Reader Digest Version Global

13+ Things Your Bartender Won’t Tell You

Bartenders share their secrets, tips and best etiquette advice.

from Reader's Digest
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1. Yell, whistle, or wave money and I'm going to make you wait. Make eye contact and smile, and I'll come over as soon as I can. Know what you want and have your money ready. Don't create a traffic jam.

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2. Start a tab. If I swipe your card five times this evening, that’s five times as much paperwork I have to do at 4 a.m.

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3. You want a drink made 'strong?' Then order a double-for double the price.

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4. Liquor sales in bars and restaurants were down 2.2 percent last year. Even beer sales are slow. But people scrimp on food first, drinks second.

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5. A lot of bars have comp tabs, which allows me to give away drinks. It's smart business and helps build a base of regulars.

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6. Bars that don't have regulars (in hotels, airports) have started using wireless gadgets that measure how much is poured and automatically ring up each shot. They're meant to prevent overpouring and to cut losses, but I don't like them-neither do customers.

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7. If your tipping guideline is still 'a buck a drink,' listen closely: That doesn't fly if you order a $12 cocktail. Tip at least 15 percent.

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8. At some bars, the sliced fruit garnishes sit out until they’re gone, sometimes for days. Munch accordingly.

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9. The smoothest guys compliment a woman, then walk away-it's very nonthreatening.

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10. I have the police on speed dial, and I never hesitate to call.

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11. Don't order a round of drinks after last call. Last call applies to everyone-even you.

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12. Some of us get a cut from the cab company when we call a taxi for a tipsy patron. Not that I've ever done that, of course.

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13. Last week, a couple had a little too much and got into a dumb argument, then asked me to choose the 'winner' of the fight. There isn't a tip big enough to get me involved in that situation!

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14.
If I cut you off, don’t argue.
 If anything, you should apologize if you’ve made a scene. 



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15.
Get a room.
 The more you make out with your date, the closer you are to being cut off. 



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16. 
I've heard it all. 
One guy told me I had the worst smile he‘d ever seen. I found out that he thinks a girl won‘t remember him unless he puts her down. I guess it worked; I‘m telling you this story three weeks later.



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17.
Think tending bar isn’t a real career?
 You’re wrong. The craft of bartending is coming back, and some of us are even called “mixologists” now. 



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18.
 I love sharing what I know.
 If it’s not busy, ask me about the history of drink or the latest cocktail I’ve invented. You’ll learn something new. 



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19.
 I like a sophisticated palate.
You’ll win points with me if you request gin in your martini. 



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20.
 My knees hurt.
 Bar mats prevent slipping, but I really like them for the cushioning. I use sole inserts in my shoes, too. 



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21.
 I can tell if your date is going well or not.
 And I notice if you bring in a new date every week. 



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22.
 Everyone should bartend a few nights in his life.
You learn so much about people. 



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23.
 I'm not a piece of meat.
 If you’re going to hit on me all night, at least leave a big tip. 



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24.
 It happens every time.
 The songs you line up on the jukebox will play right as you’re leaving. 



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25.
 I do more than mix drinks.
 I love being your psychiatrist-matchmaker-entertainer-friend. Otherwise, I wouldn’t tend bar. 



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26.
 Please, take a cab.


 

Sources: David Craver, president, National Bartenders Association, and anonymous bartenders in Boston, Kentucky, Florida, California, and Illinois. Interviews by Bridget Nelson Monroe.

Your Comments

  • Bobthebartender

    False.  By the way your not supposed to “munch”  a garnish.  It is either for the drink or for looks,  If you are hungry ask for a menu. 

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_H6MFT4FPSLZLZUE4LFNZAOHBQU Me Too

       Nonsense.  Once the customer has paid for it they are supposed to do anything they like, though if they make a mess they are arsehoes.

      • Hypervision

        I agree, Why I even ASK for green olives in a shot glass to nibble on while I’m drinking, if they cant’s do that, or the garnish is not fresh enough to consume as a cunsumer, then maybe i should go to place where it is. Because, why would I want a rotten or spoiled piece of fruit in my drink?? Thats what the black (or stainless) tray is for underneith the slip in compartmented tray of condiments is for….. its for ICE dummy! :-) If the back bar or the tender and or the house can’t deliver me a quality product (for me to consume, drink) then that joint don’t deserve my tips or business!

        • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_H6MFT4FPSLZLZUE4LFNZAOHBQU Me Too

           One thing the article failed to mention is if those garnishes are sitting out for days at a time this is against health codes and a bartender serving that knowingly should lose their job, and their employer/bar shut down- it’s not a sign of being more knowledgeable than the customer, it’s a sign of incompetence and disrespect in general to serve a food item not fit for consumption.

        • Michaelp1940

            I owned bars and tended bar also and not one of you self serving jerks would make it through one shift in any of my places! i would rather train a bunch of male and female monkeys to replace all of you. and we would all make more money!!!

          • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_46PI6LYATESF3XQ4OWZ6MN566Q Bill

            So what’s your point, MichaelP? So you’ve owned bars. Big deal. I’ve owned restaurants and pizzerias in my day. Big deal.  How about sticking to the topic, and it was about garnish.

          • o0__0o

            u mad bro?

          • Khaendiges

            The attitudes of the servers featured in this article sickens me. Bartenders are the baristas of the drunk serving world, and about as important to the rest of us, which is to say not at all. You’re servants in a service industry, not kings, get over yourselves. If I have to bribe you before getting decent service then you suck at your job and I’ll go somewhere else where my patronage is better appreciated. Ignore me in favor of your so called regulars and I won’t bother you to serve me, I’ll just leave, I’m sure your employer will approve of you costing them revenue because you have a snotty attitude. Screw the lot of you, I hold waitresses in higher esteem than any of your glorified human liquor faucets. You’re not important, and never will be.

    • commonsenseaintcommon

      Look dummy, most of us would just as soon get out beer from a vending machine. You serve drinks and you aren’t all that important. If a bartender won’t wait on me I will set at the bar and take up space to deny others the abuse from some jerkwater who thinks they are Gods gift to  thirsty people.

      • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_IYN7U2A2BEFEXZUMW45RV2ECLI Gregory

         Or you could just go to the store, pick up a case of your favorite beer and stay home, no Bartender or vending machine required.  Sort of a Do-It-Yourself approach. 

        • http://www.facebook.com/people/Leo-Anderson/659890945 Leo Anderson

          that’s what i do. that way the pigs won’t have a legitimate excuse to harass me.

          • http://profile.yahoo.com/4656UTCS2MWWDDGMWQHUMFK2TI Artemisia

            But … they are your family!

          • Jeremy

             Glad you’re staying at home.

          • D. Allawah

            The pigs? What bar do you go to?

        • http://profile.yahoo.com/O6NHGIV2RRT2UECB6H4RA73KIE jas s

          GREGORY…and it will save you a lot of money….the price of the drinks…tips…possible arrest for driving under the influence…..i pay $3.50 for a bottle of bud lite aluminum at the bar…..i recently purchased some of the same for $1.00 a bottle at krogers……big fn difference

          • post-toastee

            bud lite aint even beer, not even swill beer.  Pour it on your plants maybe. i pay $3.50 for a 16 oz. locally crafted IPA, my bartenders are my friends and comp me about one out of three, and I tip them very well.  And if its liquor drinks you want, they pour’em up strong.

          • eddiewardo

            Right. So stealing from the owner is ok then, post-toastee. There are no free lunches, somebody is paying for those “comp” brews you’re stealing.

          • http://profile.yahoo.com/FALA7BDV3XEMVEPNMHHB2H5STY Jody

            I used to date a bartender.    The owners told him to comp a certain percentage of drinks for the regulars to keep them coming back. (The prices of the drinks in general absorbed the cost of the freebies.  Incidently,  the owner also told the bartender to not to tell them that he knew about it and encouraged this practice.  He was told to act as though he was doing it just b/c HE was a nice guy  who enjoyed “visiting with them”,  whether or not he actually liked  them at all!  Funny, huh?

            Also,  if a hot girl (or girls) came in and there werent any guys there that “looked promising”  for them, or who might send over a drink or drinks, then he was  told to comp their first few, until people started sending drinks to them.  (This was b/c the owner wanted to get hot girls to be regulars there to encourage guys to come in and buy drinks for themselves and the grils.

            So, there are lots of behind the scenes things like that are probobly going on in most bars that the publi wouldnt be aware of.

        • http://profile.yahoo.com/O6NHGIV2RRT2UECB6H4RA73KIE jas s

          GREGORY…and it will save you a lot of money….the price of the drinks…tips…possible arrest for driving under the influence…..i pay $3.50 for a bottle of bud lite aluminum at the bar…..i recently purchased some of the same for $1.00 a bottle at krogers……big fn difference

        • Tricia :

           Or go to another bar where the bartender is not a beesh with an entitlement chip on her shoulder. That’s the option we’ll go for.

        • http://www.facebook.com/people/Sandy-Stipp/1015103668 Sandy Stipp

           Right on Gregory.  That’s the only way to go.  Plus….you save a whole bundle of money.

        • Dwm9u

          what’s your boss think of that, moron?  You are a paid worker, not a decision maker.  Do your f’in job and do it to the best of your ability.  Stop acting like the world owes you, or that you are one ounce of important.  Of course I suppose that’s why you are a bartender, because you haven’t grown up and have no clue about either business or decision making.  Bars aren’t going to close because your an idiot, you’ll just eventually get fired.

          • Dwm9u

            correction (sp):  ,…because you’re and idiot, you’ll just eventually get fired

          • Eddie

            Yo, douche! Learn to spell. And put that Bud Light down.

          • http://twitter.com/theafterburn Andrew Conlon

            Are you seriously commenting on comments from 3 months ago? LOL!

          • http://twitter.com/theafterburn Andrew Conlon

            Are you seriously commenting on comments from 3 months ago? LOL!

          • Deborahlc

            Not sure bartenders are such idiots when they walk home at night with 300+ tips a night of CASH MONEY…..Seems to me that having fun and making money isn’t such a bad gig.

          • Khaendiges

            ‘ve met plenty of bartender in the last forty years, none of them ever made that kind of tips, most barely made a liveable wage.

        • Anonymous

           You mean as opposed to driving to a bar, getting drunk, and driving home?  Why that’s fantastic advice.
          In fact I think they should close every bar in the country because you should be drinking at home in the first place.

          • Anonymous

            “In fact I think they should close every bar in the country” 

            Only a rabid authoritarian would propose such a thing. Many wise folks drink with a spouse or partner who doesn’t drink that evening for the drive home. Over the years my party group would simply designate a driver while clubbing.

          • Anonymous

            OH, gee, I’m sorry apparently I was mistaken. I was under the impression that while SOME people are smart enough to have a designated driver, MOST do not.

            Clearly I’m wrong because there are no longer people killed by drunk drivers.

            Yea sorry about that.

            Bottom line. Buy the booze at a store. Bring it home. Drink it there. If your friend is drunk, he can crash on the couch, you know like instead of into someone’s car.

      • Tpswawmp

        Yea I believe too many of these guys and girls saw the Tom Cruise bartending movie and think they are Gods gift. Lots are scumbags looking to get laid and nothing else. I’ve ran a few restaurants and bars to know that, I would fire my best bartender if he didn’t take care of the customers, treat one good they tell three friends treat one bad and they tell fiftten.

        • Lstrickler65

          clearly you haven’t really ran a restaurant. simply because you are disrespectful. how does still being a bartender mean you haven’t grown up? its a legitimate job, pays bills and in this economy people still will drink. you should grow up and accept that since someone isn’t behind a desk or work 9to5 doesn’t mean that haven’t grown up.

      • Felippie69

        Maybe you should just find a vending machine. What a jerk you are

      • Felippie69

        Maybe you should just find a vending machine. What a jerk you are

      • JT Croaker

        I always smile and am always polite and I’ve still been ignored, thats when I yell or whistle. I’ve waited patiently for nearly 25 minutes one time smiling the whole time, making eye contact and nothing as I watched customer after customer walk up to the bar after me and get served before me so that is a load of bull. When I finally got my drink, I didn’t tip, finished my drink and went to a different bar that had more business with less staff and I was served right away, I was so happy I gave a big tip!

        • Tiffa

          You obviously don’t know how to order a drink or you go to trashy bars.

          • Dave

            Ive had the same thing happen to me. Most recently I went to a college bar to support my cousin who was performing. Whenever I tried to order the bartender took the order of any, I hate to say it, skank who came and ordered. Another cousin, who is an attractive female had the same problem. I guess my bartender liked it when the girls looked like prostitutes. I will never go back there because of the poor service.

        • Eddie

          You were probably in a gay bar, or a “suit” in a working man’s bar.

          • http://twitter.com/theafterburn Andrew Conlon

            Necroing two threads in one day. Must be some kind of record.

          • http://twitter.com/theafterburn Andrew Conlon

            Necroing two threads in one day. Must be some kind of record.

          • Total Creation

            stop your crying.  The thread is still open and therefore can be posted to.

      • Anonymous

        Common sense may not be common, but you’re as common as they come – no class at all. No wonder someone won’t wait on you! You think a bartender is not important? Then go to someplace that serves your Bud Lite out of a vending machine. But if you want a real drink and you’re at a bar, the bartender is the most important person there. A good bartender can make or break your whole night, and is the difference between a successful bar and some dump with alcohol -you know, the kind of place you usually go to.

        • Khaendiges

          The SERVER is never the mot important person in a bar, the CUSTOMER is, ask your boss.The only time a sever ever affected the time I was having was when they had an attitude like yours and spoiled my evening, which I made sure to tell his boss as I left.

      • http://profile.yahoo.com/BC4WBVFBXESDY6Y5NZVJKZVKNY Nick P

        The funny thing about that is that unless you are at your private home consuming that beer, you are a patron of MY ESTABLISHMENT, respect the rules or face the consequences. You arent the only thirsty person with a few bucks in his pocket.

        • Prof

          I see why YOUR bar is empty.  Sit close and read slowly, IT AIN’T ABOUT YOU.  And you’re not the only bar in town. Sorry if all that came as a shock. 

        • Khaendiges

          Unless you own the bar it isn’t “your establishment”, you’re just tending it for the person who does own it. You’re a servant, not the master, the customer you crap on is more important to your boss than any of you.

      • USA

        I can picture you working for the Police Department.  You’ll hold the gun to your own heard and tell the bad guy, “stop or I’ll shoot”.

      • George4536

        you are a dumbass who has obviously never worked in service.  Do everyone a favor and don’t go out to bars or restaurants.  Nobody wants to deal with your kind.

      • Cookiethecook

        Wow. So you think it’s your right to go out and abuse the bartender? 

        • Anonymous

          Mutual respect is a wonderful concept.

      • Cookiethecook

        Wow. So you think it’s your right to go out and abuse the bartender? 

      • guest

        THATS WHAT YOUR FRIDGE IS FOR STAY HOME RETARD(COMMONSENSEAINTCOMMON)

        • robert

          If you are good looking,have good sense and personality,the last place you need to go to is a bar.You’ll have enough fun at home or at another’s home.Bars are for lonely sad men and parasitic women.Its always last on my list of places to go and I enjoy life very well. 

      • guest

        THATS WHAT YOUR FRIDGE IS FOR STAY HOME RETARD(COMMONSENSEAINTCOMMON)

      • http://profile.yahoo.com/4656UTCS2MWWDDGMWQHUMFK2TI Artemisia

        Where do you do your guzzling? I want to avoid it.

      • Finebethatway

        you’re an a$$ for even saying this.  most of us bartenders don’t think of ourselves as God’s gift, we are there to make money, not get yelled at or whistled for…dumba$$.  We listen to your gripes, complaints and watch you drink your money away…now who is the better person?

      • Finebethatway

        you’re an a$$ for even saying this.  most of us bartenders don’t think of ourselves as God’s gift, we are there to make money, not get yelled at or whistled for…dumba$$.  We listen to your gripes, complaints and watch you drink your money away…now who is the better person?

        • Anonymous

          I don’t drink , but lo ve going to the bar for conversation and watching the games.
          I order water…..Then tip the b’tender 10 bucks…He/She smiles….We are both
          happy..

        • Amber

          If you feel that way about your customers .. Throwing their money away and complaining .. I think that goes with all bartending jobs .. Maybe you should look for a new career ..

          • eddiewardo

            Since when was bartending a career? Kinda falls in the same category as waiting tables if you ask me. Nothing wrong with the service industry, but most folks consider these jobs to be great for young people who need work experience, or young people looking to work through college.

      • RestOnYourLawrels

        and this is why there is floating spittle in your drink smart guy

        • Khaendiges

          Sooner or later you’ll get caught doing that, enjoy going to jail, dumbass.

      • Rapowell69

         I also ignored patrons who snapped their fingers, called me names, swore at me, and any other egotistic behaviors.  I had a boss who would back me up, too.  He could be very intimidating to any slob who was too immature to be allowed by his mommy to be out in public.  That way, the people who actually had brains and used them were my best buds and the few idiots would leave, making the bar a great place for civilized people to enjoy a night out.  We should never tolerate bad manners nor condone them.  Never suffer fools and they will just go away.

        • Mdmann

          So what do you say to the person above who says they once waited patiently at a bar for 25 minutes to be served, only to have others come up after them and get served? To get served, they had to do exactly the rude things you are complaining about. One dipwad responds by saying that person obviously doesn’t know how to order a drink. Perhaps that bartender was a complete jerk. Do you claim that person is lying about their experience, or is it possible that this list, which is supposed to represent rules for EVERY bar, is a bunch of pointless BS? Anyone who claims that there aren’t a$$holish bartenders is a fool and a liar–you’re probably just too drunk off your a$$ most of the time to notice. The moral of all of this is as one poster said–MUTUAL respect is a wonderful concept. Don’t expect respect if you don’t give it. That goes for EVERYONE.

          • Anonymous

            Wow – you should follow your own advice!  Mutual respect for EVERYONE!  You’re comment to Rapowell was totally disrespectful and just plain ignorant.  These are not rules for every bar.  There are “things your bartender won’t tell you”.  In otherwords, the opinion of the bartenders they intereviewed for this article.  Also, Rapowell never claims that there aren’t a$$holish bartenders.  Just says what s/he has done and why.  And why would you even say that this person is probably too drunk to notice anything?  What?  Where did that come from.  Yours was the most rude, entitled comment on this board!

          • Anonymous

            Wow – you should follow your own advice!  Mutual respect for EVERYONE!  You’re comment to Rapowell was totally disrespectful and just plain ignorant.  These are not rules for every bar.  There are “things your bartender won’t tell you”.  In otherwords, the opinion of the bartenders they intereviewed for this article.  Also, Rapowell never claims that there aren’t a$$holish bartenders.  Just says what s/he has done and why.  And why would you even say that this person is probably too drunk to notice anything?  What?  Where did that come from.  Yours was the most rude, entitled comment on this board!

          • Anonymous

            Wow – you should follow your own advice!  Mutual respect for EVERYONE!  You’re comment to Rapowell was totally disrespectful and just plain ignorant.  These are not rules for every bar.  There are “things your bartender won’t tell you”.  In otherwords, the opinion of the bartenders they intereviewed for this article.  Also, Rapowell never claims that there aren’t a$$holish bartenders.  Just says what s/he has done and why.  And why would you even say that this person is probably too drunk to notice anything?  What?  Where did that come from.  Yours was the most rude, entitled comment on this board!

          • quitcherbitchen

            Marla, you really need to get your fat lazy a** and walk away from the bar as you sound like the usual ignorant barfly who thinks she’s entitled because she’s got her some jugs  & all the “moronic” patrons are supposed to listen to your crap as “gospel”.  Get a life & leave those WELL-PAYING customers alone.

          • http://www.facebook.com/betty.yutzy1 Betty Yutzy

            she probably has those unsightly calluses on her elbows too…

          • Amber

            Very well said ..

        • Drrobert

           That’s because you are obviously one of the elite few.

      • Shutthefukup

        Amen. If the tap monkey wants a career they should learn to type

      • Renanking247

        It’s cause you’re a douche.

      • Guardian54

         I find it ironic that you should call someone a ‘dummy’ or ‘jerkwater’ when those demeaning words fit you more than the person you were referring to. First off, how dare you to pretend to speak for ‘most of us’. Nobody gave you the authority to speak for anyone. (except, of course, if you are referring to your own group of ‘dummies and jerkwaters’) Secondly, if the bartender doesn’t want to serve you, it’s probably because you don’t deserve to be served. In just 3 sentences, you’ve shown the world that you do not deserve to be served anywhere. Thirdly, with regards to your statement “If a bartender won’t wait on me I will set at the bar and take up space …”  Think again Einstein, the bartender has the right to refuse service to anyone and can legally have your ignorant butt escorted out the door permanently by the local police without explanation other than you are not welcome there. Of course, by intentionally obstructing clientele, you have provided just cause. Now who’s ‘not important’ wise guy? I vote ‘YOU”!!! LMAO!!!

      • Myatya

        You are the typical patron that no bartender likes to deal with….and you wouldn’t sit there long, cuz you’d be asked to leave, and/or shown the door….do all the bartenders in the world a favor…stay home and drink canned beer on your couch….tard-nugget!
        @facebook-659890945:disqus 

      • Nmaj13

        Realize that we are serving you!  If you want to be a prick go home and make your own drinks!  I promise at my bar, people like you sit on the back burner looking like a douche, while every decent person has a full drink!  And trust me, we like pissing you off even more…It’s like therapy to us!  The biggest smile on my face comes when some self entitled prick acts like my money depends on him!  If you notice, at 100% of bars…there are more seats than the ONE you are sitting in!

      • Patrick

        I’m pretty sure you don’t get much attention either from the bar or anyone near it.

      • Birchhill Enviro

        If a bartender ignores you, it’s usually because you’ve been acting like a jerk.

      • Dude

        Yer a douchebag, and you’ll always be treated like a db, and until you find some third-world country that has beer vending machines in the lobby of the Motel 6 that you obviously frequent, good luck gettin’ an ice cold PBR can so you can enjoy the Nationwide race in the comfort of yer futon, Buttplug!

      • http://profile.yahoo.com/KIDOSGUBT7B2KFX4FQSVXMIMBY Ron

        Maybe you should stay home

      • Bcdogs

        Agreed.  In San Francisco, go to a bar named Hockey Haven.  There’s one bartender there who’s a good bartender, but attitude needs work.  Her “I make drinks” attitude (in response to requests for napkins, plates, etc..etc…)  would get her fired at a lot of other places. No one cares about the social life of a thirty-something going on twenty-something self-important bartender. They AREN’T all that important.

      • Misssyj

        and let me guess…you dont tip either??

      • Anonymous

        and that’s why you’re that guy. If you tried to “take up space” and deny other people from getting drinks, you’d be shocked by just how quickly you’d be ushered out the door and on your way. 

        I know your type: you get asked to leave often, have a sad sense of entitlement, don’t tip, and are genuinely embarrassing to those around you. I’m sorry bartenders hurt your feelings buddy, maybe it’s best you stay and home and drink your PBR in Mom’s basement. 

