drink. What is the appropriate way to order your drinks? Are you ready to order? Any special requests?
Making Your Drinks
You have placed your drink order. What should you do when the bartender is making your drink? Did you get the drink that you wanted?
Drink Prices
It's time to find out how much is going to be for your drinks. Are the prices too expensive for you? Are there any discounts? Any specials? Can anybody get a free drink?
Tabs, Credit Cards and Paying for Drinks
How are you going to pay for your drinks? Is it with cash, credit card or with something else? If you are going to use a credit card, do you have to leave a tab open?
Tipping
Do you have to tip the bartender? How much do you have to leave for a tip?
While at the Bar or Nightclub
You already order your drink and now you are ready to party. What are the things that you are not suppose to do while you are at the bar?
Did I miss something?
I would like to have the most complete bar etiquette on the web. If you think that I forgot to mention something, please let me know. I'll add it to the bar etiquette. All your comments and suggestions are welcome.