      • BARTENDER & PROUD

        you know what bro, customers like u would push the bartender to do something bad to u they may even spit into ur drink and u will drink and enjoy it till the last sipp and u won’t even know it, so keep geeting them angery and they will really laugh at you alooooooooot besically u will make their day

        • http://www.facebook.com/betty.yutzy1 Betty Yutzy

          now there is another disgusting reason to stay home . i don’t trust my health to ya’ll nasty f-ers … thanx for reminding me of how foul minded barkeeps are .

    • Peghenwood

      You are so wrong!  The olives (or onions in a Gibson) in a martini are delicious after they marinate.  Margaritas (or just a shot of tequila) taste better with a bite of lime.

      • Tpswamp

        Yup good marination of bar veggies are a good thing. I hate martinis but loves the olives and or onions.

      • http://www.facebook.com/betty.yutzy1 Betty Yutzy

        oh yeah …those peanuts on the bar are great place to get all sorts of nasty germs . everyone going to the rest room then easing back up to the bar and scooping up a handful..yummy . i really appreciate ya’ll reminding me of all the good reasons to steer clear of the bar scene. let me offer you a tip…stay in school !

    • ben

      For both food and drinks, garnishes should always be edible, and if the customer should not feel like it is wrong to eat it.  It’s food.  People starve everyday.  If you honestly think it’s okay for it to be “for looks,” you disgust me.

    • Cookiethecook

      That’s ridiculous, you never put a garnish on a consumable that isn’t meant to be consumed. 

      • Guest

         ”At some bars, the sliced fruit garnishes sit out until they’re gone, sometimes for days. Munch accordingly”.
        Not sure why everybody is tweaking about the garnish angle.  I’m under the impression that they are referring to the garnishes that are in the bar caddy, not the ones in your drink.  If that is the case then, NO, you are NOT supposed to be eating them.  Like he said; “If you’re hungry, ask for a menu.”

    • Jasonstevens80

      God knows when you don’t tip.

      • Andy R.

        God knows when bars overcharge.

      • Tricorvus

         you forgot to mention that Karma has a long leg and a HARD kick.

    • Anonymous

       Just open my beer bartender and shut you mouth.

      • Buck

        Spoken like a typical Mexican.

    • Anonymous

       Bob shut the fooook up and serve my beer biotch

    • Hypervision

      Really? Ive paid for my drink! And I SHOULD be able to do what ever I wish as a consumer, consuming the beverage, condiment and all. If your condiments are rotten, spoiled, why would i want to give you my business? Wouldn’t that be a health risk to customer, if the condiment is not of a state of edible consumption? I dont want that in MY drink!

    • http://twitter.com/inesison ines

       I’ve gotten drinks that had pineapple, cherries, orange slices, not all at once mind you, but are you saying I shouldn’t eat the pieces of pineapple that are on my swizzle stick?  I’ve eaten the fruit in my drink and so do a lot of people.  Are the olives in a martini off base too?  Some consider it the best part….it’s a matter of choice more than as a rule.  It’s not munching on a garnish, it’s eating a slice of fruit, enjoying it with the drink.

    • Pmjones

      Boy I thoght the CUSTOMER came first —NOT U

    • eddiewardo

      Bob, who gives a fat, greasy, rat’s backside what a bartender considers good etiquette? Don’t believe the hype my man. Also, once a drink or meal is paid for the customer can and should feel free to consume all or part of it.

    • Anonymous

      Agreed…thats not a buffet. When a customer’s hand goes into the fruit tray, I have to dump it and cut an new batch. So no, don’t “munch” away. 

  • Bobthebartender

    False.  We call the cab company that will get your drunk a** out of  my bar the fastest.

  • Bobthebartender

    Here is # 14:  I am not hard up for cash.  So don’t flash a hundo to impress me.  The person that came up with this list must have bartended during the Truman administration.  The service industry is not made up of oafs and underchievers.  We make your drinks and food.  Read “Fightclub”.

  • Bobthebartender

    Here is # 14:  I am not hard up for cash.  So don’t flash a hundo to impress me.  The person that came up with this list must have bartended during the Truman administration.  The service industry is not made up of oafs and underchievers.  We make your drinks and food.  Read “Fightclub”.

    • Anonymous

      I’ve been to places with good bar staff and I really appreciate that and tip accordingly but more often then not, you see bartenders taking their sweet time, talking to each other more than actually working, unable to keep simple track of who’s next or acting like you should thank them on your hands and knees for the privileged of getting a drink from them.

      And this is across a wide range of venues in a diverse range of large and small cities in the US, London and Paris. It’s not some one off fluke.

      You might be a good bartender and that’s great but unfortunately, you’re the minority, especially at US venues. Seems like most “bartenders” were just trained on the job by someone who was trained on the job. They suck at what they do and say “I don’t know how to make that.” so often they should just get it tattooed on their forehead.

      It is what it is.

      • charlie

        On the job training is exactly that. Conditioning in mediocrity. On the job training for the most part creates beer pourers not mixologists/bartenders

      • Bartender

        Service in the US really really sucks.  A bunch of entitled, egotistical, underachievers who should not be in the service business.  Brazil on the other hand, has excellent customer service.  Hardworking individuals in the service industry is rare in the US unfortunately. 

  • D_com7

    #7 – quit charging $12 for drinks and your tip percentage goes up. $2 beer in a dive, $16 gin and tonic in manhanttan – I don’t care what it costs, for simple drinks you are getting a buck. of course if it is a fancy drink that requires construction I will pay 15-25%, but that turns you into a creator instead of a freaking tap handle puller.

  • D_com7

    #7 – quit charging $12 for drinks and your tip percentage goes up. $2 beer in a dive, $16 gin and tonic in manhanttan – I don’t care what it costs, for simple drinks you are getting a buck. of course if it is a fancy drink that requires construction I will pay 15-25%, but that turns you into a creator instead of a freaking tap handle puller.

    • Abc

      exactly…a tip should be for the ‘effort’…not for the cost of the drink.

      • Gqbrit

         cheap a$$es

      • Thebodybag

        fine don’t tip then don’t complain when you have to wait while others who “know how to tip” get service first… you’ll get service you’ll just not be top priority.

        • Anon

          This isn’t about not tipping, it’s about entitlement, and bad service. If you’re doing a great job, I’m going to overtip you…if you’re being dismissive, and rude…I’m calling your manager over. 

        • Khaendges

          If I have to bribe you just to get serviced then you’re on the same level as a whore. “Mixologist” Bahahahahaha!! What a f’n joke! Now that’s an important job, NOT! Post again when you find the cure for AIDS behind that bar.

      • Mzepol07

        If you frequent any bar, then you tip the person and the effort. I’m a bartender and give outstanding service to anyone that sits at my bar.  My regulars however, come to my bar because they don’t want to buy from a vending machine and understand that they are taking up space at my bar to be with either me or the other guests.  The best guests tip according to how long they stay and how well they’re attended.  If you’re just drinking beer but you sit there for 3 hours with a pitcher of beer and some wings, then 15-20% isn’t much.  It isn’t enough if you’re taking up space.

        • Anon

          If you’re great at what you do, and I take up a seat at your bar, I’m going to leave you an outstanding tip. However, If the bartender is rude and dismissive, I’m sitting there anyway…and they’ll get what’s deserved.

        • Anonymous

          I’ve seen bartenders take up space in restaurants and coffee house windows for hours during the day – sometimes without ordering a thing at all. 

        • Anonymous

          And “be with me” it your #1 mistake.  It was beyond me, but I DID have to tell one “I did not come here for you.  You’re part of the experience, not THE experience here”.  Seriously, get over yourselves.

        • Thrillbill1999

           i like to drink beer at the bar. i think a dollar per beer on a 3.50 beer is way better than 15%, unless my math is drunk. if you don’t like serving beer, you’re in the wrong industry. i enjoy myself when i’m at the bar. if you don’t, please stop going to work.

          • Anonymous

            I think a dollar a drink or beer is standard and no bartender will have a gripe with that. If I’m making multiple mixed shots, martini’s, etc then it’s usually better to use the 15% rule. 

      • Anon

        A tip is “to insure proper service”. I don’t pay a restaurant server for their prep work, I pay them for their one on one service with me. Prep work is your job.

        • Guest

           Not it’s not. That’s an urban legend.

        • Khaendiges

          You “tip” a whore to get serviced, you leave a “gratuity” for good service received, not up front.

      • Andy R.

        But the bartender is already being compensated for their effort. We call that compensation “wages.” Whether the drink gets made or not, they still get paid for showing up and trying to make it. If they spill it all over the floor, they still put in some effort, so they still get their wages. They don’t get a tip. A tip isn’t given for effort, it’s given for execution. If the bartender tries their hardest and fails to please me, they get the wages for their effort but no tip. If they try their hardest and please me greatly, they get the wages for their effort and a tip for their execution.

        • Guest

          Depending on the state the bartender is working in, he may or may not receive minimum wage.  I, for example, have tended bar for years in Colorado.  We finally are getting $4.85 per hour.  Up until just a few years ago we were only getting paid $2.13 per hour.  Our tips ARE our wages because payouts to FICA and other taxes eat up all of our tiny paychecks.  Also, many of us, including myself, do not receive paid-time-off, health insurance, 401K or any other benefits.  We are, essentially, independent contractors.  That being said, if you are not good at your job, you will feel it financially.  I have an amazing group of regulars who come in not to drink the same beers they can buy somewhere else, they come in to see me.  I make great tips usually and sometimes not.  It all evens out in the end and I like my job.  I must agree that there are a lot of haughty bartenders out there who don’t know there craft and act like they are just “check collectors” as we call them. 

          • Andy R.

            Oh, I understand the way that the system is stacked against people in the food service industry, believe me. But, unfortunately, just because a bartender’s wages are crap doesn’t change the fact that wages are for effort and tips are for execution. There isn’t some magical amount of pay below which I’m obligated to tip you more. If a bartender feels that their compensation isn’t enough, they are free to take it up with their manager or seek a new job, just like everybody else in every other occupation in the world.

            For example, I’m a computer programmer. If I feel like I’m not making enough money, then I have the option of going to my boss and asking for a raise, or I have the option of beginning a job search on the current market. I don’t, unfortunately, have the option of going to all of my company’s clients, asking them to pay 20% more than the signed contract states, and then pocketing that money myself. And if I did this, I’d be laughed out of the industry.

            Lastly, if all you bartenders in Colorado are sick and tired of only making minimum wage, there is this thing called unionization. It’s been around for a while, maybe you all should look into it.

          • Anonymous

            Yeah, I bartend in California where I make $8/hr but I also claim my tips to the IRS. So I routinely get a check for fifty hours of work that ends up being around $20.

          • Newsworthy44

            Then you shouldn’t work in California where they steal all you income to give it to the illegals….dude.

          • Anthony Fernandez

            learn how to spell moron. the dishwasher knows how, why dont you? oh because they steal all you good illegals. Idiot

          • bigdic11

            You are full of sh*t you lying sack of vomit.

        • me28

          NOT TRUE. It all depends where you work. The bar I’m at I work 40-50hr… but I only get paid for 10hr a week. I get a $34 check every 2 weeks. Other than tips which we must split up and tip out barbacks thats ALL we make… luckily there are some generous people out there.

      • Anonymous

        No, it’s because you’re either unable or unwilling to make your own drink. Therefore, a tip is proffered to compensate me for providing that service. 
        And instead of causing a scene or cursing, the best wait to handle the situation is just to let your feet do the talking. Spend your money elsewhere. 
        Being obnoxious or petulant is just a means of securing your name on the 86 list. 

      • Newsworthy44

        Aree….if you serve 100 drinks and get a buck for each one that’s not bad just for pulling a handle or tipping a bottle and adding a squirt of coke.

        • bartender

          You have no idea what a bartender really does, do you? Signed, a bartender

    • Marci

      Often more expensive drinks are made with higher quality ingredients, and take more time. Know what you are ordering… Also if you think that vodka infuses itself, then move on. Watching someone make your drink doesn’t mean that you understand all of the time that went into the prep work you don’t see. 

      • http://www.facebook.com/betty.yutzy1 Betty Yutzy

        often more expensive drinks are made in bars where employee theft and waste add to the bottom line enough to force the owners to overcharge for watered down drinks .

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_4FX2MNK7PW2MY7TNZQQXAMT4YU Jim R

      I agree 100% Just because you over-charge for a drink doesn’t mean you deserve anything extra. 

    • Smk_buddy

      The whole point with the tip is profit. We tip waiters cause they make very little otherwise… Bars are a rip off by definition. They buy beer for what u could or cheaper then sell it back for 100-200%  profit. I see no reason why the face of that should be tiped like someone who gets paid under minimum wage. chargeing as much as the bottle for a mixed drink means ur tips included in that.

      • SCMama

         Actually, the “tip” is not included, and many bartenders are paid the same as servers (approx $2.25/hr) and having worked in the industry for over a decade, both serving and managing, I can tell you that beer that is ordered is not sold for 100-200% profit.  You need to either go back and check your math or check your sources, because that is about as far from the truth as you can get.

        • Anon

          Are you kidding me? The amount someone pays for a six pack of beer at a store, and the amount paid for one of the same beers at a bar…we don’t need sources – store price/bar price…store/bar. We’re not stupid. These are marked up quite a bit…please!

          • Guest

            This comment displays a fundamental lack of understanding of cost analysis. The way the store must spend the money they take in is vastly different from the way a bar must. It costs more at a bar because it costs more to get the beer in your glass than it does for you to pull it out of the cooler at the store.

          • Brannenjr

            The reason for the markup is overhead. Paying employees…keeping the lights on…ordering more stock. And profit. There’s a reason the owners of the bar got into the bar business. Because they wanted to make money. Not because they wanted to get people drunk. Trust me the alcohol you buy at the store is sold at a huge markup to what they get if for too. And its not the bartenders fault if the drinks are marked up in the first place that was either the owners decision or the managements so don’t take it out on the minimum wage or less bartender

          • Andy R.

            If the owner marks up the drinks to the point where we’re not tipping the bartender anymore, then the bartender’s going to quit for another bar, the owner’s going to have a hard time keeping employees because nobody tips them, and he’s either going to go out of business (serving the greedy dipshit right) or he’s going to lower his prices to the point where we start tipping the bartender again.

            Also, the owner has deliberately hired someone to act as the point of contact between us (the customers) and his business. And that point of contact person is the bartender. So, that is the person to which we are forced to apply our economic and social pressure. It’s not like the owner is going to come sit in the bar each night so that people can come up to him and point out how overpriced the drinks are. The only way the owner is going to become aware of the problem is if he’s notified by the bartender (either vocally, or by the bartender quitting).

            Like it or not, tips are the mechanism by which feedback is conveyed to the entire staff of the bar, not just the bartender.

          • Hammer715

            The booze is marked up more than beer in the off premise establishments . Beer is not a huge mark up in the stores . The on premise drinking establishments mark it up considerably , mostly for the overhead costs like insurance and utilities and employees .

          • http://twitter.com/LadyTrubbel Tina Trubbel

            Then go buy your beer at the store and drink it at home. Buying a drink from a bar, you’re not just paying for the drink. You’re paying for the establishment; lights, rent, liquor license, the band, the bathrooms, etc.

          • http://www.facebook.com/betty.yutzy1 Betty Yutzy

            so i guess you don’t have a cover charge on a band night where you live. i also have never seen a bar that has to pay extra rent for bathrooms.

          • http://www.facebook.com/julio.cortez.39 Julio Don Julio Cortez

            then buy your beer at a store. you go to the bar for the environment not the drink. pay to play or go away

        • Dustbusterz

          that is an out and out lie. you buy your beer for the same price or less than the average customer, around %8.00 for a 12 pack,then sell 1 beer for $4.00 ,thats one hell of a mark up,and you don’t think you sell for huge profits? bull

        • Anonymous

          You must not frequent many liquor stores. You can get 16 shots from a fifth of liquor. A fifth of Jim Beam costs about $20; a shot costs anywhere from $4-8, depending on the location. That’s substantially more than 200%. Even something that’s considered fancier, like Grand Mariner, only lowers the profit margin by half of that figure.

          Anyway, employers are required to pay the difference of minimum wage * hours – actually pay + tips. If they don’t do that, take it up with the law; not with your customers.

          • Anonymous

            It’s Grand Marnier!

        • not good in CT

          Bud here in PA Sells for 23.00 for a 30 pack that is under $1.oo per can. The bar turns and charges 3.50. That is over 300% profit.   You have to charge that or why be in business.I ran a bar then a club for over 20 years. The bartenders pay at the bar was only $3 an hour while the Club paid double that at $6. Plus tips and bonuses. So SCMarna maybe you should check your facts…

        • not good in CT

          Bud here in PA Sells for 23.00 for a 30 pack that is under $1.oo per can. The bar turns and charges 3.50. That is over 300% profit.   You have to charge that or why be in business.I ran a bar then a club for over 20 years. The bartenders pay at the bar was only $3 an hour while the Club paid double that at $6. Plus tips and bonuses. So SCMarna maybe you should check your facts…

      • Gav

        Unfortunately….it isn’t.  We don’t get a cent of that. 

      • Gav

        Unfortunately….it isn’t.  We don’t get a cent of that. 

        • Andy R.

          Then maybe you should take it up with your boss. Either he can start giving you compensation proportional to the work you do, or he can lower his prices so that your customers can still afford to give you tips, or you can quit and go work for a bar that isn’t so greedy.

    • Benderisgreat

       If you’re getting me a beer you’re getting a dollar, every time.  If it’s a $8 beer in big cities, it’s a 12.5% tip, if it’s a $1 beer, it’s a 100% tip.  It’s not my fault you over price the beers.  Complain to the owners, not us for not tipping 15%

      • Melissa Lipnutz

        Simple concept but hard for some…

    • Gharbin1

      Don’t punish the bartenders for the drink costs….that’s management.  If you can’t afford the drink, you should probably go to a different bar. 

      • Thrillbill1999

         i can afford a beer though. if you can’t live off of the one dollar i gave you, for the 2 seconds it took you to pop the top off of the $3 bottle (33% tip), then YOU are obviously the person who needs to go somewhere else.

      • Anonymous

         If you can’t get a job that pays you for your work, you shouldn’t tell others what to do in life.

      • Andy R.

        Okay, let me just walk over to the management and tell them. What’s that? You say that management isn’t here right now? Okay, that makes sense. I’ll just go to the person that they have hired to be the representative agent of their business, and tell them instead. Hey, look, that person is the bartender!

        So if I want the management to hear me, I have to lean on the bartender; there’s nobody else there to lean on.If the bartender can’t afford his lifestyle without my tips, then he has three options:a) Fight for better compensation from his bossb) Fight for his boss to lower prices so I can afford to tip againc) Quit and work for a bar that isn’t trying to gouge both him and me

        • Andy R.

          Ugh, looks like the system borked all my formatting. That last paragraph was meant to be:

          So if I want the management to hear me, I have to lean on the bartender; there’s nobody else there to lean on.

          If the bartender can’t afford his lifestyle without my tips, then he has three options:

          a) Fight for better compensation from his boss

          b) Fight for his boss to lower prices so I can afford to tip again

          c) Quit and work for a bar that isn’t trying to gouge both him and me.

        • Joe E.

          GEE, all this hate and discontent!!

    • Gharbin1

      Don’t punish the bartenders for the drink costs….that’s management.  If you can’t afford the drink, you should probably go to a different bar. 

    • Asgliajasgadg

       That’s not really a thing that’s up to the bartender, though.

    • Andy R.

      Precisely. If the bar is charging $12 for a drink that MAYBE cost them $1.50 to make, they are clearly pulling in enough profit to be paying their bartenders enough to get by without tips. Contrariwise, if a bar expects me to tip their bartenders, they need to lower their prices to the point where I have some cash left over to do so.

      • http://www.facebook.com/julio.cortez.39 Julio Don Julio Cortez

        then dont drink more than your budget allows, without being indecent enough to tip the person that hosted and served you

    • Ivoryfox77

      Your comment suggests that you believe that the bartender has a choice in how much to charge for your drink. If you feel the prices are too high, you can drink at another establishment. If you want to complain, take the complaint to the manager. He probably doesn’t have any say in the pricing either, but at least he (she) is being paid to deal with this type of thing.

    • ANNY

      That’s messed up, it’s not the bartender’s fault that the drinks are overpriced. Bartenders should always get tipped on the price of the drink. Sorry cheapstakes, but…IF YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO TIP, YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO GO OUT.

      • http://www.facebook.com/william.wolfrath William Wolfrath

        If you can’t afford to work for low wages, you shouldn’t work there.

      • http://www.facebook.com/betty.yutzy1 Betty Yutzy

        so who dictates what bar you should work at ? me or you ?

    • Sun Toucher

      Prices are generally set either by the owner or by management, and nobody forces you to pay them. If you find the prices too high in a bar or restaurant, go somewhere where the rates are more agreeable. Don’t pick establishments that you consider to be overpriced and then use that as justification to short the people who serve you.

    • Bri

      Not to mention are you going to carry around quarters at the bar so you can hit that 15%? When drinks hit $20 then I’ll start tipping $2 per drink.

  • Sickofpukebreath!

    Please don’t tell us secrets, you stink.

  • Luvbodyink

    I don’t care how much a drink costs – 2 bucks or 12, your not getting more than a dollar a drink as a tip – you did the same amount of work.

    • TJ

      not true, it takes a lot less effort to pour a two dollar beer than it does to mix a 12 dollar martini. I’d think that would be obvious.

      • Thrillbill1999

         lol a LOT more effort? good thing you’re not a teacher. imagine how much effort that might take!

  • mixologist222222222

    Bartenders rely and survive off our patrons tips. When it comes down to it, most make about $2 an hour. After taxes, that equals a check of $0.00. Without tips, we’d be working for free. 

    • Anonymous

      Name 5 bartenders across the U.S. that actually pay full taxes on their tips.  Most brag about not paying them and I’ve heard the comment “you’re a fool if you’re declaring all of them”.  Do you people really think we’re stupid?

      • Brannenjr

        He wasn’t talking about declaring tips he was talking about state and federal taxes on your wages which when you make 2 dollars an hour zeros out your check every week. Its called tip wage. Look it up

        • Anonymous

          It’s also called they’re raking in $200-300 a night in TAX FREE tips.  The “0″ wages just show the Feds that they are actually “employed” for other gubment benefits.  Please. 

        • Thrillbill1999

           show me one of your zero-dollar checks.

    • Anonymous

      Name 5 bartenders across the U.S. that actually pay full taxes on their tips.  Most brag about not paying them and I’ve heard the comment “you’re a fool if you’re declaring all of them”.  Do you people really think we’re stupid?

    • Cheers sucks!

      then go pump gas.

    • guest

      bull crap, then you refuse to work for $2.00 an hour. its not up to the customer to pay your wages. its up to your boss… plain and simple.  we give tips as a thank you for good service,an you have no right in the world to demand any tip what so ever. tips are volentary,by the customer, and again, based on the level of service they feel they recieved. if they feel the server did not do a good job, then in their mind you don’t deserve that tip. you need to get that through your head and stop this entitlement thing you got going on. you arenever automatically entitled to any tips.I’m a hell of a big tipper for the right servers, but for the wonrg ones, i will tip you a penny or nothing at all.

    • Khaendiges

      Perhaps you should have finished high school so that you could get a decent job. It’s a service job, they all pay poorly because, let’s face reality, you don’t need a degree in chemistry to mix a f’n drink. A Mr.Boston guide and a pulse will get most of you schlubs hired, why do any of you think that makes you special? You want a tip? Do your job in a way that impresses me and you’ll get one, piss me off and your manager will surely hear about it. Think you’re important to them? Bet you lose that fight, you don’t pay their salary, I do.

  • Anonymous

    Stop flirting with my date and maybe I’ll tip you better.

    • Guest

      If you can’t keep her attention, that’s not really the bartender’s fault, is it?

    • Anonymous

      One commented “he’s really cute” (we were clear across the large room).  I told him to mind his business and it’s the first time I only left $1 (for 2 drinks).

    • Anonymous

      One commented “he’s really cute” (we were clear across the large room).  I told him to mind his business and it’s the first time I only left $1 (for 2 drinks).

      • http://www.facebook.com/justin.siddall1 Justin Siddall

        Your comment lacks sufficient scenario development to make sense to the reader.  Who commented “he’s really cute” to whom while you were clear across the room from whom and with whom?  And if you were across the room from him how did you tell him to mind his own business?

      • http://www.facebook.com/justin.siddall1 Justin Siddall

        Your comment lacks sufficient scenario development to make sense to the reader.  Who commented “he’s really cute” to whom while you were clear across the room from whom and with whom?  And if you were across the room from him how did you tell him to mind his own business?

        • Sammy

          Exactly what I was thinking Justin!

        • OaklandPristine

          He said that when I went to get another round and I told to him to mind his own business to his FACE.

        • OaklandPristine

          He said that when I went to get another round and I told to him to mind his own business to his FACE.

  • Seriously?

    Not for anything, but if my drink is only 6.50, and is liquor, ice, and a mixer, you are getting a buck.

  • Kidfromaromas

    Nah, I do not agree.  Making and serving a drink is not the equivalent of a meal.  The bartender does not deserve %15, unless he does magic tricks and juggles.  A waiter or waitress must come around, give the table more salt, pepper, ketchup, ranch, napkins, mustard, and take away super dirty plated, etc.  Once the drink is in my hand, I am not gonna ask for “more drink!”

    • http://twitter.com/noelallard noel allard

      Hey guess what?! Unless u live under A rock lately;!! “ the going Rate” for tipping has been 18-20% for 4 quite a while now.. Mr corny 7″ and to kid from mars,,, Stay home and get a TV dinner and homeade kool-aid to spare me your Arrogance!! You go Bob the Bartender!!! People like u Suck–Not the Tip…..

      • Waynes

        I drink about 8-12 beers a night 5 nights a week! I always tip 1 dollar a drink so you say I sould only tip you 25 -40 cents a drink that would save me 4$ I can buy 2 more beers thanks! 

      • Dustbusterz

        noel allard,there is no going rate for tips, your out of your mind. the going rate is once again, based on the level of service a person feels the server deserves.if the server is excellant,then the rate can be 10%,20% 50% anything the customers feels. If the server sucks ,as many do, then the rate is once again decided by the customer,to be 1 penny or nothing ,its not a set amount, never has been, never will be…..you have no automattice right to tips,that is the new generation waiter or waitress thinkign entitlments… there are no entitlements ever. under any circumstances.Tips are fullu volentary always have been since day one, and always will be. so , want a tip?? do a godd job,and learn to accept what is given by each custoer. Again, I’m a hell of a tipper.. left a $100 tip on a $9.00 eal to a waitress, i felt really cared and really worked for her money.

      • Dustbusterz

        noel allard,there is no going rate for tips, your out of your mind. the going rate is once again, based on the level of service a person feels the server deserves.if the server is excellant,then the rate can be 10%,20% 50% anything the customers feels. If the server sucks ,as many do, then the rate is once again decided by the customer,to be 1 penny or nothing ,its not a set amount, never has been, never will be…..you have no automattice right to tips,that is the new generation waiter or waitress thinkign entitlments… there are no entitlements ever. under any circumstances.Tips are fullu volentary always have been since day one, and always will be. so , want a tip?? do a godd job,and learn to accept what is given by each custoer. Again, I’m a hell of a tipper.. left a $100 tip on a $9.00 eal to a waitress, i felt really cared and really worked for her money.

      • Dustbusterz

        noel allard,there is no going rate for tips, your out of your mind. the going rate is once again, based on the level of service a person feels the server deserves.if the server is excellant,then the rate can be 10%,20% 50% anything the customers feels. If the server sucks ,as many do, then the rate is once again decided by the customer,to be 1 penny or nothing ,its not a set amount, never has been, never will be…..you have no automattice right to tips,that is the new generation waiter or waitress thinkign entitlments… there are no entitlements ever. under any circumstances.Tips are fullu volentary always have been since day one, and always will be. so , want a tip?? do a godd job,and learn to accept what is given by each custoer. Again, I’m a hell of a tipper.. left a $100 tip on a $9.00 eal to a waitress, i felt really cared and really worked for her money.

      • Dustbusterz

        noel allard,there is no going rate for tips, your out of your mind. the going rate is once again, based on the level of service a person feels the server deserves.if the server is excellant,then the rate can be 10%,20% 50% anything the customers feels. If the server sucks ,as many do, then the rate is once again decided by the customer,to be 1 penny or nothing ,its not a set amount, never has been, never will be…..you have no automattice right to tips,that is the new generation waiter or waitress thinkign entitlments… there are no entitlements ever. under any circumstances.Tips are fullu volentary always have been since day one, and always will be. so , want a tip?? do a godd job,and learn to accept what is given by each custoer. Again, I’m a hell of a tipper.. left a $100 tip on a $9.00 eal to a waitress, i felt really cared and really worked for her money.

      • Dustbusterz

        noel allard,there is no going rate for tips, your out of your mind. the going rate is once again, based on the level of service a person feels the server deserves.if the server is excellant,then the rate can be 10%,20% 50% anything the customers feels. If the server sucks ,as many do, then the rate is once again decided by the customer,to be 1 penny or nothing ,its not a set amount, never has been, never will be…..you have no automattice right to tips,that is the new generation waiter or waitress thinkign entitlments… there are no entitlements ever. under any circumstances.Tips are fullu volentary always have been since day one, and always will be. so , want a tip?? do a godd job,and learn to accept what is given by each custoer. Again, I’m a hell of a tipper.. left a $100 tip on a $9.00 eal to a waitress, i felt really cared and really worked for her money.

      • Dustbusterz

        noel allard,there is no going rate for tips, your out of your mind. the going rate is once again, based on the level of service a person feels the server deserves.if the server is excellant,then the rate can be 10%,20% 50% anything the customers feels. If the server sucks ,as many do, then the rate is once again decided by the customer,to be 1 penny or nothing ,its not a set amount, never has been, never will be…..you have no automattice right to tips,that is the new generation waiter or waitress thinkign entitlments… there are no entitlements ever. under any circumstances.Tips are fullu volentary always have been since day one, and always will be. so , want a tip?? do a godd job,and learn to accept what is given by each custoer. Again, I’m a hell of a tipper.. left a $100 tip on a $9.00 eal to a waitress, i felt really cared and really worked for her money.

      • The Customer is Right

        If bartenders only received this fabled “20%” (which you aren’t required to jack; service workers seem to forget that), you would lose a lot of money, especially from people like us that like to lay down a buck or two on a drink. Pick it up, serve drinks (which is your job) and be happy for the opportunity, or go back to school to learn a real job.

        • Ivoryfox77

          A “Real Job”? Seriously? It’s obvious that you haven’t a freaking clue as to how much work is involved in tending a busy bar. Try it for a few shifts and your attitude will do a 360.

          • Sbmedlg

            I think you meant your attitude will do a 180? A 360 is a complete circle, so his/her attitude would not change if it went back to the beginning!  

      • The Customer is Right

        If bartenders only received this fabled “20%” (which you aren’t required to jack; service workers seem to forget that), you would lose a lot of money, especially from people like us that like to lay down a buck or two on a drink. Pick it up, serve drinks (which is your job) and be happy for the opportunity, or go back to school to learn a real job.

    • http://twitter.com/noelallard noel allard

      Hey guess what?! Unless u live under A rock lately;!! “ the going Rate” for tipping has been 18-20% for 4 quite a while now.. Mr corny 7″ and to kid from mars,,, Stay home and get a TV dinner and homeade kool-aid to spare me your Arrogance!! You go Bob the Bartender!!! People like u Suck–Not the Tip…..

  • Kidfromaromas

    Also, plated is not what I meant.  I do not know what I meant by plated, lol.

  • Piolin25

    It is just as much work to pour a Jack Daniels as it is to pour a 18 year old Glenlivet. I tip according to service, not cost. It s a tip not a tax. I may tip upwards of 50% if i consume little  much less for a big tab.  

  • Piolin25

    It is just as much work to pour a Jack Daniels as it is to pour a 18 year old Glenlivet. I tip according to service, not cost. It s a tip not a tax. I may tip upwards of 50% if i consume little  much less for a big tab.  

    • Gav

      The problem in this situation is that bartenders must tip out their barbacks a percentage of sales.  Thus they end up losing money on higher priced drinks.  And in some cases they are taxed based on their sales as well.  Please proceed with a comment of how this isn’t your problem.

      • Anon

        Uh…because paying above for bad service or normal service is not our problem. I guess the clothes that you’re wearing that come from sweat shops –  paying nil to their employees is your problem. You are still wearing them…I guess you should be paying the workers to subsidize their paychecks? 

      • Dustbusterz

        its not our problem Gav. We are the customer, we are there to be served, you are paid to serve us, we are not there to pay your wages, that is why you have a boss, tell him you won’t work for $2.00 an hour . he will pay you $8.00 or $10.00 or whatever the two of you can work out in negotiations. Its not our problem. its fully your problem with your boss.

        • Gav

          Its not exactly about it being your problem dust.  Its about accepted cultures, norms, etc.  I don’t expect you to tip $10 on a $50 glass of scotch.  However, when you walk in shout at me and wave your arms (like a child), THEN decide what you want (while I stare at you and wait….I thought you were ready?),  I run across the bar to get what you order, shake pour shake….”oh wait!  I’ll have one more of those!”, back across the bar shake shake shake,  “sorry man one more of these” (do you do this at a grocery store too?).  Finally I present all that you order and you start digging for cash (why didnt you have this ready while I was making them?), 6 drinks $45, and you leave me $1.50.  Really?  I agree douchebag, self-absorbed, pretentious, arrogant bartenders who ignore people even during a slow night, deserve next to nothing as far as tips go.  But maybe, for the guy who greets you with a smile, after serving 100 rude pushy people, and treats you right, maybe just maybe toss him a few extra bucks.  And for the record, I tip for EVERYTHING.  The lady at the deli, the baggage clerk at the grocery store, for a WATER from the bartender.

          • Bartender

            Your such a freakin’ whiner Gav!  Shut the hell up with your entitled persona!

      • Andy R.

        First of all, the bartender didn’t buy the liquor, the bar did. So the bartender can only possibly gain money by showing up to work, he can’t possibly end the day with any LESS money than he had when he showed up because none of his money is invested in the bar. It’s fallacious to talk about bartenders “losing” money that never existed in the first place.

        Second of all, Piolin25 has a point. If I buy a shot of rail vodka and a shot of Belvedere, everything that the bartender does is the same, the only difference is what bottle is in his hand when he’s doing it. Sure, the bar has to charge me more because the Belvedere cost them more up front, but a tip is meant to reflect the quality of service. In this case the quality of service is exactly the same. What exactly has the bartender done, by grabbing a bottle of pricey liquor, that he hasn’t done by grabbing a bottle of cheap liquor? If the answer is “nothing” (and it is) then the difference in the tips should also be nothing.

        Thirdly, by definition, the prices the bar sets are not possibly the customer’s problem. The customer has no control over the set price, only the bar management (and very rarely the bartender) have control over that. So, honestly, if the pricing of the drinks is causing a problem for the bartender because it’s affecting the flow of tips, it’s up to the bartender to bring that issue to his manager and it’s up to the manager to respond. You don’t think the manager is going to say, “oh, well, that’s the customer’s problem!” do you?

        So that’s three reasons why it isn’t my problem. How about giving me any reason why it is?

  • Piolin25

    It is just as much work to pour a Jack Daniels as it is to pour a 18 year old Glenlivet. I tip according to service, not cost. It s a tip not a tax. I may tip upwards of 50% if i consume little  much less for a big tab.  

  • 234234

    Agree completely re the Jack Daniels/Glenlivet comment.  If I order a $6 Jack or Canadian Club a buck or two is OK, but if I order a $30 single malt now I’m supposed to give a $5 tip to the same person who did the same exact amount of work?

  • 234234

    Agree completely re the Jack Daniels/Glenlivet comment.  If I order a $6 Jack or Canadian Club a buck or two is OK, but if I order a $30 single malt now I’m supposed to give a $5 tip to the same person who did the same exact amount of work?

    • Mike

       So on dollar beer night I only have to tip 20 cents?

  • 234234

    Agree completely re the Jack Daniels/Glenlivet comment.  If I order a $6 Jack or Canadian Club a buck or two is OK, but if I order a $30 single malt now I’m supposed to give a $5 tip to the same person who did the same exact amount of work?

  • 234234

    Agree completely re the Jack Daniels/Glenlivet comment.  If I order a $6 Jack or Canadian Club a buck or two is OK, but if I order a $30 single malt now I’m supposed to give a $5 tip to the same person who did the same exact amount of work?

  • 234234

    Agree completely re the Jack Daniels/Glenlivet comment.  If I order a $6 Jack or Canadian Club a buck or two is OK, but if I order a $30 single malt now I’m supposed to give a $5 tip to the same person who did the same exact amount of work?

  • Kinerk22

    Dam dude chill bob the bartender haha

  • Punkrawks88

    Tip at least 15%? I tip based off of service… not a mandatory fee for doing your job. I know customers can be a pain, but if you’re rude to me, ignore me (even if I make eye contact and smile) or spill my drink as you slide it 6 inches to my hand, you’re just as likely to get a middle finger than a tip.

  • Santa

    Bartenders serve 100 drinks an hour – they deserve to make $100 per hour?

  • Santa

    Bartenders serve 100 drinks an hour – they deserve to make $100 per hour?

  • mike

    so you want over a buck and a half to pour a 12 oz drink, uh youve been drinking more than youre serving

  • Anonymous

    Bartenders are out of their minds if they expect a large tip on a $14 Jack & Ginger drink. Kidding me.

  • Xxpotpiezxx

    Dumb article, try the bar tenders around here ya might as well throw a nade in their face rather than wave money because they won’t notice you the rest of the night pulling that crap. 

    • Xxpotpiezxx

      List*

  • sthebartender

    Also, if you ask for a stronger drink…nine time out of ten I pour gin down the straw, so your first gulp is pure gin…I bet my night of tips that you don’t complain again.

    • Anonymous

       See, you get the tip.

    • Andy R.

      And that’s why so many people here are saying bartenders are douchebags. Way to take care of your customer. I hope they stiffed you on the tip completely.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_73CGZV4AV5R2CUZFMBSPPRG5XY apocalypse FU

    You do know the writer of this was more likely not a bartender (or just not a very good one) and is basically writing what things he/she had heard by word of mouth. Oh and also, they want to create arguments so that more people will comment on their blog/article.  I agree with the comment about a $6.50 jack and coke vs an $18 Glenlivet on the rocks, tip should be the same not more just because the liquor is of a higher brand.  You didn’t make the Glenlivet Bartender.  Why do bartenders act like they are superstars or celebrities??

  • Red Dragon

    Rule #1 – If bartender isn’t a tampon, they will get a tip.

  • Theguy25433

    That’s BS.  I don’t care how much the drink costs, the work that goes into it is what counts.  I tip my waiter 20% because they actually come to my table, bring me my food, refill my drink, etc…

    All you are doing is pouring a drink.  Oh no!  The world’s going to end and you’ll go broke if I give you $1.00 for 30 seconds of your life.  How about you let me back there, and I’ll make it myself.

    Jerk…

    • http://twitter.com/mrbogey steve bourg

      That is freaking brilliant!  You are exactly right!  If Smart-Guy Bartender in New York bar is charging $12 for a martini, he doesn’t deserve $1.80 just cuz the owners of the bar are getting taxed and rented to death.  That’s not OUR problem as customers.  The bartender doesn’t deserve more than $1 for his 30 seconds of work!  Bravo!  Good point!  I still like my idea better…….don’t buy the $12 drink……secretly bring your own hooch and buy a $1 orange juice or tonic water!

  • Nevgreco

    Beer contains vitamin Pee. so relax. I drink arnd 4 beers a month

  • http://twitter.com/Freedomfreak1 Freedomfreak1

     I stopped going to bars. It’s too expensive & as far as sthebartender…if you make a thin, overpriced drink, you’ll get a thin tip & I’d take my business elsewhere. Bartenders are a dime a dozen.

  • Just4keys

    And bartenders wonder why most people think they’re aholes.

  • http://twitter.com/mrbogey steve bourg

    Hey Smart-Guy Bartender with the tips:  Instead of buying a new york $12 drink, how much should I tip if I bring my own SoCo and order a $1 orange juice?  I will never pay $12 — or even $8 for a drink.  Oh, and your ‘statistics’ are wrong about spending in fancy bars…….people are not spending 2% less…….the govt BLS does not even know how to measure these spending stats…..they compare sample #s from restaurants year to year (AND stores for retail sales by the way!), so they screw it up because when 5% of the bars/stores go out of business from 1 year to next, then you get a 2% falsely higher per remaining location when actually total sales were 3% DOWN.  The federal govt Bureau of Labor Statistics are full of idiots who don’t even care about that fact.  As the recession gets worse over the next few years, watch that fact, and doubt all the false #s shouted out on the news.

  • Mike W Danner

    I bartend full time in a hotel bar and as I make my living on what guests leave in the way of tips, The responsibility is mine to create the conditions in which they want to leave me their hard earned money. I do wish that people on the other side of the bar would put themselves in our shoes before criticizing what we do sometimes, cuz it aint as easy as I make it look.

    • Andy R.

      So you deliberately took a job where you knew the base compensation couldn’t support you?

      That seems unwise.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_H6MFT4FPSLZLZUE4LFNZAOHBQU Me Too

    Buck a drink tip?  LOL, absolutely not, that’s WAY too high.  A decent bartender can make more than 50 drinks an hour, you really think they should get $50/hr in tips?  If they can’t make 50 an hour, even lower tip for being slow.  Try 3% tip and rounding up.  15% is for services that take a lot longer per dollar spent.  Don’t like it?  OK, act that way and you won’t get ANY tip.

    • Kellytechwriter

      and you wont get a drink. and then there is Visine….

      • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_H6MFT4FPSLZLZUE4LFNZAOHBQU Me Too

         Incorrect.  I have never tipped a dollar a drink in my life and never will, and have never gone without a drink that I asked for.  I don’t know anyone who tips a dollar a drink either.   Some people seem to live in a fantasy world if they think they can insist others are going to pay them more than they earned.

        • guest

          Come to my bar. I guarantee that will be the first time

          • The Customer is Right

            If your bar lets you ignore patrons, well then I’ll make everyone I know, and everyone they know, stays away from your bar. You’re there to serve us. If you don’t do a good enough job to EARN tips, then you are a crappy bartender and deserve to be fired.

      • guest

        Kellytechwriter,no drink if we give no tip? ho wabout this, No drink, no job for you, cause we can always complain to the boos you work for, enough complaints and your out. simple how that works right??

  • Lee_cha09

    False, sometimes it makes you look stupid standing there for minutes’ you have to wave to them

    • Pez

      Stop waving to me.  I can see you, its probably not your turn.  Remember when we learned that in grade school?  Has anyone ever tried to lean in and say in a polite but elevated tone “excuse me sir/maam…”?  Instead its BARTENDER!  Do I walk into your place of business  and yell “LAWYER!”

      • Anonymous

        Oh please.  That’s  like the male flight attendants line of “Sir, the price of your ticket doesn’t include me”. I’ve seen them use it on forms all over the http://www.  Again, get over yourselves.

  • Lee_cha09

    False, sometimes it makes you look stupid standing there for minutes’ you have to wave to them

  • Jim

    15% per drink?  Whatever. I was a bartender and I certainly did not expect someone to tip me the same amount of money for 3-4 mins worth of work as would a server get for bringing you food and drink for an hour or two at a restaurant. 15%. Take your buck, be happy, and stop whining. 

  • Madhatter

    I wish someone tipped me every time I did what I was asked to do.  Seriously, if the pay is too low for you, then work elsewhere. Its up to your employer to pay your wage, not me.

    • TiredOfHayseeds

      Madhatter, while that may be the business model in Zaire or Paraguay, try that in the US and you only look like a redneck on his first trip down from the mountainside. 

      • Thrillbill1999

         I think you mean a hillbilly. And what’s wrong with rednecks? Aren’t they the ones who grow the corn that makes the alcohol that Jack Daniels uses to make whiskey that is then poured by bartenders? Not to mention the jobs that are made transporting it.

  • Madhatter

    I wish someone tipped me every time I did what I was asked to do.  Seriously, if the pay is too low for you, then work elsewhere. Its up to your employer to pay your wage, not me.

  • Mike

    The title makes it sound like this might be interesting insider information, but instead it’s mostly a lot of whining and common knowledge. I wonder if the bartender wouldn’t be happier getting out of the service industry.

  • JL Serkes

    The #1 quote is insane. I am your customer, therefore treat me with respect, and don’t ignore me. Some of you do this all the time. Stupid. I give great tips for great service.

  • Jefnvk

    Fine, next time I’m in your bar, I’ll tip 15%, regardless of what I order, if that is the standard you think should apply.  Including $0.75 happy hour beers.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_KL4KPFKYHBAZZGIUDAUDC37F3Q BrendonM

    Wow, you have the police on speed dial? So does the rest of America. It’s called 911.

  • Fishle02

    Thank you, thank you, for including number 3.  I can’t even count how many times some jackass has badgered me to pour them a giant tumbler of liquor…for single price.  I finally started asking them if they realized they were asking me to steal from my employer.  IT IS CALLED A POUR COUNT PEOPLE, WE’RE NOT JUST MAKING IT UP AS WE GO ALONG BACK THERE!! 

  • Anonymous

    Every western movie made has a shot with the camera view going through the double spring doors and then either a shot of the piano player, a barfly, or a bartender drying a shot glass with an old towel.  He then places the towel over his shoulder.  I’ve seen everything I just mentioned in today’s contemporary bar such as the piano dualing bar (bar at Times Square) in the NYNY Vegas.  Anyone know if they use the same rag for several days or weeks?  I guess even the little amount of alcohol in the drinks kills the germs and viruses.

    • Anonymous

      No, it doesn’t.  I always order a vodka tonic with no lime mainly for fruit allergy purposes.  I now ALWAYS request none of that fruit or olives or whatever after seeing the bartender pick his ear and then try to squeeze that lime in my drink with his bare hands before reminding him.  A month later he was complaining he was out of work for 2 weeks because he had H1N1.  I’m serious.

  • Dlluxx

    I am surprised that people are not commenting on all the automated systems restaurants have in place these days that track everything and give the bartender little discretion. You may think I am your worst nightmare. I usually have club soda and a coffee. But I am more than happy to tip. Sometimes that seltzer is free and sometimes it has to go into a database. I am watching if you are having a decent night and how you serve other customers. Sometimes you deserve more…sometimes serving drunk partyers is like printing money. 

  • Agile Cyborg

    Ditch the arrogant bartender for good and create your own nightclub at home. It’s safer, the liquor’s cheaper and as strong as ya like, and the experience is always more fun.

  • Cdelaney

    Bartenders are losers.

  • ev

    Buck a drink seems ok for opening a bottle of beer. I waited tables for years and all the BS I had to do for a buck…shhesh!!

  • ev

    Buck a drink seems ok for opening a bottle of beer. I waited tables for years and all the BS I had to do for a buck…shhesh!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001224409264 Smail Buzzby

    14.  I hate people and my pathetic life watching losers get wasted and pretending to listen to your stupid stories and problems so that I can clean up your spills and your puke for a few bucks…all because I was too lazy and stupid to learn to do something worthwhile with my life.  I have not seen the sunlight in 4 years.  Oh God, why didn’t I marry Debbie and have 2.5 kids and take a job with that insurance company all those years ago?  Now my liver is shot and my face is all wrinkled and I just realized that the last 25 years of my life have been spent watching other people waste their lives.  Or was I wasting my life?
    “I spit in every drink I’ve ever served.  Looks like it’s suicide for me again.”  Mo, the bartender from The Simpsons.

    • Anonymous

      “I don’t want to wake up 10 years from now wondering what happened”.  Girlfriend trying to get the guy she wants to marry out of the bar they spend their life at in Shaun Of The Dead.

  • Whatever

    screw you, bartender….a buck a drink is the MAX….more like a buck a round…..don’t like it??…, then go get another job that you feel pays you better

  • SickOfDumbGuests

    At Me Too The guest is not always right, and we in America have lost our manners concerning dinning out and sitting at a bar! I work in the buisness and I never get a garnish, why? Well it is probably been sitting out so if youd like to eat it go right ahead! Commonsenseaintcommon your probably the first person to be kicked out of a bar, obviously you think you should be aloud to do what you like! Imagine 15 drunk people all acting like the moron you are daily, making demands at once, good find that machine! Bobthebartender LMAO you work where? Obviously not in a big demanding area!

  • Spazzmo

    How other than to wave, whistle or wave money at a douchebag bartender who doesn’t acknowledge your presence?  If he makes me wait, he can wait for his tip.

  • Spazzmo

    So, if you charge $100 for $8 worth of liquor, you expect more than a buck for the same work?  Ain’t going to happen.

  • Spazzmo

    It’s OK for you to demonstrate douchebaggery by getting a kickback from the cab company, but I’m supposed to model decorous behavior?  Please.

  • UrMom

    Tip more for 12 drink? Tell you what. When I tip you 1 buck for poring a beer and 1 buck for a martini, it all comes out in the wash.. 

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/AA65PN2E7A2VNMRCXDWDQTZYNU Robert

    I’m so tired of these arrogant bartenders who think the world evolves around them. DUDE shut the hell up and get my drink!!!! If it’s a good drink I’ll tip you more than you deserve…. if it isn’t I won’t. You are the to serve the customer not to give me any opinions on what may be important to you.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_PHV2UWXBMC2ROJAAHG2OEQRWZE mike

    Want to earn your 15% tip? Make sure the garnishes are fresh, the glasses are clean, the drinks are correct, don’t treat my wave to get your attention as a personal insult, and be cordial and personal (i.e. smile and say ‘thank you’). Otherwise, forget about a tip or my business again. 

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/John-Foreskinsky/100003491895346 John Foreskinsky

    Arrogant bartenders…get my drink and shut your pie hole

  • Dshpyder1

    Here we go…
    First, and foremost, a bartender should be attentive and efficient. You are there to serve and then, talk. There are plenty of morons pouring drinks who think they can satisfy people based on their looks or personality.  Having said that…
    Ordering coffee or tea at bar = Starbucks or your local 7eleven is still open douche bag!
    Asking for a drink menu = you suck because you go out once a year.
    Take the cash off the top and split the bill with 6 credit cards = no tip on the cash deducted and thanks for the extra work you seemingly smart but, obviously self-absorbed and dimwitted dweebs.
    Can I transfer my tab to the dining room = sure, as long as you tip me here.
    You’re out of “Brand A!?” = Too bad. Hope you have a plan B.
    You should carry “so-and-so.” = Buy the place and we will.
    It’s my friend’s birthday = I am not buying him/her a drink. That is your job.
    If you are a “secret shopper/spotter.” = I encourage you to have the “choclotini” so I can muddle ex-lax into your drink. Enjoy the rest of your evening on the toilet, worm!
    Just the tip of the iceberg…

    • guest…….

      sure put things in the customer’s drinks like exlax, and go to jail for 5 to 7 years for the crime of altering a person’s food or drink wirth the intention of doing them physical harm, lose your bartenders licence,work for McDonal’s if they’ll have you after they hear how you screw up a customer’s foods.

  • Davesh

    Looking forward to the machine that will replace people who b!tsch about how much I should tip them for performing a simple task.

    • Anonymous

      Me too.  While they giggle under their breath about “you 9-5 suit and coat people” that pay them.

  • Davesh

    Looking forward to the machine that will replace people who b!tsch about how much I should tip them for performing a simple task.

  • Davesh

    Looking forward to the machine that will replace people who b!tsch about how much I should tip them for performing a simple task.

  • guest

    I dont care if my drink costs more than another because of a brand of liqour, that doesnt mean I am going to tip you more just cause I got top shelf and for you doing the same amount of work. My money is just as hard earned as yours. Be glad I am there spending the money otherwise you wouldnt have a job to start with.

    • Brannen

      Except for the other 250 people who are there spending money and tipping me you would be right. Your ten bucks isn’t going to put us out of business when you stop coming in. Sorry

      • guest….

        ok lets gigure this out, you just aid the 250 other people who are tipping you  while he is not there spending his 10.00. so your getting $250 minumum from these customer(at a $1.00 ) per drink, so what is it your crying about? you just mde more in one night than half the city of normal workers make in 3 days work.Most workers in other industires only make between $50,and $70 dollars a day working and you just made $250 or more shelling out and easy 250 drinks
        and I know you bartenders are not hurting for cash,i drove cab for along while and took many of you guys home after work. Got many of you paying me $20.00 a night  in tips plus a $30 to $60 fee to take ya home.

      • guest….

        ok lets gigure this out, you just aid the 250 other people who are tipping you  while he is not there spending his 10.00. so your getting $250 minumum from these customer(at a $1.00 ) per drink, so what is it your crying about? you just mde more in one night than half the city of normal workers make in 3 days work.Most workers in other industires only make between $50,and $70 dollars a day working and you just made $250 or more shelling out and easy 250 drinks
        and I know you bartenders are not hurting for cash,i drove cab for along while and took many of you guys home after work. Got many of you paying me $20.00 a night  in tips plus a $30 to $60 fee to take ya home.

  • TimSPC

    “2. Start a tab. If I swipe your card five times this evening, that’s five times as much paperwork I have to do at 4 a.m.”

    No it’s not. It’s four more things of paper you have to fill out.

    If you have 10 people at the bar and they all order five drinks and nine of them are on tabs and one swipes five times, you’re filing out paperwork for 14 orders, not 50.

    • Anonymous

      I’m sure the survey shows people tip higher when using a credit card vs. paying cash (especially when they pour heavier after seeing that Platinum level rewards card).  Please.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_HHCJUWRNQVQYZMHT4FBFAHBYZU Ludavico Corde

     ”You want a drink made ‘strong?’ Then order a double-for double the price.”

    Ever hear about taking care of the customer??? To ensure repeat business and loyal patronage??? If you want a tip, you’ll earn it and be polite in the process. Or, learn how to survive on the $2.25 hourly rate they pay your rude arse.

    With that attitude of customer service, the Bar or Club you work for will come and go in six months to a year at the most. My city is riddle with failed bars and clubs, currently boarded up.

    • PEZ

      OH MY GOD.  Taking care of the customer is giving the customer what they ask for in a timely, and polite manner.  Not giving you extra.  Do you go to a bank and say “please cash my paycheck and oh do you mind giving me a couple of extra twenties to top it off?”  The liquor is PRODUCT.  It is there to be sold.  You don’t walk into wal-mart, buy a Blu-Ray player and ask for a few extra discs on the house.  And you are wrong, bars close down often because of bartenders giving away product.   I don’t agree with every complaint on here but this one is at the top of the list along with flagging bartenders down only to ask your friends what they want….BE READY!

    • PEZ

      OH MY GOD.  Taking care of the customer is giving the customer what they ask for in a timely, and polite manner.  Not giving you extra.  Do you go to a bank and say “please cash my paycheck and oh do you mind giving me a couple of extra twenties to top it off?”  The liquor is PRODUCT.  It is there to be sold.  You don’t walk into wal-mart, buy a Blu-Ray player and ask for a few extra discs on the house.  And you are wrong, bars close down often because of bartenders giving away product.   I don’t agree with every complaint on here but this one is at the top of the list along with flagging bartenders down only to ask your friends what they want….BE READY!

    • Barchick

      we should steal for you! yeah that’s worth it!

      • Samuraipie83

        they don’t seem to realize that it is stealing. Well let me tell you, none of you are worth losing my job over. I refuse to kiss your feet to get a buck. Get over yourselves.

  • Hollywoodcole5840

    Here is a tip, if you want more of a money tip, be charming, friendly, and don’t act like you are better than the customers.  I don’t care how many hostesses, waitresses, or bar flies you slept with, your in the service industry.  Be happy with the dollar if that is all you earned.

    Ex-bartender for 7 years in clubs, restaurants, and bars 

    • Anonymous

      Great advice. He became flat-out condescending.  That’s why I started loyalty to another bartender.  It’s a large place. 

  • Full Tilt

    I’m not a cheapskate and tip well for good service.  But telling me “a buck a drink isn’t good enough” is flat greedy and arrogant.  Generally I leave a buck a drink for standard service cause it’s easy and convenient.  My happening to order top shelf from time to time doesn’t add any extra work on your part than the same drink with house well.  If you’re that interested in your 15% I can start carrying rolls of $0.60 to go with my $4 beer that requires all the effort of you grabbing a bottle and opening it for me just to make sure it’s exactly as you want it and not that one dollar bill.  Better still, if you want a bigger tip give me good service that might include such things as: Genuinely paying attention to who got to the bar first so I don’t have to yell or whistle to let you know I have been waiting 10 minutes while you chatted to the three patrons you found attractive who just walked up after me, doing the little touches that make a drink better like i don’t know not using garnishes that have sat around for hours to days, not demanding that I leave my credit card with a stranger while I am out drinking and possibly not at my most attentive or disciplined state just because you don’t want to spend extra time later doing such pesky things as “your job,” and generally not acting like you’re the gift to the drinking world – I made the same drink at my house last weekend and it was just as good if not better.  I’m here to socialize with friends, because the establishment itself has sports event I want to see / music I want to hear, or most likely hit on the opposite sex.  You have nothing to do with it and if I could I would buy my drink from commonsenseaintcommon’s vending machine.  I give you a tip because I appreciate your service. Act uppity and I will leave you nothing.   

  • Full Tilt

    I’m not a cheapskate and tip well for good service.  But telling me “a buck a drink isn’t good enough” is flat greedy and arrogant.  Generally I leave a buck a drink for standard service cause it’s easy and convenient.  My happening to order top shelf from time to time doesn’t add any extra work on your part than the same drink with house well.  If you’re that interested in your 15% I can start carrying rolls of $0.60 to go with my $4 beer that requires all the effort of you grabbing a bottle and opening it for me just to make sure it’s exactly as you want it and not that one dollar bill.  Better still, if you want a bigger tip give me good service that might include such things as: Genuinely paying attention to who got to the bar first so I don’t have to yell or whistle to let you know I have been waiting 10 minutes while you chatted to the three patrons you found attractive who just walked up after me, doing the little touches that make a drink better like i don’t know not using garnishes that have sat around for hours to days, not demanding that I leave my credit card with a stranger while I am out drinking and possibly not at my most attentive or disciplined state just because you don’t want to spend extra time later doing such pesky things as “your job,” and generally not acting like you’re the gift to the drinking world – I made the same drink at my house last weekend and it was just as good if not better.  I’m here to socialize with friends, because the establishment itself has sports event I want to see / music I want to hear, or most likely hit on the opposite sex.  You have nothing to do with it and if I could I would buy my drink from commonsenseaintcommon’s vending machine.  I give you a tip because I appreciate your service. Act uppity and I will leave you nothing.   

  • Full Tilt

    I’m not a cheapskate and tip well for good service.  But telling me “a buck a drink isn’t good enough” is flat greedy and arrogant.  Generally I leave a buck a drink for standard service cause it’s easy and convenient.  My happening to order top shelf from time to time doesn’t add any extra work on your part than the same drink with house well.  If you’re that interested in your 15% I can start carrying rolls of $0.60 to go with my $4 beer that requires all the effort of you grabbing a bottle and opening it for me just to make sure it’s exactly as you want it and not that one dollar bill.  Better still, if you want a bigger tip give me good service that might include such things as: Genuinely paying attention to who got to the bar first so I don’t have to yell or whistle to let you know I have been waiting 10 minutes while you chatted to the three patrons you found attractive who just walked up after me, doing the little touches that make a drink better like i don’t know not using garnishes that have sat around for hours to days, not demanding that I leave my credit card with a stranger while I am out drinking and possibly not at my most attentive or disciplined state just because you don’t want to spend extra time later doing such pesky things as “your job,” and generally not acting like you’re the gift to the drinking world – I made the same drink at my house last weekend and it was just as good if not better.  I’m here to socialize with friends, because the establishment itself has sports event I want to see / music I want to hear, or most likely hit on the opposite sex.  You have nothing to do with it and if I could I would buy my drink from commonsenseaintcommon’s vending machine.  I give you a tip because I appreciate your service. Act uppity and I will leave you nothing.   

  • Full Tilt

    I’m not a cheapskate and tip well for good service.  But telling me “a buck a drink isn’t good enough” is flat greedy and arrogant.  Generally I leave a buck a drink for standard service cause it’s easy and convenient.  My happening to order top shelf from time to time doesn’t add any extra work on your part than the same drink with house well.  If you’re that interested in your 15% I can start carrying rolls of $0.60 to go with my $4 beer that requires all the effort of you grabbing a bottle and opening it for me just to make sure it’s exactly as you want it and not that one dollar bill.  Better still, if you want a bigger tip give me good service that might include such things as: Genuinely paying attention to who got to the bar first so I don’t have to yell or whistle to let you know I have been waiting 10 minutes while you chatted to the three patrons you found attractive who just walked up after me, doing the little touches that make a drink better like i don’t know not using garnishes that have sat around for hours to days, not demanding that I leave my credit card with a stranger while I am out drinking and possibly not at my most attentive or disciplined state just because you don’t want to spend extra time later doing such pesky things as “your job,” and generally not acting like you’re the gift to the drinking world – I made the same drink at my house last weekend and it was just as good if not better.  I’m here to socialize with friends, because the establishment itself has sports event I want to see / music I want to hear, or most likely hit on the opposite sex.  You have nothing to do with it and if I could I would buy my drink from commonsenseaintcommon’s vending machine.  I give you a tip because I appreciate your service. Act uppity and I will leave you nothing.   

  • lau

    how about if you become a batender there simply is a certain amount of crap you have to put up with

  • Rich Gook

    Bartenders are loser

    • Anon

      Not true…I know some really great bartenders. They also deal with a lot of crappy people,and (at least the ones I know), handle it with a good amount of grace. That being said…I stick to the tip amount being how the service was – not what I’m expected to give. I’m all for tipping, but I won’t be told what I’m going to pay.

    • Beaulieu36

      Play nice.  I personally know a bartender that was delt a bad hand growing up and she is the most pleasant young lady that I have come across.  Her earnings help her elderly Grandmother (her mom)  eat and pay the bills.  On a slow day, I will give 20 bucks on a 2 dollar drink because its for my own cause and she is most gracious and appreciative.

  • Rich Gook

    Bartenders are loser

  • Rich Gook

    Bartenders are loser

  • Pinky

    So sick of waiters and bartenders whining about tips.

  • Wm

    The under-appreciated, hard-working, knowledgeable-on-their-art bit, can be a bit of b.s.  Yes, you deserve to be paid decently for giving me a good experience (assuming you have), but a lot of jobs require a lot more knowledge, skill, and prep work, but earn a lot less money than tending bar or mixologising.

  • Rosalinda

    Q. for Bartenders:  Do “flirty” customers received free, stiffer, or extra drinks? 

  • Rosalinda

    Q. for Bartenders:  Do “flirty” customers received free, stiffer, or extra drinks? 

    • Samuraipie83

      not in my bar

    • Anonymous

      Do flirty bartenders deserve more of a tip in “my”bar?  NO.  I’d prefer they be more “professionals” as they claim to be.

  • DrunknRuckus

    Seriously?…..”19.
 I like a sophisticated palate.
You’ll win points with me if you request gin in your martini. “.  A martini IS gin!  And if you didn’t know something as simple and basic as this, do yourself a favor and get out from behind the bar.  And if you ask for a maritni, expecting it to be vodka, get out of the bar all together.  You’re already dumb enough, and we don’t need alcohol intensifying that trait!
    -DrunknRuckus

    • Cich919

      I have been reading all of these comments for 20 minutes, waiting to see if someone pointed this out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  If I got to the end without SOMEONE pointing this out, I wasn’t even going to BOTHER posting my own coment.  All of these experienced bartenders commenting on here & NOT ONE noticed or pointed this out previously.

  • Pinkgirlredwoman

    I’ve tended bar & enjoyed seeing people smile with that first, long-awaited sip of a beverage.  I’ve also had to deal with jerks. But i’ve noticed many more bartenders treat patrons like they’re doing them an enormous favor by serving them a drink & play all kinds of “passive aggressive” games with their customers!  Does this exemplify the elevated status of the so-called, “Mixologist?”

  • Shadygrove7

    Tell the bartender you are with a group and that you are a designated driver.  Ask for a pint of tap water.  If you must drink alcohol you can spike your water with vodka brought from home while in the bathroom.  Bartender complain about there tip, but they go home with hundreds of dollars each night.  Bars are a ripoff.     

  • Shadygrove7

    Tell the bartender you are with a group and that you are a designated driver.  Ask for a pint of tap water.  If you must drink alcohol you can spike your water with vodka brought from home while in the bathroom.  Bartender complain about there tip, but they go home with hundreds of dollars each night.  Bars are a ripoff.     

    • Barchicka

      classy. stay home.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/R37VJ7F6VI6HVMR6R2S6IRFXPE ScottC

    Wrong!  Pay five times and I get five tips.  Pay one time and I only get 15% of the total.

  • Bob69

    There’s a simple solution to your $1 per drink tip issue.  Don’t charge $13 for a mixed drink!  That’s absolutely outrageous and you’d probably get better tips if it were cheaper!

    • Samuraipie83

      do you really think we set the drink prices?  Giving you more than what you pay for is STEALING.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Steve-Shelton/1529402870 Steve Shelton

    How about 1 thing I won’t tell my bartender – if you act like you are doing me a favor by serving me a drink you are getting shorted on your tip.

    • Mailujonder

      Tip?  Isn’t paying for your drink enough.  I never tip a bartender.  They’re there to work aren’t they?  Why tip them for doing their job?  What’s so hard about pouring a shot in a glass and squirting in a mixer?  Or popping the cap off of a beer bottle. 

  • http://www.facebook.com/john.darling.319 John Darling

    WHO GIIVVES A FFFFFFFK ABOUT THE FFFFFKN BARTENDERS.. MAYBE YOU WOULD LIke to lose your job and all your tips you FKKKN BBBTTTTCH. ENOUGH of the BARTENDERS SPEAK UP AND COMPLAIN, FKKK THEM IF THEY DONT LIKE their jobs they can quit or lose to the competition. I CATCH YOU ACTING LIKE THAT AT MY BAR AND YOUR FIRED YOU BTTTTCH

  • http://www.facebook.com/john.darling.319 John Darling

    AT some bars the sliced fruit sits out for days until its used.. WHAT DONT YOU KNOW ABOUT LAZY BARTENDERS BEING USELESS BUMS and What dont you know about the DISGUSTING restaurant business in particular… When that kind of thing goes on then the WHOLE RESTAURANT OR BAR Can lose their reputation and business forever to COMPETITIVE BUSINESS FOR SERIOUS MONEY.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_D2TZ7JNEVEBA6VYLZJM5ZCA5MQ Evil Hippie

    bars are a total waste of money. barflies make bad lovers. you can smoke whatever at home. you can buy three times more bourbon. a shoot of bourbon is only two tablespoons. that 2 for $7+ with 32 shoots per bottle, do the math, if you can.

  • Gl

    Other kinds of waiters aren’t this full of themselves.  

  • Gl

    Other kinds of waiters aren’t this full of themselves.  

  • Hirene

    Here’s a tip from a customer.  I don’t go to bars because bartenders are rude and hustle for money.  

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/KVK3IPHRXSATUHFVGGK4PCZHOY Papi

    shut the hell up and give me a beer, jagoff..

  • http://www.facebook.com/teddyflyfisher.davis Teddy Flyfisher Davis

    Hey…American bar tenders…Don’t come to Thailand thinking you can get away with that kind of attitude or mentality…If so, then you will be going home with either a VERY empty tip jar or you will be closing your bar…Customers here don’t like people behind a bar with attitudes.We would rather pick up and go next door or to one of the other 128 bars on the same street and spend our money…

  • Anon

    15% for each drink that takes 30 seconds to mayyybe two minutes to make (for the harder ones)…please. I’m all for tipping, but TIPS stands for (to insure proper service). Just because you whip a drink I’m paying for out…doesn’t mean your service was great. I’ll tip what you deserve.

  • Butters

    I am sorry but if I tip $1 per drink even on a $12 drink that is enough for the 30 seconds it takes to make and deliver it to me.  I usually tip $1 for a $6 drink so it all evens out.

  • Anonymous

    I tended bar for several years in Kodiak AK. (Breakers bar and ships tavern) The louder the customer was, the better for business. I didn’t work for a tip I was paid a wage and all the booze I wanted. 

  • ME

    almost 2 dollar tip for every drink YEAH RIGHT!

    • Germanicus .

      If a drink costs 12 dollars there is already a tip built into the price as far as i’m concerned. The bartender gets $1 for pouring the liquor and tossing in a few ice cubes. 
      I saw you make it sweety, it took 9.2 seconds. same as the $6 drink.

  • Big Mike

    Yeah these “secrets” are crap. You are there to serve me…not the other way around. You should thank me for your business…not the other way around.  A mixologist? Please…

  • Dvdrlgh

    Mr. Bartender, if you make my visit a pleasant one and I will give you a decent tip. Give me lousy service and I will still give you something. Either way I WILL tell my friends. It’s up to you.

  • Dvdrlgh

    Mr. Bartender, if you make my visit a pleasant one and I will give you a decent tip. Give me lousy service and I will still give you something. Either way I WILL tell my friends. It’s up to you.

  • http://www.facebook.com/shannon.baas Shannon Baas

    What if you are sitting there for 20 minutes and the bartender helps everyone but you.  Had that happen this past week.  Oh, we’re busy.  Ok, then why did you help everyone else.

  • Fredo Brown

    30% of your “secrets and tips” were regarding tips. Good service equals good tips not telling somebody their cheap. Give me a break.

  • http://twitter.com/WhiskeySe7en A Lari

    There’s nothing worse than a pompous bartender. Make my drink and shut up.

  • Grouch13

    please take a cab should be #1 and a mixlogise is not a bartender it si something you find in a high price tavern

  • Jeff Berlat

    Pouring a $5 drink takes the same skill as a $15 drink. You didn’t use any more skill to make the drink. 

    • Ivoryfox77

      My “on-the-job” training required me to know the recipes of over 250 different drinks, their garnishes, the proper glassware, the price (set by the restaurant), and the skill to correctly make these drinks for many customers at one time. I was expected to keep everyone’s drink orders straight – even the ones from the customers that changed their mind 3 times while ordering. I also had to stay polite and attentive to the customers that were too ignorant to see that I was busting my butt to keep everyone served and satisfied and wanted me to stand there listening to his newest joke then act as if it WEREN’T the umteenth time I had heard it. Everyone at the bar expected to be served immediately despite the fact that they could plainly see that I was outnumbered 20-1. Finally, after everyone wanders off to their tables and leaves their buck or two on the bar, acting like they just did me a huge favor, I get to clean up the mess they left behind. Believe it or not, I did this job because I mostly enjoyed it. Fortunately, the majority of my guests were decent people and fun to serve. Sometimes the difference between a poor tip and a good tip could be as little as a couple of bucks. If you can’t afford to show your appreciation for the job your bartender did by leaving a couple of extra bucks perhaps you shouldn’t be going out at all. 

  • No

    most overpaid professions in america
    doctors and bartenders

  • Nonyabusiness

     A dollar a drink is plenty…especially when bartenders are walking with $200 plus cash on average nights. Want more than a dollar? Then show some hustle and don’t ignore people wanting to order. If you take a beer out of a fridge and open it then $1 tip is too much. If a place charges $12 for a well vodka rocks, then kick the bartender in the nuts! This is coming from a bartender…

  • Nonyabusiness

     A dollar a drink is plenty…especially when bartenders are walking with $200 plus cash on average nights. Want more than a dollar? Then show some hustle and don’t ignore people wanting to order. If you take a beer out of a fridge and open it then $1 tip is too much. If a place charges $12 for a well vodka rocks, then kick the bartender in the nuts! This is coming from a bartender…

  • Brett

    You want 15% for every drink you pour?  HAHAHA.  Then I want a 15% tip every time I see a patient.

  • David

    bartenders are self absorbed and arrogant A holes so screw them .

  • Izzy

    After fifteen years as a bartender, here is another truth: yes we do occasionally serve “sneezers.”

  • Jamiethebold

    Been there, probably done at least half of those things even though I consider myself a pretty good guest.  Good thoughts, and thanks.

  • Anonymous

    It seems a little too easy to piss off a bartender, who chose to be in the business of serving drinkers and drunks, a class not known for their class to begin with.

  • MassJim

    I read the first and already I am angry. Should I also perhaps kiss the ring of the bartender, perhaps I should keep my eyes averted as I back out of the room? Perhaps I should mix my own drink so as not to disturb his highness.

  • MassJim

    I read the first three warnings to the lowly patron and then I read #4 that sales are down. Could it be that paying customers don’t enjoy being treated with disdain? 

    • Anonymous

      Or contempt?

  • Anonymous

    Some of these made sense, but those comments that are designed to make the bartenders job easier don’t fly. I am not at a bar to make his job easier, he is to serve me, accept the tip I give him ( I don’t have to give any) and be polite.

    • Anonymous

      Right.  As someone who tended bar for about a decade, I could spot the likes of you when you walked though the door.  D-bag.

  • JJVoorhies

    With respect to 19, this “bartender” will earn points with me if he realizes that a martini is a gin-based drink.  No need to specify gin. 

    These things are dumb. 

    • Cich919

      Out of all these comments, you are only the 2nd person to point out that a martini IS made with gin!

  • Anonymous

    I’m pretty sure bartenders have no problem saying any of this 13 save maybe the comps tab (more a myth than a reality at most bars). 

  • http://www.facebook.com/chicagopoetry Cj Laity

    Shut up and give me my overpriced drink, servant.

    • Samuraipie83

      or you could wear it :)

    • Travman

      My chuckle for the day!

  • Appendixforsale

    Best bars to pee?  Would beer help to clear up “obstruction” of the urinary function in a non-drinking/non-smoking female?

  • http://www.facebook.com/mark.fisher.39 Mark Fisher

    lame article

  • http://www.facebook.com/andrew.minty.94 Andrew Minty

    Most bartenders seem to be too busy talking to even get you a beer anymore, and I always tip decently. When your empty glass is in the “gutter”, you should have another within 2 minutes, or they should find another job.

    • Anonymous

      Another idiot who has never tended bar.

      • Travman

        Another idiot who has never learned to post properly.

    • Anonymous

      Another idiot who has never tended bar.

  • Bill Ovoian

    if i order a 12 dollar drink and it takes you all of 10 seconds to make be happy for a dollar tip and i agree with rest this must of been from some manahatten snob bar tender

  • gettin it sr8

    Well, If I have to go to the BAR to order a drink v/s the waiter…. WTF should I tip the bartender 15%?…. then why tip the waiter Cash— then pay my tab with CC–just to have the tip forged on the ticket?

  • Anonymous

    I like to munch the garnish.  Especially when a slice of orange has been marinating in a Belgian style wheat beer.  Then again, the cherries that sometimes get tossed in a drink – oh my God, the rush of alcohol and sugar at the end of the evening is just fab.  I knew a bartender who would toss a handful of cherries into a pitcher of long island ice tea.  This was when the choir at church went drinking after choir practice (Episcopalians, you know how WE are about alcohol!)  We would fight for the cherries.

  • Anonymous

    I like to munch the garnish.  Especially when a slice of orange has been marinating in a Belgian style wheat beer.  Then again, the cherries that sometimes get tossed in a drink – oh my God, the rush of alcohol and sugar at the end of the evening is just fab.  I knew a bartender who would toss a handful of cherries into a pitcher of long island ice tea.  This was when the choir at church went drinking after choir practice (Episcopalians, you know how WE are about alcohol!)  We would fight for the cherries.

  • Graysondavis

    Wow, this is so un-original that my bartender friends and myself are wondering, tell us something we don’t know? Mr Obvious must have been on vacation when this story broke. Eeeks

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_MIHBFHLRP42R224YALSQPM7YJ4 frenchy

    Always be polite to the bartender…. duh !…….

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/WP2YLPWMKJZJYPGKZGJDA43FPU Gorksmalork

    17.
Think tending bar isn’t a real career?
 You’re wrong. The craft of bartending is coming back, and some of us are even called “mixologists” now. 


    Pizza boys are called “delivery specialists.” 

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/WP2YLPWMKJZJYPGKZGJDA43FPU Gorksmalork

    20.
 My knees hurt.
 Bar mats prevent slipping, but I really like them for the cushioning. I use sole inserts in my shoes, too. 


    Cool story bro. I know a lot of people with less entitled attitudes who bust their humps a lot harder than a bleeping bartender. Some of this article is useful. Most of it is exactly what I expected – “I didn’t go to college or learn a tradeskill, I’ve been doing this for about 5 months and demand to be treated with the global maximum of professional respect.”

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/WP2YLPWMKJZJYPGKZGJDA43FPU Gorksmalork


    25.
 I do more than mix drinks.
 I love being your psychiatrist-matchmaker-entertainer-friend. Otherwise, I wouldn’t tend bar. 

”

    Sorry for so many comments but I”m just loving critiquing the #*($ out of this list. I’ve known a few bartenders in my day. The older, classier dudes (and I’m a straight guy saying this) might be able to hook you up with some decent advice. Most of them are just straight dbags, self-entitled as all get out and the women tend to be caught inbetween actually going to college or delving into an attempt at porn stardom, with all the attitude of a AAA celebrity to match up with it. 

    Bartenders are like most of us out there – not that smart, not that nice, and convinced they’re the reason the stars stay in the sky.

  • Southerncottontuscaloosa

    this is pointless

  • Chris

    As a bartender, I can tell you number 12 is false. 

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/OJJPVRLGBFJSC53AZ5FSDIAUII GaryH

    Jerks like this won’t get my tip money.

  • guest

    I’m not gonna hit “next” 27 times.  Show it all on one page or goodbye.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/WYS6WUIU4JR2CFXOYBQRPMNFSE Jerry

    Think tending bar isn’t a real career?
 Yes.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/WYS6WUIU4JR2CFXOYBQRPMNFSE Jerry

    Think tending bar isn’t a real career?
 Yes.

  • Sqrtzalot

    So why does it hurt when I pee?

  • Anonymous

    So set ‘em up Joe, I’ve got a little story you ought to know.  Give me one for my baby, and one more for the road.

  • Anonymous

    So set ‘em up Joe, I’ve got a little story you ought to know.  Give me one for my baby, and one more for the road.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/O6NHGIV2RRT2UECB6H4RA73KIE jas s

    the 14th thing..from some..but not all..is that you have a winning lotto ticket

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/O6NHGIV2RRT2UECB6H4RA73KIE jas s

    the 14th thing..from some..but not all..is that you have a winning lotto ticket

  • Gibsonnn

    bartending a wasted life,almost bad as barflys sitting and drinking stupid juice

  • Averywinters27

    Mixologist sounds stupid.

  • Averywinters27

    Mixologist sounds stupid.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/George-Garrett/100003583367601 George Garrett

    These rules are set up by self appointed experts, not the customer with the money.  If the bartender acts like a boob and expects a big tip, he’s playing in the wrong league.  The difference between an S8.00 martini and a S12.00 martini has more to do with the pretentiousness location than any inconvenience to the bartender.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/George-Garrett/100003583367601 George Garrett

    These rules are set up by self appointed experts, not the customer with the money.  If the bartender acts like a boob and expects a big tip, he’s playing in the wrong league.  The difference between an S8.00 martini and a S12.00 martini has more to do with the pretentiousness location than any inconvenience to the bartender.

  • Anonymous

    # 7 can be grossly lopsided. If the establishment, especially a hotel or airport, Charges $12 for a drink that, in reality outside a hotel and airport, would cost $4, that is BS to give the 15-20% tip. No offense bartender, but snapping the lid off of my $8 miller lite is still worth a buck, barely. Bartenders don’t make 2.13 or whatever an hour like a waiter would,so $1 for 5 seconds of work has always baffled me even. Mix a long island, yeah, took some effort, you get compensated. Reach down 2 feet, pull out a beer and pop the top? Wow. Amazing. Don’t get me wrong, I frequent a bar every week, and I tip very well. But, as with most people, we are kinda bullied into it for the reason that if you tip what they consider “low” for their 5 seconds of work, you will be shunned and wait a really long time for drinks. Kinda petty, sorry, but they have the power.

    • guest writer

      swaren,they (bartender’s have the power? )no, I know your wrong here, he works for someone, he gets paid by someone, he can be reported to someone,enough of those reports,and he is history. you are the customer, he is expected(and paid) to serve you in a timely manor. If he fails to do this, and you don’t report him,your doing the entire establishment a disservice.

  • Chihawk6

    Don’t tell me what to tip.  15% of 12 dollars is a buck eighty but keep in mind 15% of a 3 dollar beer is 45 cents.

  • 1Ronald

    #1.  (Top of the List)  National Institutes of Health has determined that alcohol causes cancer.  After this had been a known fact several years prior.  But, politicing aside, no one will slay that giant mammoth multi-billion dollar a year alcohol industry.  They want your money and don’t give a hoot about what happens to you down the road.  And, oh yes, alcohol is supposed to be good for your heart.  The operation was a success, but the patient died.

  • Me

    Tipping should be based on server performance and not the cost of the consumable product.  Just becuase you pour top shelp that is double the price of the same drink with lesser priced contents you shouldn’t think you are etitled to twice the tip. 

  • Tomsmith

    One of the worst written articles I’ve read.  Read one about valets not too long ago that was almost as bad.  I have an idea…do your job to the best of your ability, and we will tip you.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003612527625 Ketchum Kenneth

     9. The smoothest guys compliment a woman, then walk away-it’s very nonthreatening<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

    WHAT?????  Bartend, not relationship counsel, this seems to be personal among patrons and none of the bartenders biz!  Non threatening?  Give me a break already you snobs!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003612527625 Ketchum Kenneth

     10. I have the police on speed dial, and I never hesitate to call<<<<<<<<<<<<<< then why is it, most if not all bar problems I have seen have been settled like this, "if you're a regular you can get away with brutality and idiocy, if you are a newbie or casual surfer, your rights are denied and you are kicked out!?!?!""""

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003612527625 Ketchum Kenneth

     12. Some of us get a cut from the cab company when we call a taxi for a tipsy patron. Not that I’ve ever done that, of course.<<<<<<< so you have the cops on speed dial, and you never hesitate to call, yet you serve someone past the "legal limit", etc, and call them a cab?  Sounds logical to serve someone until they are too drunk to drive!!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003612527625 Ketchum Kenneth

     15.
Get a room.
 The more you make out with your date, the closer you are to being cut off. 

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<  WHAT IN THE?????? what bar is this?  "arms length apart, hugging socially only, marriage license at the door please!""""""

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003612527625 Ketchum Kenneth

    Number 15 of course is obviously only strictly enforced in hetero bars, unless in the case of jealousy,,,

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003612527625 Ketchum Kenneth

     16. 
I’ve heard it all. 
One guy told me I had the worst smile
    he‘d ever seen. I found out that he thinks a girl won‘t remember him
    unless he puts her down. I guess it worked; I‘m telling you this story
    three weeks later.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< you already said, "I've heard it all,""""" meaning you remember it all, otherwise how would you know you've heard it all?!?!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003612527625 Ketchum Kenneth

     >>>>>>>>>>17.
Think tending bar isn’t a real career?
 You’re wrong. The craft of bartending is coming back, and some of us are even called “mixologists” now. 

<<<<<<<<<<<

    the craft of bartending seems to have been around even before Christ walked the earth, and the only person using the word mixologist is the bartender, or "embarrassed parent",,,

    When mixologist is undergrad, and in the dictionary, and "granted", then I will consider it a career, for now, it's like any other premade food service industry,

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003612527625 Ketchum Kenneth

     19.
 I like a sophisticated palate.
You’ll win points with me if you request gin in your martini. 

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

    ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh my now here is where the real "education" and thesis of mixology resides, in the bartender who imagine a martini perhaps with a fine malt liquor added?  how about a miller light martini?  OHHHHHHHHHH YOU LIKE A "TRADITIONAL" MARTINI, THE ONE WITH LIKE, GIN?  how retro!!  LOVE IT!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003612527625 Ketchum Kenneth

    if I requested gin in my martini anywhere within a hundred mile radius of where i am in NEPA i would run the serious risk of being asked to leave or given a strike!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003612527625 Ketchum Kenneth

    yeah, well try climbing up and down a 40 foot ladder all day, or walking 35 miles in all kind of weather carrying 50 pounds of mail, most guys in the bar are saying, “you poor baby” because of you know what,,,,

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003612527625 Ketchum Kenneth

    21.
 I can tell if your date is going well or not.
 And I notice if you bring in a new date every week. 

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< just bring the drinks and mind your biz!!

    • Anonymous

      Exactly!   LOL   (and no, I’m not interested in you either – just serve – and mind your eyes too)

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003612527625 Ketchum Kenneth

     22.
 Everyone should bartend a few nights in his life.
You learn so much about people. 

<<<<<<<<<<< everyone should serve their country,

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003612527625 Ketchum Kenneth

     23.
 I’m not a piece of meat.
 If you’re going to hit on me all night, at least leave a big tip. 

<<<<<<<<<<<<< sounds perverse to say the least, so are you saying you are a piece of meat after all? 

    • Anonymous

      = you might have BEEN a “piece of meat” 20 years ago but those heavy pours still aren’t helping us out with your dilemma. 

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003612527625 Ketchum Kenneth

     24.
 It happens every time.
 The songs you line up on the jukebox will play right as you’re leaving. 

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< HUH?

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003612527625 Ketchum Kenneth

     25.
 I do more than mix drinks.
 I love being your psychiatrist-matchmaker-entertainer-friend. Otherwise, I wouldn’t tend bar. 

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< yes, actually you clean up the mess, and do dishes, etc, etc, you aren't really a doctor, or anything and just because i come to drink, doesn't mean we are buds, anymore than than the guy who pumps my petrol, and that's why you would and do tend me at the bar,

    • Anonymous

      LOL. 

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003612527625 Ketchum Kenneth

     25.
 I do more than mix drinks.
 I love being your psychiatrist-matchmaker-entertainer-friend. Otherwise, I wouldn’t tend bar. 

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< yes, actually you clean up the mess, and do dishes, etc, etc, you aren't really a doctor, or anything and just because i come to drink, doesn't mean we are buds, anymore than than the guy who pumps my petrol, and that's why you would and do tend me at the bar,

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003612527625 Ketchum Kenneth

     26.
 Please, take a cab.


 <<<<<<<<<<<< why can't my wife pick me up on her way home from doing her double, like she usually does?  Ohhhhhhhhhhhh yeah I forgot, you gotta get your commission,,,,

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003612527625 Ketchum Kenneth

     26.
 Please, take a cab.


 <<<<<<<<<<<< why can't my wife pick me up on her way home from doing her double, like she usually does?  Ohhhhhhhhhhhh yeah I forgot, you gotta get your commission,,,,

  • Centerlinear

    With one lousy drink being 12 bucks and up and as this guide is saying if I want something strong I have to pay double…I have to say this…. I could bypass all these “rules”,  sit in my man-cave with a few buddies male and female and their invited guests, or or out by the pool, make drinks from fifths of liquor I have purchased and know that I am saving money as opposed to going to a bar where no matter how good a time or conversation or how cute that woman I met was… I just felt like I was spending money. 

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_JOTUZOESFYNV6Y4AHH2WWGSCKI Mark

    Cheesy article.

  • Anonymous

    is this what “reader’s digest” has come to?! I want my bandwidth back!

  • AnalGape

    this is gay. NO bartender wants to be your psychiatrist 

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003528297139 Tyler Hawkins

    I haven’t bar tended since college, but this seems extremely familiar..
    Nicely done.  

  • Dcdamiani@ol.com

    Wow I am disgusted with these comments. I am 48 male have bs from Villanovs and a masters from. An ivy league school. I have been bar tending for 15 years . We as bartenders do not just pour drinks. I am their marriage counselor, their psychiatrist, their best friend. I have introduced people whom then ended up marrying. I have made the widows and widowers and the single element out there comfortable to come into a bar by themselves. I introduce everyone at my bar and rarely forget a name. I give 150 percent every nite at the bar I work in. Maybe bartenders don’t always do the proper thing but trust me it is a profession that should be revered because many of you could never do it. Email me for more info. Dcdamiani@aol.com

  • Dcdamiani@ol.com

    Wow I am disgusted with these comments. I am 48 male have bs from Villanovs and a masters from. An ivy league school. I have been bar tending for 15 years . We as bartenders do not just pour drinks. I am their marriage counselor, their psychiatrist, their best friend. I have introduced people whom then ended up marrying. I have made the widows and widowers and the single element out there comfortable to come into a bar by themselves. I introduce everyone at my bar and rarely forget a name. I give 150 percent every nite at the bar I work in. Maybe bartenders don’t always do the proper thing but trust me it is a profession that should be revered because many of you could never do it. Email me for more info. Dcdamiani@aol.com

    • TyroneThump

       Yeah, it can be tough to find a job with a degree in 15th Century Gay Polynesian Literature.

    • Anonymous

      If you have a BS and a MS it must have been in bullshit, because your writing looks like an eight yr. old’s.  Bartending a profession?  Are you s-itting me?  Ir’s not even close to a pseudo-prfession, like a lawyer.  

  • Bbucks

    1 thing bar patrons won’t tell a bartender: If you have an overinflated opinion of yourself and act like you’re god’s gift to pouring booze, won’t get a tip.

  • Dwayne428

    You act like that around me, I’ll go to another bar

  • Columbiacoaching

    what a sleazy comment about tipping- guy splashes a few bottles of something into my glass, shakes the glass for a total of a minute’s work and thinks he’s worth 2 bucks a minute (if that much time was spent on my drink)-  give me a break you’re not worth that much for your time.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=2216590 Danielle L. Robinson

    Lol, #1, 8 and 11 are sad but true :-)

  • Anonymous

    Yes, alot of bars have comp tabs.  MOST know this, it’s not a secret.  Some people tip well just to be nice and help out their fellow man in hard times.  The comp tab may be used for you but it’s not free.  Appreciated in kind, but not free.  It’s because you tipped well FIRST.  The comp tab should not be used to try and get free sex from your loyal clientele either. Sick of these kiss your bartenders a** stories.  It’s real easy to find another one.   Flight attendants/bartenders?  Same thing. 

  • Anonymous

    Most of them are useless anyway.  Remember when they used to have “flair” or personality? I see the day coming where you look into a machine, it takes a retina scan to confirm your age/identity, you put money into another machine, select your drink (made correctly) then mix, mingle and have fun at lower cost.

  • Anonymous

    Most of them are useless anyway.  Remember when they used to have “flair” or personality? I see the day coming where you look into a machine, it takes a retina scan to confirm your age/identity, you put money into another machine, select your drink (made correctly) then mix, mingle and have fun at lower cost.

  • Mselcandle

    Guidelines to always to keep in mind.With high end speciality drinks to add to profit margins a bartender needs to be a “a helpful tour mixologist”. Having been in food service/healthcare permits us to go to desirable places on non-busy nights and explore a places “menu”,known to BT and be able to change approach on prime nights out,being aware of business pace.
    Re garnish: if it’s been lying around ,it dosen’t matter if you eat it or not,it has already inoculated your glass with any…..germs it has. They are to add to the taste/experience of the drink (for return customers/reputation). Actually ,I believe,garnishes have food health guidelines for storage-any thing else might open establishment to violations.(I will sit there quietly with my hands raised if I find a ……something in my drink.  

  • Mselcandle

    Perhaps people don’t realize how much grief BT get. Everybody sounds so angry. While custoumers are out to party. Staff are WORKING and can’t join in as much as customers would want or…….drunks realize.

  • Keithjam

    Looks like you talked to the douchiest bartender of all-time.

  • Keithjam

    Looks like you talked to the douchiest bartender of all-time.

  • Cheers sucks!

    I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, You’re bartenders. Not a doctor or lawyer or even a street sweeper for that matter. All your pseudo etiqette “rules” are nonsense.  The whole concept of tipping is not guaranteed which many of you people seem to forget. Its the worst with younger bartenders. I’ve found in my travels those of you that start in on the whole “bartender rules diatribe” are the most easily irritable ones with the least amount of manners/class. If I wait for a drink or if you’re the slightest bit rude or arrogant(cuz you’re nursing a hangover) you’re not getting tipped. The vast majority of you people either never got over getting wasted in college, have no real education, or saw Cheers one time too many. How’s that for a tip!

  • http://sportsbooksforbabies.com/ Ken Ashe

    I guess these are good tips…

  • Cheers sucks!

    I’ve experienced way too many arrogant bar tenders…..Easily irritable schmucks just trying to get laid substituting their “rules” for actual real education. Its a step above pumping gas really…….fill er’ up! LOL

  • Mouse

    I handn’t realized the cusomter was there for the bar-tender’s convenience.  Re: tips 1-3: Suck it up and do your job.

    And your tip IS a buck a drink.  Deal with it.  The $12 drink is because the liquor is expensive not becuse you put any extra effort into it.  You want a percentage, wait tables.

  • Rickholly

    I am a musician and spend my Friday and Saturday night at bar’s and restaurants. I see what customers go through and I know what the bartenders and servers go through. I couldn’t do their job and not want to choke a few people a night. Your local bartender is just some working person who’s trying to through their work night with as little disruption as possible. These are not slaves to do your bidding. Treat your bartenders nice and they will remember you and give you great service the next time you are in the place. Treat them poorly or with an attitude and they will remember that too and act accordingly.
    Also just a self serving word as a musician. No, I don’t know every song ever written so if I say I cannot play your request take it for what at face value. Also if the band is rocking don’t ask for a Barry Manilow or Neil Diamond song and if they are doing Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond songs it’s not likely the band will be playing any Skynard or Metallica in the next few minutes. Musician’s like to be liked, it’s part of the reason they play. If the band knows your requested song they will gladly play it. (and no your girlfriend, brother, best friend or anyone else sing with the band with the band).

    • TyroneThump

       I’m a musician too.  I have spent years learning my instrument and the songs I play. I load in at 5 and leave at 2.  When my group plays a bar or club the bartenders will often make $200+ in tips over and above a regular night.  We usually get $100-125 a night each and we split maybe $50 in tips($10/man). 

      We bring in a lot of business and tips for the bar staff, and only once in all my years has a bartender tipped us out at the end of the night.  A buck a beer is too much for a lot of the d-bags in that busines.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=632794668 Erin McConasaurus Rex

    It is HILARIOUS that these people think bartending is a real job.

    • Pinkjungle1986

       you know whats more funny as that these bartenders with their so call “not real jobs” probably make twice as much as you in a month…and not to mention are harder working than you…

  • Anonymous

    I used to bartend and this is so true. They should also add that passive aggressive remarks will put you to the back of the line. I was working the bar during a random afternoon lunch. Most of my customers were cool and patient as they saw I was the only one behind the bar. I got to this young guy (probably just turned 21), asked “What can I get you?” and he smugly said, “It’s ok, you can keep taking your time cause clearly that’s how you work.” I told him ok and immediately went the guy next to him, the guy behind him, and so on and so on. Finally when he whinned and said “hey, what about me!” I told him, “You know how I work, I like to take my time”. Even the customers next time him laughed and told him, “you just learned a good lesson about being a smarta** to your bartender!” In all fairness the kid conceded and all was well.

  • Anonymous

    I used to bartend and this is so true. They should also add that passive aggressive remarks will put you to the back of the line. I was working the bar during a random afternoon lunch. Most of my customers were cool and patient as they saw I was the only one behind the bar. I got to this young guy (probably just turned 21), asked “What can I get you?” and he smugly said, “It’s ok, you can keep taking your time cause clearly that’s how you work.” I told him ok and immediately went the guy next to him, the guy behind him, and so on and so on. Finally when he whinned and said “hey, what about me!” I told him, “You know how I work, I like to take my time”. Even the customers next time him laughed and told him, “you just learned a good lesson about being a smarta** to your bartender!” In all fairness the kid conceded and all was well.

  • Jeff

    I always have a blast at any bar i go to and i always tip well i might buy a beer and tip a 5 or i might buy everyone a drink and tip a few hundred. usually its time for me to leave when the xanax kick in because then ive been known to walk home without paying only because i forgot….nothing like having a pretty bartender knocking on your door at ten in the morning while your in your boxers telling you to pay your bill knowing you forgot you were even there last nite …yeah the ole lady usually dont like that to much…lol:)

  • johnny cheesedaug

    Guy sounds like a dong.  If you don’t serve/underserve people, they will leave.  This also includes filling 12 shots for the “Kardashian Krew” every minute because they have an Amex Black and herpetic duck lips, instead of the regular who just wants his Captain n Sprite.  Shame on you for serving such old garnishes.  They take 10 minutes to do before every shift.  Less if you have non Corona/Summer Ale drinkers.  Unfortunately, this is the attitude of 85% of the food service industry and why it needs constant turnover.  It sucks and is easy to get burned out.  Then again, I try to avoid bars with 4 security guards and a bartender with the cops on speed dial, since you get a certain type of crowd in those places.  And the tips- be glad you get any in this day and age.  A dollar a drink is fine, if you feel like you need more then go work somewhere else with a higher client base.  Food takes multiple hands to prepare and way more time involved and that is why 20% is standard, for the dumps that “tip out” at the end of the night.  You throwing a couple of cubes in a glass and putting lemon slice in vodka does not warrant $5.  Best of luck :)

  • Goofy2

    Agree with Commonsenseaint…I tended bar many years and never understood the arogant A-holes that think because they make the drinks and pour the beer that they are something special.  We were just a service and tips were better when we treated people well, even the jerks.  When I find a bartender with attitude I drink and tip somwhere else – simple.

  • Finebethatway

    I bartended for 15 years and most of this is crap. As or the butthead below and his comment about taking up space, I would throw your sorry a$$ out.  I hated when I was yelled at or whistled at…I’m no one’s dog.  Anyone doing that waited a looooong time for their drink.  Why don’t you bartend and let everyone yell and whistle at you and see how you like it.

  • BartendedThroughCollege

    ABSOLUTELY NOT on the tipping issue.  15% has never applied to drinks… which for the most part are one or two pours that take only a few seconds to concoct.  15% is for food, which involves a great deal of effort AND isn’t sold with a 300% markup.  I am sure the bartenders would love it if people fell for this, but just because you’ve got something people will buy for $12 doesn’t mean there’s particular value in the product or the service (which tips are supposed to be rewarding).

  • HUskee

    I dont understand #4.

  • Tricia :

    What a supercilious piece of crap.

    Tipping is not an obligation and with this attitude, I wonder if anyone tips her at all.

    I’ll pass

  • Jmiller55

    C’mon buddy, you knew what the job entailed before you applied for it. It’s a bar; there are going to be people who don’t know “don’t wave money at me” rule or any other rule you have. Sure, some of them are common scence, but not everyone has common scence. Besides, like I pointed out, it’s a bar!!! You will eventually see the bad side of everyone at a bar. But, people actually go there to have a good time. I would bet they don’t go in there just to piss you off. So, suck it up, put on your happy face, and think about all the tips you could make if you just pretend to like the job.  (Been there, done that).

  • Bcmilnov

    Within a hundred years, social robots, androids, will be doing this job and do it perfectly and be the consummate conversationalist and server/mixer.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/P6OYSZDOQZ2MPPK53OFGB2JYUQ 200913

    Screw the bartender, what? Are they special or something?

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_SJGGI73V4LYYX52UMVUJF6QGQA Michael

    Why should you pay a bigger tip for a more expensive drink?? 

  • Fed up

    Making a $5 drink and making the same drink for $15 takes the same amount of effort on the bartender’s part. Why do I tip more because they falsely inflate prices more? Because it pads their wallets and no other reason. By the way, I used to bartend

  • Anonymous

    Do all alcohol consumption at home then none of this matters.    Over charged anyway.  

  • Anonymous

    Do all alcohol consumption at home then none of this matters.    Over charged anyway.  

  • Liquidreams2

    Ask for a Martini with gin so I can impress you?  You think I care what you think about what I consume? I’m paying for a drink that I like, not a drink that you like. If you want a Martini with Gin then drink one yourself.

  • Reno

    #10 May be true, in some ‘highfalutin’ big cities, but certainly not in any of the redneck bars I worked in/owned, for 20 years.

    I was the law. If you made trouble, I hurt you. Plain and simple. I NEVER called the cops… EVER. No bar owner wants passersby to see cops, (with lights on, or not), at their place of business. Cops are only more likely to harass customers… As they’re leaving. Public intox. anyone?

    Calling the cops shows an inability to handle a given situation. Not something that makes customers feel secure. It also means, the end of the business day because nearly everyone leaves when they know the cops are coming, or are already there.

    Be sure to check the laws, in your area. In West Virginia, I only had to ask you to leave, 3 times. If you weren’t out the door by the 3rd time, I could ‘assist’ you. Oh, and please try to resist, or use a weapon… All bets are off then. I usually had some aggression, I needed to vent.

    If you’re a customer, in a redneck bar, DO NOT call the cops, tell the bartender, or bouncer, (if there is one). If you do and you’re found out, you’re more than likely to take a beating for ruining everyone else’s good time.

    • TyroneThump

       Sir, I thank you for the refreshing dose of reality.

  • John Murphy

    Was this article written by some high school dropout who thinks her career of bartending is relevant in the real world… to people with real jobs?  This is a service job, get over yourself.  It’s more like the better YOU do, the more tip you’ll get… paying customers are doing YOU a favor, you’re not doing US a favor… this is your job and tips are not mandatory.  Most people have complaints at work, that’s why it’s called a job. Nobody cares what you think about them or about what they do while at the bar.  There should be an article of 13+ things bartenders should never do or say.  Just keep your thoughts to yourself and keep pouring…

  • John Murphy

    Was this article written by some high school dropout who thinks her career of bartending is relevant in the real world… to people with real jobs?  This is a service job, get over yourself.  It’s more like the better YOU do, the more tip you’ll get… paying customers are doing YOU a favor, you’re not doing US a favor… this is your job and tips are not mandatory.  Most people have complaints at work, that’s why it’s called a job. Nobody cares what you think about them or about what they do while at the bar.  There should be an article of 13+ things bartenders should never do or say.  Just keep your thoughts to yourself and keep pouring…

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_UQ4YSCPG6WSI322CZRYSNPDY4A Voz

     Bad service = no tip

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_UQ4YSCPG6WSI322CZRYSNPDY4A Voz

     Bad service = no tip

  • JoeConsumer

    Half or more of these points are arrogance personified!  Have you forgotten which way the money is flowing – you are being paid by customers for your service!  Why not figure out what they expect and cater to them, instead of trying to educate them on how hard your job is or what you expect of them.  Perhaps this attitude is responsible for point number 4 ”
    4. Liquor sales in bars and restaurants were down 2.2 percent last year.”

  • Ablonso

    Why would asking for gin in a martini impress a bartender?  That’s what goes in the drink.  If you want vodka instead, you ask for a vodka martini.  If I order a martini and a bartender asks for gin or vodka, I know they are a tool.

  • John

    This is retarded.

  • Anonymous

    I wiped my poo on bottle for a bartender that complained about a three dollar tip for 5 bottled beers. Just shut you mouth bartenders and give me my drink

  • Dsd7734

    If I had to pay $12 for a drink, there’s no way in hell I’m paying a 15% tip on top of that.  That’s stupid.  This entire article proves that a bartender is useless.  You really think it’s an art?  Maybe if you’re thinking up new drinks, but if you order something “regular” and I guess you’re in NYC why should a drink cost $12 and why should you get 2 bucks for mixing two drinks together.  Anybody can do that.  

    • Pinkjungle1986

       I have been a bartender and if your too cheap to tip 2 dollars on a 12 dollar drink then y r u out drinking itd be cheaper to drink at home…think about it if you have 4 12 dollar drinks and spent almost 50 bucks your bartender def deserves 8 bucks of that…they work late hours and are on their feet. and in many cases bartending is a second job for people to make ends meet.

      • skoober

         Nope.

        • Travman

          Double nope. Pink arrogance.

  • Wilcox420

    bartenders are usually arrogant scumbags

  • Ronnyk888

    Wouldn’t have to wave at you if you quit talking to the servers and your girlfriends

  • Hobo

    this is the stupidest thing I ever read, I wish I didn’t

    “24.
 It happens every time.
 The songs you line up on the jukebox will play right as you’re leaving. ” – how is that a bartender’s secret?? 

  • Tommy Ritter

    “if you request gin in your martini.”  

    There is no other kind. A martini with vodka is a “vodka martini”. Fail.

  • Joeblow

    Whether the drink costs 2 dollars or 20 dollars u worked just as hard to make it, shove the fifteen percent where the sun don’t shine

  • Amos

    27 pages? No, not clicking through that.

  • Amos

    27 pages? No, not clicking through that.

  • Amos

    27 pages? No, not clicking through that.

  • Rusty

    19.
 I like a sophisticated palate.
You’ll win points with me if you request gin in your martini.
    There is no such thing as “gin” martini.  Martini’s by definition are made with gin.  If you want something other than gin it would then be a vodka martini or, shudder, an appletini.

  • Prof

    The bartender who gets the biggest tip is the one that I don’t even
    notice.  I sit down with my friends and they show up promptly to take
    our order. Later, when I look down at my nearly empty glass and see
    another sitting next to it I’ll know they were there.  But if I have to
    find them when my drink is gone and I’ve been sucking water as the ice melts,
    well, let’s just say it’ll impact “their” tip.  The best bar is the one
    with magic glasses and invisible tenders.  I’m not there because of you -
    get over yourself.

  • alex tsnalatti

    Why don’t you stop overcharging for your drinks. Matter of fact, have the owner cash you out at end of night, he’s the one making the money.
     

  • alex tsnalatti

    Why don’t you stop overcharging for your drinks. Matter of fact, have the owner cash you out at end of night, he’s the one making the money.
     

  • Ryan

    These comments obviously did not come from a bartender. Just be nice, patient, tip well and your bartender will be happy and always take care of you. This coming from a nine year bartender.

  • Anonymous

    Why don’t YOU make eye contact and acknowledge us with a nod, then we could relax and wouldn’t have to try to get your attention. RUDE!  
    A dollar tip on a overpriced $12 drink isn’t enough for you?  How about NO tip, like I see everyone else doing?

    • OaklandPristine

      Exactly! That’s all it takes. I’m patient but just acknowledge me.  I’ve never bartended but in other lines of business I’ve done this.  It’s common courtesy and respect. I ditched one bartender and the one that gained my business had 6 people ahead of me but slipped a napkin in front of me just to let me know he’ll be back around.  I don’t care if I waited another 15 minutes.  Just acknowledge.  He also knows/remembers your name, introduces people to each other at the bar (by name) and before you know it everyone is talking and obviously staying longer – and spending $. He’s never hit me up for sex either.  If there’s any technique in this supposed “professional” career, that’s how it’s done.

  • Dmgalla49

    I tended bar forty years ago.  Been a frequent flyer on the other side ever since. I have some suggestions, mostly for the customer.  Stay home if you aren’t going to tip.  It’s amazing what can wind up in your drink if the bartender knows you are a stiff.  Eyedrops, anyone?  Instant diarrhea.  That long line at the bathroom will prove problematic for you.  If the bar is high, are you certain what the tender is stirring your drink with?  Might not be a spoon.

     People who tip, like the prof below, have no problems getting served in a regular haunt…it just magically appears.  They aren’t unhappily surprised by their tabs, because they are probably comped a few.  Try it. You’ll like it.

  • OaklandPristine

    I happened upon this article at random on the internet. It certainly brings up alot of issues and memories of bars, one being the obvious insecurity issues with these bartenders.  I know bartending would not be a career path for myself but I’ve never considered them as something lesser than me – until I read this “list”.  

  • Anonymous

    The only reason i am in a bar is to have my beer. Hate the bartenders who constantly pester me, take my money then make me wait, lean over me, spill drinks on the counter and my shoulder, allow and even encourage other patrons to lean on my back and finally serve good looking girls first no matter when they show up.
    No – you don’t deserve a big tip. 

  • Bobvila

    stupid article

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Rj-Florida/100000108386015 Rj Florida

    Yup complement a woman and walk away, amazing how that works.  She just gets to enjoy the compliment without any expectation that she has to deal with anything.

  • Anonymous

    I can’t stop laughing at #17 next the Chili’s waiter will be an culinary counselor..

    you dropout dummies and other non-conformist churching up your “career” choice are laughable.

  • Tammy5041

    any bartender that uses fingers for grabbing a fruit garnish is just plain nasty! use the swords idiot! and stop acting like you’re doing us a favor!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=690597577 Kirsten Houseknecht

    a good bartender can also get taken aside quietly by a patron and make all your drinks “light” (half strength) or “virgin” (no alcohol )  so that when you order a “gin and tonic” no one at your table has to know  its just fizz and a lime wedge.

  • Guest

    When I pay for a $12 drink don’t make it suck and I will tip accordingly.

  • Guest

    When I pay for a $12 drink don’t make it suck and I will tip accordingly.

  • Guest

    When I pay for a $12 drink don’t make it suck and I will tip accordingly.

  • mimi

     i did all these things and more. what worked best was we called the bar and then the barmaid came over. I was a bar tendress for many  years and I constantly walked the bar  and obsevered waves money and never a whistle as I walked the bar

  • Anonymous

    INCREASING YOUR TOLERANCE FOR ALCOHOL WILL RAISE YOUR LIFETIME EXPENDITURE$$$ ON ALCOHOL.. DRINKING IS A LOUSY INVESTMENT.

  • Rick

    You forgot #27. Bartenders are generally up their own ar*ses because they’re overpaid for a job that really isn’t that difficult.  

  • Rick

    You forgot #27. Bartenders are generally up their own ar*ses because they’re overpaid for a job that really isn’t that difficult.  

  • Vinoman

    what a jerk.

  • Vinoman

    what a jerk.

  • Vinoman

    tip 10%. Suckers tip more. That $12 dollar drink was $6 a few years ago, so the tip has already doubled.

  • Vinoman

    tip 10%. Suckers tip more. That $12 dollar drink was $6 a few years ago, so the tip has already doubled.

  • Ben Twilly

    Bartenders? Who gives a crap about them? Haha what loser want to be in that profession…everyone tip low and be mean to them? What they think they’re respectable like doctor or engineer? Haha

  • Ben Twilly

    Bartenders? Who gives a crap about them? Haha what loser want to be in that profession…everyone tip low and be mean to them? What they think they’re respectable like doctor or engineer? Haha

  • Barb

    # 14. As long as you’re spending money at my bar, I’ll smile and Pretend I like you.  The second you pay your tab, good-bye!

  • Barb

    # 14. As long as you’re spending money at my bar, I’ll smile and Pretend I like you.  The second you pay your tab, good-bye!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Andy-Hurd/52305984 Andy Hurd

    Kinda a condescending and elitist tone to these suggestions. Guess what? You get people drunk for a living, get off your high horse.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/T3TXB4LBY55PV2AQ75VG5EBFT4 Mike

    When no price list is posted, it does come as a shock that the Corona Beer you are buying is $7.00. So Mr. Bartender, when say in amazement “SEVEN DOLLARS!” don’t walk away from me when I ask you the price of a Budweiser. 

  • Randy922

    wow!!! you guys/gals, really think your pretty much better than those of us that come into the establishment you work at. wow!..take heed..you are no better or worse, than any of your clients. Treat them with respect and YOU will be be treated with respect.  And the one who said tip BIGGER than a buck, on a $12 drink..All I can say is, if you have people stupid enough to pay $12 for a drink, you should feel LUCKY to get a buck for a tip..I will end this like I started it….wow!!!

  • Darylclester

    Here is the deal…I spent 20+ years bartending, in several states, from Oak Tree to Tj’s…Graduate from the Gerogia School of Bartending……There was a time I was one of the best……We can be celebrities and many are. Bartenders are the “aristicrats of the working class.” When you come to my bar, this is my house, show respect. A bartender should give good service to support the business..there is nothing says, He has to like you..Don’t whistle, Don’t yell Hay… it’s for horses. Tipping is not a town in China..it has nothing to do with the price of the drink, (a tab yes)…it is for you to get noticed, it’s for you to establish a relationship with the bartender.  Seats at the bar are prime real estate..no camping…if you put your hand in the garnish tray you should loose a finger. Mess with a tip jar or leave a penny, to prove your a jerk, and watch can happen, the girl you just met will soon be gone, or worse. Most good bartenders can always find another job. The idea of Cocktail was real, I lived it. the only difference is, you would not waste that much liqour. Any doubt I have pictures….SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BARTENDERS….and don’t order some pu$$y drink!

  • Darylclester

    Here is the deal…I spent 20+ years bartending, in several states, from Oak Tree to Tj’s…Graduate from the Gerogia School of Bartending……There was a time I was one of the best……We can be celebrities and many are. Bartenders are the “aristicrats of the working class.” When you come to my bar, this is my house, show respect. A bartender should give good service to support the business..there is nothing says, He has to like you..Don’t whistle, Don’t yell Hay… it’s for horses. Tipping is not a town in China..it has nothing to do with the price of the drink, (a tab yes)…it is for you to get noticed, it’s for you to establish a relationship with the bartender.  Seats at the bar are prime real estate..no camping…if you put your hand in the garnish tray you should loose a finger. Mess with a tip jar or leave a penny, to prove your a jerk, and watch can happen, the girl you just met will soon be gone, or worse. Most good bartenders can always find another job. The idea of Cocktail was real, I lived it. the only difference is, you would not waste that much liqour. Any doubt I have pictures….SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BARTENDERS….and don’t order some pu$$y drink!

    • PassTheBatonAlready

      You’re a prime example. Please raise a flag if you’ve ever heard of “Oak Tree” (it was a woman’s clothing store chain 30 years ago and also a dance/song by Morris Day 25 years ago) or “Tj’s”. I’m sure .0000001 % of the U.S. population has ever heard of the “Gerogia School of Bartending” …..or you either.

      So what do you do now since you didn’t make it as a pu$$y bartender serving frozen daiquiri’s to sophisticated black men in a former dry cleaners now called Rookies, Rumors or Chances on the wrong side of the tracks?

    • PassTheBatonAlready

      (Oh, and Ned The Wino on any Main Street, U.S.A. has a “tip jar” now too. They shake them to get noticed……..but for whatever reason they’re never full enough to stop all that rattling).

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Aaron-Morphet/1321058205 Aaron Morphet

    disagree with almost all of these. except the whistling,cops on speed dial, and last call parts.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/YN7VZI75WRB2L2UYGAEO44ZPGM CARLB

    And….this is why I don’t go out anymore…

  • Letterpunk

    Hmm… #9 and #22 seem the most informative,
    just from personal experience.
    I play live music in bars, and a lot of what’s in this seems
    like common sense.

  • Engineer

    Get a real job

  • Engineer

    Get a real job

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=708741524 Robb Nunya

    2. Start a tab: If I hadn’t been repeatedly screwed over with added drinks on my tab in the past, I might just do that. Alas, you have to pay for the sins of bartenders past.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=708741524 Robb Nunya

    2. Start a tab: If I hadn’t been repeatedly screwed over with added drinks on my tab in the past, I might just do that. Alas, you have to pay for the sins of bartenders past.

  • cornholio

    It is their job to serve you, that is why they are there. Tipping is OPTIONAL. I rarely drink, but when I do, I bring it home. And if I go to a bar, I’ll have a soda (next time I’ll make sure I tip 15% for that soda=.15 cents instead of a dollar, didn’t know I was overtipping). The reason is the bartenders. The way they treat people is just not right, I’ve seen some take advantage of customers who have had one too many. Like the bartender arguing that the customer gave him/her a 20  dollar bill and not a 50, the customer is so drunk that they cannot remember so the bartender keeps the extra money they just stole from that person. I have seen it happen often. One of the times, since I am always sober at the bar, I argued with the bartender, told her that the guy gave her a 50 ! Magically she remembered “oh yeah, he did”. Not to mention when they say that they have not gotten paid for the last round or last drink. If a bartender, waitress, whatever expects a tip, then anyone with a job should expect one also, after all, it is our job to do our job right?  If anyone deserves a tip in a restaurant or any food stablishment(most bars serve food now), is the dishwasher, now that is only one hard working person in a place like that. I always tip the dishwasher more than I tip the waitress. And who the heck says I’m not suppose to eat my garnish, I paid for it, I’m gonna devour it if I want to. Unless they reuse it after we leave and it makes them mad we ate them. Bartenders, you signed up to serve people, remember tipping is OPTIONAL not an obligation. Good day people.

  • Pseudoasian

    10. I have the police on speed dial, and I never hesitate to call.   

    ohhhh how intimidating you can call someone else to save you, instead of taking care of your own problems.  You should be responsible for the security of your patrons. Especially since all the law abiding ones are disarmed.

  • Anonymous

    Re: #5 – I’ve been in bars from Beijing to Boston to Berlin, and I’ve had exactly two that comped a drink in the last 5 years.  Now, if you had said that REGULARS get comped, you might be more believable.

  • KnockedYouOffYourHighHorse

    Why don’t you just shut up and pour the drinks? You are lucky anyone is there giving you business, and you have a job. You works for us, not the other way around

  • BarTechnician

    Funny everybody has something negative to say towards bartenders butYOU are NOT the ones serving the drinks & dealing with the rude & ignorant. Bottom line is if you want good service you treat people with respect just like you would want us to treat you with respect. You don’t have to come to the bar,we don’t have to serve you. Stay home & we’ll all be happier. The good people still come out & support.

  • Hypervision

    Yeah this one really sucks! ….# 15 …..Who do they (the ELITIST MASTER bar tender or editors who sugested #15?) they think they are?, the ”New World Order morality police?” Ive had it with all this ultra conservatism, I’m an adult …At a BAR (club-what ever) So I want to kiss my girl friend (or my boy friend) who thinks they have the power to tell me I’m wrong? If Im a paying customer and tipping and paid my cover, and its not a “big scene” Not like Im “doing her” (him) right at the bar!! Hugging and kissing whats wrong with that in moderation!? Thats what bars (and clubs) are SUPPOST to be for (Well USED to be a great place to let lose this way) – and still should be and IS -  depending on where you go!! f**** political correctness! How long are we going to put up with all this “police state” metality, mind control brain washing, PC and social engineering bs? (stripping away our civil liberties) Heck,,, cut me off? You’ve lost a customer and my girl friend (and boy friend) and all my friends and there friends for LIFE!

  • Hypervision

    Well there has been some good pointers here, and a handful of duds, though who ever suggested number 23? Wow, youve got to be a really cool person! “If your going to hit on me all night, at LEAST leave a big tip!!” That is really great! Hmmmm the way a bar is suppost to be, freedom, open mindnedness, and who ever laid this suggestion out, who ever this bar tender is…..You deserve a salute! THANKS for being an out going open minded person! I wish I could give you a hug!

  • Paul Ybarrondo

    “13. Last week, a couple had a little too much and got into a dumb argument, then asked me to choose the ‘winner’ of the fight. There isn’t a tip big enough to get me involved in that situation!”   But you were only too happy to let THEM get into that situation. How were they able to have “a little too much” if you’re doing your job?

  • Brad Hallston

    What pretense.  What self-importance.  ”If you’re going to hit on me all night, at least leave a big tip.”  Good to know the “rules” are the same as that of a strip club.  You work for ME, and you work for your employer, the bar.  YOU follow the rules, don’t impose them and some perverse code of conduct on us, the paying customers.  ”Mixologist..” Uber impressed.  So is my 15 year old “barrista” cousin.

  • kgle

    Sorry. A buck a drink is still the norm. Regardless of how overpriced your drink is. The skill used is still the same. 

  • Melody

    We typically go to the same bar when we go out. We love the bartenders there! We know if we wait for a drink it’s because they are giving the same awesome service to someone else and will be with us as soon as they can. Bartenders work hard for their money, they aren’t paid to be abused, bad mouthed or yelled for like a dog. If you need a drink that bad maybe a 12 step program is for you? 

  • Anonymous

    1 buck a drink tip. Period. 

    When I get charged $15 for a small pour of Laphroaig 10 year, when the entire bottle is only $32, there is no percentage of that involved in my calculations. There is no extra labor or effort. I just happened to choose a drink your owners decided to charge a ridiculous price for, and the 1 dollar tip should be fine. If you think you should get a percentage of a drink’s gouged price for minimal labor, you can go f yourself. 

  • Raylan42

    This article was just incredibly stupid and lame.  I bartended for many years and let me tell you a few things we do not admit to you, the customer.  If you cannot see me pouring your top-shelf vodka into a glass of fruit juice – I will pour the cheap stuff – you will never know.  Guys who order frozen drinks get made fun of by the entire staff – the same is true for the guy who uses a straw ort orders drinks like a mudslide, cape cod…etc.  We all short pour, but you will swear our drinks are strong – since we usually pour most of the liquor on top of the mixer.  We also soak straws in alcohol to make the drink seem stronger as well.

    • Charlesclair64

      Only a bar 4 kids on Spring Break or one that caters to tourists would do this crap. Does this nimrod think a local bar could fool veteran drinkers 4 more than 1 or 2 weeks.Grow up & enter the real world, dipshit!

    • Charlesclair64

      Only a bar 4 kids on Spring Break or one that caters to tourists would do this crap. Does this nimrod think a local bar could fool veteran drinkers 4 more than 1 or 2 weeks.Grow up & enter the real world, dipshit!

  • Silverbackrobj

    so you want a 15% tip but will give me a garnish that has been sitting out all week!!!!!   lol

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_MWV54RLE2LU6FYAOC666V34RLU steelerman

    Lots of really good bartenders out there and lots of really bad ones. Many female bartenders think they are there to look beautiful and nothing else. I prefer male bartenders because they tend to pay better attention to their customers because they are less self absorbed.

  • Elliotrupert

    Don’t start a tab unless really necessary. It will prevent having the bartender charge other people’s drinks on your card by accident.

  • Anonymous

    #19: Newsflash: a Martini is gin and vermouth.

    Just because endless fools have tacked the word “Martini” after sugary mixed drinks doesn’t actually make them Martinis. You don’t win points for ordering coffee in your coffee.

  • BrickTop

    Stow the attitude.  You pour drinks into glasses for people looking to drink their troubles away, often by overindulging.  While I agree patrons should be courteous to the bartender, you’re the equivalent of the counter people at McDonald’s.  And as for the “advice” about how to politely catch your attention for service, most bars are noisy and crowded. If you “smile politely and wait to make eye contact” you will never get served. Ever.  Male bartenders only “lock eyes” with pretty female customers. They could give a s*** about a guy waiting for a drink, unless they’re a regular or one of the bartender’s cronies. 

  • Djdjv8r

    Bartending is not, nor will it ever be, a career, no matter how many condescending articles tell me so.

  • Xelz

    bartenders… any 12 year old can do it… way to overachieve.

  • Barney

    Screw bartenders, shut up and do your job!

  • Notips4u

    15% for 20 seconds of your time.  I dont’ think so.  If you want to make more money get a better job.   A buck a still too much to pop the top off a bottle of beer.

  • egg button

    written by A. Douchebag.

  • guest

    A dollar a drink has been and will always be my standard tip for pouring me a beer, or mixing 6 oz of two different liquors together.   I don’t care where I am if I am already overpaying for a drink I am not going to tip you more because your bar charges too much. Why should you get more for the same rum and coke from the diver bar??? because I am on vacation????   You get a buck a drink, but if I order $100 worth of booze and you gave me excellent customer service and was attentive and helpful I will tip accordingl, but If i walk to a bar for one or two drinks you get one or two dollars. i tip according to service, time and effort. 

  • mrswright

    Hey BOB – I GO TO VEGAS AND GAMBLE FOR HOURS ON END AND I ALWAYS TIP TO THE EXTREME. AS SUCH, I DO ASK FOR GREEN OLIVES TO MUNCH ON AND THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A PROBLEM.

  • http://www.facebook.com/hesus.atname Hesus Atname

    10. I have the police on speed dial, and I never hesitate to call.

    Not true at all.  Bars that use the police put themselves at risk of loosing their ABC license in most states, thus why most places have bouncers.  The LAST thing they are going to do is call the police.

  • No1devilzangel

    #7 is retarded. 15% would be roughly $2. So you’re saying don’t give a buck, give two bucks? -_-”

  • guest

    1 thing I wont tell my bartender: You are a grown man/woman that pours drinks for a living…i.e. losers. Nobody cares what you think, just pour the drink and don’t have an attitude about it.

  • http://www.facebook.com/rantool.johans Rantool Johans

    Bars are only for Johns to pickup a hooker.

  • A Rauscher

    Just don’t ask how clean the glasses are…

  • Bginab420

    bartenders should be mindful wash the fruit before cutting it. Fresh ice and water should fill the bottom of the fruit caddy.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_2XF6YXFFYBWXVY5XVZ64ZINLUE A

     Bar tending is not a career. It is a job. “Mixologist” is rubbish.

  • Anonymous

    A buck tip per drink is all you’re getting.  It’s not like you’re putting ten times the work into making and serving it.

  • DAVE

    Thank’s for the tip’s, now now i know.

  • Dalex1953

    Hey a “buck a drink” is more than enough for most of these jackasses. Bartender as a career? Maybe in the Ritz Carlton they know how to properly prepare and mix a drink. Just ask for a Long Island Iced Tea sometime. Likely 25% get it right. Or kindly tell me if I am ordeting a Cape Codder that it isn’t real cranberry juice but this garbage here in a pop bottle. Too many of these egotistical morons spend far too much time chatting up anything in a short skirt, rather than doing their job. Which is to provide drinks to ALL of their customers, not just ones that “smile & make eye contact”. Go to any busy bar with good, fast bartenders that know how to do their job. If they are doing it properly nobody is yelling at them or waving money at them.

    What a load of crap.

  • Dalex1953

    Hey a “buck a drink” is more than enough for most of these jackasses. Bartender as a career? Maybe in the Ritz Carlton they know how to properly prepare and mix a drink. Just ask for a Long Island Iced Tea sometime. Likely 25% get it right. Or kindly tell me if I am ordeting a Cape Codder that it isn’t real cranberry juice but this garbage here in a pop bottle. Too many of these egotistical morons spend far too much time chatting up anything in a short skirt, rather than doing their job. Which is to provide drinks to ALL of their customers, not just ones that “smile & make eye contact”. Go to any busy bar with good, fast bartenders that know how to do their job. If they are doing it properly nobody is yelling at them or waving money at them.

    What a load of crap.

  • Dhdhdhshs

    I feel so sorry for bartenders. lmao.

  • Bill Davis

    I tell you…I grew up working in bars and if a bartender wrote this I hope to be in front of their well so i can stiff them. The $12 drink thing…jut greedy. You are nearly always the highest paid person in the restaurant. So shut up. From what I have seen lately service is slower than ever and tips are expected regardless of quality of service. 

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_K3VRMQ6SHHEL4GM4JZ6VDISDTM jane james

    RE: A buck a drink tip. The bartender wants 15% on a $12 drink but would he want 15% for every drink? Even the $5 beer? 

  • Shannonjacobys

    Ugh, thank you!!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/jess.usdl Jess McConnell

    I don’t like being told by a service worker how much to tip.  That’s my choice, not yours.  If you are a good bartender, you will see it as you count your money at the end of the night.

  • Unfitmothers1

    death to these tyrants…I bring my own…Im not going to wait on some loser with a Hitler complex…they are so bad lately…Im about ready to start smuggling soda and ice in too….( I play in a band)…

  • Donaldfrancis

    Really?

  • Greedmuch

    A $1 tip for less then 2 or 3 minutes of work is not enough for you.  In the words of JS, Give me a break.

  • Brushpile

    SMOKE A JOINT its safer !

  • Cherieannrojek

    I DONT KNOW QUITE WHAT TO SAY ABOUT THIS ONE BUT I CAN TELL YOU THAT IF A WOMAN BARTENDER IS TENDING SHE WILL GO TO THE MEN FIRST AND SERVE THEM OVER A WOMAN AND VICE VERSA !!!!  I JUST ASUUME GOTO LIQUOR STORE BUY MY OWN TAKE HOME AND DRINK AT MY LESUIRE !!! NOT TIPS REQUIRED !!! LMAO

    • Islander2000

      That would probably make everyone happier…except whoever you live with.

  • Collette Diamante

    HaHa! I love it, as a former bartender I can say it’s mostly true…except my garnishes were always fresh, there is not much juice in a dried out lime/lemon/orange, pineapple gets a nasty slime, and both the cherries and olives are in preservatives anyhow…now the pretzels/chips/nuts set out, eat at your own risk! Everyone’s hands have touched them and in some places they sit out there for weeks…
      And speaking of hands…keep yours to yourself, if you so much as grab at me after I smack you, my regulars are going to take you out, and dump you in the back alley.
     

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/EP6F7KWAE3SECBBK67WMQPE6XY William

    a real bartender knows that a real ”martini” is made with gin. all else is called as such, ie, vodka martini, etc.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/EP6F7KWAE3SECBBK67WMQPE6XY William

    Any good bartender would know that a “martini” is made with gin unless specified, such as vodka, or any of the current “kiddie” flavors…

  • valentine058

    Tip for Bartenders: Stop asking..”Do you want that UP, or on the rocks?”, when someone orders a martini. Too stupid for more words.

  • Ruspert

    Egotistical servants.

  • Somewhat Impassioned

    So, someone warns you that sometimes you shouldn’t eat the garnish, that
    there are times when however much they want to over-pour they can’t,
    how not to creep out a woman – or a man – you’re interested in, you can
    talk to your bartender about almost everything . . . .So, someone warns you that sometimes you shouldn’t eat the garnish, that
    there are times when however much they want to over-pour they can’t,
    how not to creep out a woman – or a man – you’re interested in, you can
    talk to your bartender about almost everything . . .

    I’d rather talk about bartending – how do you manage when it’s three people deep, anyway? – but people have gone way off track. To sum up:

    commonsenseaintcommon says people would rather buy their beer from a vending machine – go for it. And it *is* less expensive. On the other hand if you want a Sidecar with the right proportions it makes more sense to ask a bartender. Can you pour a sidecar, or however many martinis are now on menus — without looking them up?Tricia thinks that ‘please start a tab, it mean a lot less paperwork at the end of my shift’ means that the bartender is “a beesh with an
    entitlement chip on her shoulder.”   Or does she think that she’s a “beesh” because this bartender commiserated that yup, you line up a bunch of songs and they never do come on while you’re still there.

    Dwm9u seems to think that her boss will fire her because, after all, she’s not a decision maker.  I’m still trying to figure out what part of decision maker he’s having problems with. I won’t hesitate to call the police? People who are are considerate get better results? (That’s true everywhere, not just in bars.) In any event a bar manager is more likely to commiserate – they’ve been in the trenches too. For some reason they think their bartenders are more than one ounce of important.

    And none of you are idiots. You’re just running into the standard problem of thinking of front line staff as job positions instead of people.  Back up and try again.

  • Somewhat Impassioned

    So, someone warns you that sometimes you shouldn’t eat the garnish, that
    there are times when however much they want to over-pour they can’t,
    how not to creep out a woman – or a man – you’re interested in, you can
    talk to your bartender about almost everything . . . .So, someone warns you that sometimes you shouldn’t eat the garnish, that
    there are times when however much they want to over-pour they can’t,
    how not to creep out a woman – or a man – you’re interested in, you can
    talk to your bartender about almost everything . . .

    I’d rather talk about bartending – how do you manage when it’s three people deep, anyway? – but people have gone way off track. To sum up:

    commonsenseaintcommon says people would rather buy their beer from a vending machine – go for it. And it *is* less expensive. On the other hand if you want a Sidecar with the right proportions it makes more sense to ask a bartender. Can you pour a sidecar, or however many martinis are now on menus — without looking them up?Tricia thinks that ‘please start a tab, it mean a lot less paperwork at the end of my shift’ means that the bartender is “a beesh with an
    entitlement chip on her shoulder.”   Or does she think that she’s a “beesh” because this bartender commiserated that yup, you line up a bunch of songs and they never do come on while you’re still there.

    Dwm9u seems to think that her boss will fire her because, after all, she’s not a decision maker.  I’m still trying to figure out what part of decision maker he’s having problems with. I won’t hesitate to call the police? People who are are considerate get better results? (That’s true everywhere, not just in bars.) In any event a bar manager is more likely to commiserate – they’ve been in the trenches too. For some reason they think their bartenders are more than one ounce of important.

    And none of you are idiots. You’re just running into the standard problem of thinking of front line staff as job positions instead of people.  Back up and try again.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Kevin-Haendiges/1346226305 Kevin Haendiges

    edit

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Kevin-Haendiges/1346226305 Kevin Haendiges

    With the possible exception of the barista, I couldn’t think of a less important profession than a bartender. “Mixologist”? What a sorry joke of a title. Get over yourselves, you dish up liquor for drunks. Very soon bars will go self service, with automated equipment pouring perfect drinks every time, and no further need for self important, glorified soda jerks with their hand out for a tip. Want a tip? Get a real job.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Kevin-Haendiges/1346226305 Kevin Haendiges

    You shouldn’t have to bribe a server to get decent service, that’s their job. A “gratuity”, which should NEVER be paid up front, is an expression of the customer’s gratitude for rendering exceptional service. To expect a tip before rendering service is the mark of a poor servant.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Kevin-Haendiges/1346226305 Kevin Haendiges

    Unless Colorado is different than other states, your employer is required by law to make up the difference between the minimum wage and what you declare as tip income. This presumes that you’re declaring your tips. You are, right?

    • PassTheBatonAlready

      Bingo!

  • Guest

    Please you serve a drink, get over yourself. As if we are priviledge to over pay for a drink and tip. More and more of my friends just have people over before, or in hitel room. Paying $4 for a beer and tip is just dumb, do feel we are lucky to over pay… Please

  • kaitangsou

    God…drinking in Western countries is such a nightmare…give me Asia and Africa each time..please…
    I heard NZ and OZ are actually the very worst for enjoying yourself…no wonder everyone is on drugs over there…

  • kaitangsou

    Philippines is the the best place to drink and have a good time in the whole wide world…awesome staff wherever you go…wonderfully friendly people, and no moaning about tips…

  • Bill

    Wrong. Stand there passively expecting sequential service at a crowded bar and you will be overlooked. The squeaky wheel gets the oil. Sad but true.

  • Halayglenn

    I tended bar for over 5 years, all thru university. It paid my way. Hard work. Legs gave out eventually. Worked at 3 bars during the same period, part time each one. I quickly learned that a simple introduction by me between two strangers at the bar was deeply appreciated. I made a funny comment or two, introduced someone as my “cousin” or some other relation, and left them to themselves. Tough to break the ice on your own, but for the bartender it was easy, and appreciated, usually with a good tip. I developed a following, so people would get my schedule to know where i’d be to make sure they were there. They knew they could count on me to meet someone. It felt good – and right, somehow. I recall my days of sitting and wishing i had the nerve to approach a girl and try to start a conversation, and how nearly impossible it was, so I decided to become a sort of matchmaker and it worked well for everybody.

    • PassTheBatonAlready

      I think that is one of the best things a bartender can do. I’ve definitely noticed this classy practice by only a couple of bartenders over the years. It goes beyond the call of duty and I’m sure the tips flow from it. Even if it’s a cruddy encounter or bad conversation with your new “friend”, you’re staying longer and ordering another drink or two and will most likely come back again another night.

      On the flip side, I’ve noticed the bartenders that NEVER do this and it’s usually because……they want you for themselves (in various ways). Just speaking from personal experience. I’ve seen one fuming with jealousy because I’m speaking with someone else. All he had to do was the introduction thing, chime in on the conversation however bad it may have been, be an adult, and stop (as someone else mentioned in these comments) the “passive-aggressive” games and perceived ownership rights BS and I would have continued my patronage…..and who knows, maybe even more.

  • Artful Drinker

    I’ve  been a bartender -several large, fast bars, and several ‘better’ bars (NY, DC); now I am an attorney at law.  This entire list,  or screed, actually, is just wrong. Every bartender would like you to believe that you ’owe’ him a tip. You don’t, and a buck a  drink is fine from bottle beer to cocktails (until you get finicky, asking for a ’perfect’ Manhattan,  or extra olive, or very  little head  on a tap beer, etc. and he/she gets it right).  NEVER pay cash-up-front: if  she gets her tips after each drink, she has no incentive to ’buy you back’ (‘comp’ as they call it here) .  That’s especially true at a hotel bar. You’re probably not a regular…..     The cost of  drinks  keeps quickly & heavily outpacing inflation: that’s a bigger margin for the bar/restaurant.  They  need to pay their bartenders decent shift pay; you don’t have to be doubly-injured.  

  • Mla54

    Uh, aren’t martinis gin?  Unless otherwise vodka or what ever is requested?

  • Houndog

    Most of this is whining from 20 something’s who can’t find a job.

  • LB

    What a load
    of bs all these nasty little comments except for the “get a room” the
    rest need to shut up and do their jobs if you don’t like it change it but don’t
    tell me to give you a big tip or how much I should leave you — and TIP is NOT
    mandatory again if you don’t like my $1.00 tip per drink get a different job !!

  • http://www.facebook.com/bmiralia Ben Miralia

    The bartenders secret…..We hear everything. So next time you think you are having a discreet conversation about something you wouldn’t even talk about to your priest or psychiatrist. We heard that.

  • Don K Bauls

    Like anyone who reads Readers Digest is ever around for last call……..

  • Mark

    A drink takes the same effort to prepare no matter how much it costs. Bartenders, you’re only getting a dollar per drink from me. I’d love a whole dollar for less than a minute’s worth of work.

  • DEN Willow

    Don’t drive and drink
    You’ve had too much
    Your acting like an idiot

  • Anonymous

    The very first one is BS. When I start dropping hundred dollar bills for every order they will fall all over theirselves trying to wait on me. They are whores like everyone else.

  • disciplesofdoom

    also wont tell you how much food in the back was on the floor is on the verge of going bad yet still being served , been in food service too long to know this haha

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_SZKLRUC3BLSAKBIUGGCX372ISE scrambolo

    Some are well said and some just pure ‘young and dumb’ self-serving statements of arrogance. Personally, I tip based on service and not the price of a drink. Also, I am not the person responsible for the bartenders or waitresses wages. That is the responsibility of the employer. Cheers!

    • Frybaby12

      Mr. Pink, the servers DO depend on you for their wages. In my state they earn $2.60 an hr. Bartenders earn more, but not enough to make a living. These good people work hard for the tips they deserve. If you can’t affors to tip, by all means, stay home.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_SZKLRUC3BLSAKBIUGGCX372ISE scrambolo

    Bud Light is the number one selling beer in the U.S.A. Not that I’m a connosisseur of beer, but Anheuser Busch, Inc. must be doing something right. I realize that you are probably a connosiseur of the art of beer tasting, so I will defer to your judgement.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_SZKLRUC3BLSAKBIUGGCX372ISE scrambolo

    No Tiffa, what JT claims happened to him, has happened to countless customers and you know what, many of these customers DON’T COME BACK EVER AGAIN! Tell me Tiffa who is the loser in this scenairo, the customer or the establishment?

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_SZKLRUC3BLSAKBIUGGCX372ISE scrambolo

    Nick P:

    With an attitude like that YOUR ESTABLISHMENT won’t be around for long. Speraking of long the average life of a bar and/or a grill is less than ONE year. Nine (9) out of ten (10) bars and restaurants fail during the first year according to the U.S. Bureau Of  Labor Statistics. I wonder how long an arrogant and ignorant bartender lasts? 

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_SZKLRUC3BLSAKBIUGGCX372ISE scrambolo

    It’s certainly not you, I;m sorry to say!

  • Peace1877

    Here we go again.  The customer is always wrong world view of entilted servers.

  • ladass

    duh x13

  • Builderbob1

    Our rule………if you are nice, the bartender will also be nice. No freebies, no gimacks, just a nice experience!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Builderbob1

    Our rule………if you are nice, the bartender will also be nice. No freebies, no gimacks, just a nice experience!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Anonymous

    Here is what your customers will tell you. We are not coming back to this bar and go F yourself.

  • Coastaldreams2

    If you’re in a “good restaurant” they will only have fresh cut garnishes several times a day- and your tip guide is very stingy…

  • Yourmom

    Ha ha… Tip $1.80 for a $12 drink. I wouldn’t even buy a $12 drink. And what is wrong with a buck a drink. That’s usually WAY more than 15%.

  • Skvoznyak

    The arrogance in this article is truly annoying. Someone should tell these bartenders some secrets their customers won’t tell them, for example:

    1.) A tip is not mandatory, so don’t act like you have it coming – EARN it. Further, the amount of the tip will be what I decide it is, not what you dictate it should be.

    2.) The only time I ever resort to waving or flashing cash is when you’ve already ignored me over and over in favor of the drunk girls playing you like a violin. Instead of being a stuck-up prom queen about it you should appreciate me waving, because I’m giving you a courtesy warning that your tip is slipping away.

    3.) In this economy, you need me more than I need you, so drop the attitude. You’re not special, and neither is your bar.

    • Chucks

      Amen. If the bartender is getting a buck a drink, they are getting way more than 15% the majority of the time. They can suck it up for the occasional $12 drink. Also, just because it’s a more expensive drink does not mean they’ve worked any harder to make it than a $6 drink.

  • Mort

    First saw those little electronic drink measuring devices at a bar in Denver in 1999.  The drinks sucked, the club sucked, and I couldn’t get out of there fast enough.  The club sold themselves as some sort of trendy place too.  Full of socialite douches with as much depth and personality as a cup of day old water.  Get what they deserve I guess.

  • Don Cummings

    This article is ridiculous -

  • Gfcp2001

    You are a bartender not a brain surgeon. Get off your high horse. Anybody that thinks a $12 drink is worth it – is out of your mind.

  • Guest6

    Hey, bartender: a tip is EARNED, not an entitlement, and it’s me who decides how much it is, not you. In this economy you need me a lot more than I need you, so stop talking down to me and drop the condescending attitude.

  • http://www.facebook.com/jamese.bailey.58 James E Bailey

    A guy walks into a bar with a small cardboard box, sets it on the bar and orders a drink.  He reaches into the box, removes a small grand piano, a piano stool and a little one-foot tall guy and sets them on the bar.  The little guy starts playing beautiful classical music and the patrons are amazed and start buying them drinks and giving the little guy tips.  The bartender asked the guy where he got them and he said he found an old oil lamp, started to wipe it clean and a genie popped out and said, “You get one wish” and this is what I got.  The bartender asked the guy if he still had the lamp and the guy pulled it out of the box.  “May I try it?” asked the bartender and the guy handed it to him.  The bartender rubbed the lamp and a genie popped out and said, “You get one wish.”  “I want a million bucks” and Poof! A million ducks were flying all over the barroom.  The bartender said, “This is BS.  I wanted a million bucks; not a million ducks.”  The guy says, ” I know, I know!  Ya think I asked for a twelve inch pianist?”

  • http://twitter.com/inesison ines

    Some things are good to know.   But I have to tell you any bartender who uses day old garnishes isn’t a good bartender IMO.  How much could a few orange slices and lime cost $1 or 2. If your that cheap your bar won’t last long anyway.

  • http://twitter.com/inesison ines

    She’ll remember him all right.  If you don’t mind being remembered as the arrogant douche bag who puts down women.  Not a very good strategy for meeting women.

  • Max Spencer

    A shot is an ounce and a half. A double is two ounces. A double cost twice as much; where? Supply a list of places to stay away from.

  • Fredo Brown

    I could care less what the bartenders opinions are.Your there to serve drinks ,period.Do not ever tell me I need to tip more than a buck for a drink over 10.00 you pretense moron. Why don’t you suggest to stop flirting with the bimbo’s and milf’s at  the bar instead of waiting for 15-20 min. just to take our drink order?These suggestions sound like they come from a douche bartender on the Sunset Strip.Has to be one of the worst articles I have ever read…

  • Musipilot

    As a bartender for many, many years – I can only say this. These are both ridiculous and incorrect. Cheers!

  • VONWAY

    IF YOU ARE NOT STEALING THEN YOU’RE NOT A GOOD BARTENDER, JUST DON’T STEAL TOO MUCH

  • VONWAY

    IF YOU ARE NOT STEALING THEN YOU’RE NOT A GOOD BARTENDER, JUST DON’T STEAL TOO MUCH

  • P. Diddy

    I am truly amazed that someone actually got paid to write this drivel. As someone that has worked a bar, albeit many years ago, most of this article is complete crap. My guess is that this was written by a 21 year old intern, quite possibly a young lady, smitten by a “mixologist” and that mixologist fed her a complete line of BS, revealing not only his shoddy people skills, but his lack of tact, reality, and inflated ego.

  • Raydun

    sounds fine except the buck a drink, I tip a buck a drink, most of my drinks or 4 to 5 bucks, I may drink one 12 dollar drink?  and then im sposed to tip more? so then I should cut back on the dollar i throw out on the 2 dollar happy hour beer?  go to 15%?  Tips come from good service, you are not owed them, thats why its a TIP.  Im sposed to make eye comtact and smile to get service or im gonna wait?  Make me wait and get less of a tip or none at all.  I come into your place drink 5 to 7 drinks, eat a plate of wings and never make any trouble.  You treat me well you prob get 10 to 12 bucks all said and done for maybe 15 minutes of labor.  Serve me poorly becuase of some unspoken code outside of being a nice guy and get little to nothing and no return visist.  Your industry is SERVICE,  Provide great SERVICE and flourish.  Provide poor SERVICE and watch the guy down the road get the consumers.

  • Liberal_failure

    Bartenders = Lowlife wannabes

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/XCKWVHAAFVG7C6HGOL5NYJPZFQ DaveL

    Why should I tip according to the cost of a drink?
    It doesn’t take any more skill or time to pour a drink from the top shelf or the well.

  • Anonymous

    Dear Rd sorry I don’t have 5 minutes to wait for your articles to come up. I’ll come back when RD is once again a readers’ digest and not a marketers field day.

  • Tiredofhearingit

    What a bunch of whinning.  You chose a job pouring drinks so pour drinks and quit telling everyone else how to behave.  Maybe if you poured faster or had more help pouring then people wouldn’t be flashing money or calling to get your attention.  As for the tip, you’re not entitled to any more than what you’ve earned by good service.  Most of all, quit whinnning!

  • President Not Sure

    I just finished reading number 1 and Im not sure its worth continuing.     After 10m of staring at the bartender and not making eye contact and I just supposed to stare at you for another 10m waiting for you to even look in my direction?

  • Anonymous

    Bartenders want patrons to tip more? You don’t say! What unexpected advice…

    $1 per drink is MORE than enough… it took you less than 60 seconds to get or make it. 

  • Abc

    “I’ll make you wait”? I can’t stand a little dictator behind the bar. Walk out immediately and just go to the next place. 

    Spoiled garnish? Call the health department as you are walking away.

    Hard to find a place these days with good drinks and good service anyway.  Most of the old school bartenders are no longer with us. I much prefer to call the neighbors over and mix for my friends. Its more congenial and there’s no cab fare after.

    And if a bar cuts you off, do not argue, apologize. They are doing you a favor.

  • http://donspoliticalblog.blogspot.com Don

    “Cash is for the bar” is the best advice anyone ever gave me.

    In college I knew several bartenders who bragged that they always put their friends drinks on the credit card of unsuspecting drunks. 

  • http://donspoliticalblog.blogspot.com Don

    You want a strong drink?  Smile, give a big fat tip on the first drink, and be nice and every drink thereafter will be plenty strong.

    Only suckers pay for doubles.

    Who wrote this crap?

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_H6MFT4FPSLZLZUE4LFNZAOHBQU Me Too

     Because if you’d grown up you’d have a job where your skills benefit society, because you’d have a job where the normal hours allow being home with the kids at night, not being around drunks all the time, having the ability for promotion to a higher position with significant pay raises (or start your own bar and be owner instead of bartender), be doing something that doesn’t get harder as you get older due to being less attractive as you age and having joint problems and poor night vision driving home, etc, etc, etc.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_H6MFT4FPSLZLZUE4LFNZAOHBQU Me Too

     No, a good bartender does not make your night at all.  There are two kinds of bartenders.

    1)  Those that interrupt your evening being rude, incompetent, or untimely.

    2)  Those that do their job well so you never notice their presences in your evening more than to tip after ordering.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_H6MFT4FPSLZLZUE4LFNZAOHBQU Me Too

     No, a good bartender does not make your night at all.  There are two kinds of bartenders.

    1)  Those that interrupt your evening being rude, incompetent, or untimely.

    2)  Those that do their job well so you never notice their presences in your evening more than to tip after ordering.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_H6MFT4FPSLZLZUE4LFNZAOHBQU Me Too

     Another case of incompetence.  If a bartender can’t keep up with the crowd, they need to either get the lead out and work faster, get the owner to put more staff on nights the patron rate is higher than the # of bartenders can handle (outside of one-off events where it’s impossible to know how big the crowd will be, but then you have part-timers who agree to leave if there’s not enough business), or find another bar as this is a bad situation – the customer is always right – remember that.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_H6MFT4FPSLZLZUE4LFNZAOHBQU Me Too

     Another case of incompetence.  If a bartender can’t keep up with the crowd, they need to either get the lead out and work faster, get the owner to put more staff on nights the patron rate is higher than the # of bartenders can handle (outside of one-off events where it’s impossible to know how big the crowd will be, but then you have part-timers who agree to leave if there’s not enough business), or find another bar as this is a bad situation – the customer is always right – remember that.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_H6MFT4FPSLZLZUE4LFNZAOHBQU Me Too

     Good point.  Certain lines of work attract a higher than average amount of people with certain personality flaws (putting it mildly).  That doesn’t make every bartender out there an a55, and I do appreciate that they have to put up with a lot of crap from intoxicated people who wouldn’t act the way they do if they weren’t drinking, but they choose this environment to work in and for every good bartender there’s probably at least 2 bad ones.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_H6MFT4FPSLZLZUE4LFNZAOHBQU Me Too

     EVERYTHING a customer has access to, to eat, has to be edible without any health code violations.  The described situation in any case was one where the bar should be shut down.

  • Guest

    Wow, this really makes bar tenders seem like a bunch of douche bags. Shame too because I know a few that are not at all like what this depicts. I think ill just skip the olives left out all week and the $15 drinks and go to BevMo. Its really not difficult at all to be a “mixologist.”

    Going to the bar for drinks is supposed to be about the social atmosphere, not about how far to bow down to the pompous bar tender.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_H6MFT4FPSLZLZUE4LFNZAOHBQU Me Too

     Not even for the effort.  How much effort is it really to pour a few things in a glass, mix it up, etc?  Practically NONE.  The drive through window at McDonalds is more effort.  To me tipping is about income level, nothing more.  If a bartender makes 30 drinks an hour I feel that $30/hour in tips at $1 per drink is plenty.  If they aren’t doing 30 an hour they might consider working somewhere else, a decision all people face when they aren’t earning enough at their present job.

    So yes, I feel no matter how fancy you feel your position is, you aren’t worth more than $30/hour.  Sorry if this is typed poorly, the text window is cut off and unviewable.

  • Bubbs

    This article is BS. The Bartender only wants to add to his/her tip.

  • Concerned Employer

    It just too funny to read all the comments from both sides, bartender and customer, and the realization that most of the agitated bartenders sound like whiny drama queens. You are not the entitled perfect people that you seem to think you are. You do realize that paying customers, nice or not, are the only reason you have a job?! Mutual respect, while hard for a pea-brain to understand, is the only option.  Plus, if you really want to “piss off” your customer – try being extra nice to him/her, kill ‘em with kindness. If someone is being a “prick”, why lower yourself to that level & instead continue to be professional – that usually bothers someone if they truly are trying to upset you.  Usually if there is a jerk, the other patrons see it going on and usually will tip you better if you do act the professional to the jerk (they congratulate you on a job well done with a tip).  Technically, the only “entitled” one in this case would be the paying patron coming into your bar.  In these desperate times where people are less able to afford going out, a little honey goes a long way especially when they are tipping you with their hard earned money. The better you make a person feel, the better the tip normally.  Treat everyone like a well-liked regular and see how far you get.  Please stop bad mouthing your patrons, it just shows how unprofessional you are – in order to be a “Good” bartender, you should have a easy going personality with a thick skin.  Sorry, but rude customers happen everywhere (even in a hospital bed) – that’s the downside of working in the public eyes. Buy the Dale Carnegie book or take the “How to Make Friends and Deal With Difficult People” course if you are having problems with people skills. Take charge and be in control of your own professionalism!!

  • Anonymous

    And they wont tell you that smoken a phatty is safer than drinking !

  • hello sally

    Why should I leave a tip at all, I’ll just go to a bar where the dink overpaid barrista doesn’t have a snooty attitude.  Or I’ll just buy the same crap at a liquor store.

    Beats having to do the math to determine how many coins I gotta leave depending on what he dumps into each glass.

    • Islander2000

      You got that one right. Sally.  Just stay home, everyone will be happier.

  • Okyougot Noclass

    A martini is normally gin and vermouth, right?  Are we really at the point where we have to tell the barristas how to do their job?  And they still want to be tipped?

    • Islander2000

      No, actually a martini was TRADITIONALLY made with gin but has been bastardized to the point where vodka is much more “normal” now and the unwashed masses feel free to complain when served gin.

  • Prainva

    When I worked at a crowded bar, sometimes waving money was the only way I’d notice you.  

  • Dolphin900

    This is an ancient recycled article  that was useless  the first time I was suckered into reading it, and  teaches zip about bartending and hospitality to boot.

  • http://www.facebook.com/don.stack Don Stack

    My daughter is a bartender and make a very good living for herself. She does this by paying attention to her customers, cuts them off when necessary, calls cabs, tells stories, listens to stories, throws people out if they act inappropriately, asks why they tip so cheap when they do, and generally makes everyone happpier to meet her.
       

  • Anonymous

    How bout knocking off tipping altogether; it’s never been anything but the customer picking up the slack for a chintzy owner who does’t want to pay his bartenders enough to live on.  It’s either a full-time job or tipping is a subsidy for the owner who doesn’t need one.  Same with restaurant owners who get by paying slave wages while the public picks up the tab.  Time to stop this “them what has, gets more” business and let those greedy bastards start facing reality like the rest of the world has to do every day.

    • Islander2000

      How about reinventing the wheel?  You penny pinchers would stand to lose the most when the prices are increased by 20% to cover the owner’s additional expense.  The owner and the bartender  would end up with more and you’d have to pay the difference.

      • Cee Mills

        Which would be more fair, because all customers who order the same item would be paying the same price, instead of cheapskates who insist on not tipping or tipping minimally continuing to benefit from the generosity of those who regularly tip highly. If you have studied economics, you will recognize that this is a variation of the “free rider” phenomenon.

  • Anonymous

    7 of 22
    Is it really more difficult for you to pour the expensive tequila instead of the cheap one?

    We should call this 13+ things you can think of off the top of your head for link bait.

    Here is a tip for Reader’s Digest:   Sites that make stories based on  this formula:  # of things that x  automatically means you’re not trying hard enough.

    • Islander2000

      Tipping has always been based on a percentage of sales.  I you want to be a big shot and buy the expensive stuff don’t be a cheapskate wih the bartender. 

      • Anonymous

        Actually tipping has always been a reflection of how well you did your job. It is the restaurants who imposed a percentage on the bill.

        But honestly I wish society would just do away with the tipping stupidity and just pay people a decent salary for doing their job in the first place.

  • wastingmylifeonthisgarbage

    It is a
    pathetic and embarrassing mistake that whatever this is was published on any
    type of media outlet. I could have written a more insightful “piece of
    literature” with my nipples after running a marathon in a synthetic leather
    vest that’s 2 sizes too small. I am thinking about taking 5 times the recommended
    dose of Robitussin and interviewing for this “author’s” job.

  • wastingmylifeonthisgarbage

    It is a
    pathetic and embarrassing mistake that whatever this is was published on any
    type of media outlet. I could have written a more insightful “piece of
    literature” with my nipples after running a marathon in a synthetic leather
    vest that’s 2 sizes too small. I am thinking about taking 5 times the recommended
    dose of Robitussin and interviewing for this “author’s” job.

  • Bartbart

    It is a
    pathetic and embarrassing mistake that whatever this is was published on any
    type of media outlet. I could have written a more insightful “piece of
    literature” with my nipples after running a marathon in a synthetic leather
    vest that’s 2 sizes too small. I am thinking about taking 5 times the recommended
    dose of Robitussin and interviewing for this “author’s” job.

  • http://www.facebook.com/leeann.hogue LeeAnn Hogue

    Who in the heck are these bartenders? Although tips are the main income, it’s not your place to tells customers how much they should tip. Tips are customary NOT mandatory! It’s downright rude to treat customers who don’t tip differently than those who do. Reason being, although you aren’t making money from them, the bar IS! 

    As far as the garnishes go…..WTH? Where I come from, each shift slices their garnishments for the evening at the beginning of their shift….EVERYDAY! We placed them in bins and set the bins in compartments of box filled with ice. At the end of the shift, they should be tossed and replaced with fresh ones for the next bartender.Here in Texas, intoxicated patrons get FREE cab rides. No one is getting a kickback. Boy, I hope I never visit a bar with these arrogant bartenders serving me!

  • misssyj

    a martini IS gin!! you look like a fool when you SAY gin!!! if you want a vodka martini then request that!

  • Total Creation

    Stop going to slum bars then…

  • Frank

    So I should tip 15% when the drink is $12? Should I also tip 15% when the drink is a $4 beer? Or is $1 ok then?

  • Frank

    So I should tip 15% when the drink is $12? Should I also tip 15% when the drink is a $4 beer? Or is $1 ok then?

  • UsedToBartend

    First tip is very good, IF you have a good bartender who will give you a chance to make eye contact!! In most service industries these days, it is appalling how much the staff ignores their patrons. I was taught to always pay attention and look around, but that is hard to find any more. NEXT!

  • Anonymous

    Post-I’d keep those comped “stiff” drinks to yourself. If that was my bar, I’d know right where to go when the pour cost was off. You’d get your “friends” terminated for theft. 

  • Anonymous

    Dwm9u-Just another sad guy who can’t behave in a bar. 86′d much? You sound like the guy who brags about “owning” a bar because your dad knows the real owner’s brother-in-law. If you get that angry about bar service, please, by all means…STAY HOME. Real owners don’t wanna pushy, insistent turds in their bar either. You are consistently an issue and we can see you coming from a mile away…

  • Anonymous

    Actually, he sounds like almost every manager and GM I’ve known. Condescending, rude and very obviously unable to bartend. 

    • http://www.facebook.com/joseph.diehl2 Joseph Diehl

      Then get another job.

  • Anonymous

    Yelling, snapping your fingers and whistling means you want a pet dog. I tell you once politely not to engage in that behavior again, usually in a fun or sarcastic way so as to make it less like the reprimand that it is. When you do it again, you’re gone for the night. 

     Service industry does not mean servant. I can tell you’re trash without even seeing you. 

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Albert-E-Bannister/100000495206891 Albert E. Bannister

       shut up and get me another drink

  • Screamingfirs

    A martini IS made with gin; other liquor should be requested.

  • Jrh Artofdesign

    Uh – just pour the drinks, son.

  • Monkeyboy233

    Wow, this article makes bartenders sound like entitled douches. You pour drinks buddy, a trained monkey could do it. There’s pressure, sure, but it’s far from the only job to have that.

    Also, the tip thing really grates on me. A tip should be a reward for good service, not an obligatory extra payment patrons should have to shell out as it seems to have become. The argument is that servers in these sorts of establishments don’t get enough pay, so clients should take pity and shell out the dough to compensate. Dude, if you’re charging 12 dubloons for 50 cents worth of booze and fruit juice, you need to hit up your boss for the cash, not give paying customers the stink eye for something they have no control over!

    The system’s broken, so let’s screw over the paying customers, our source of income. Sounds reasonable, right?

     

  • Csikes

    yeah, this came off more like how to cater to a bar tender.  Isn’t it the other way around?  

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/6BZUWUU3NSSXRJ2XI6K6LYMGRE My delicious chocolate ice cre

    *things I don’t have to worry about*

    1) ordering a $12 drink
    2) tipping on a $12 drink

  • JB

    Here’s something for bartenders: “Something Your Customers Should Tell You.” We’re not there for you, for your ego, or anything else about you. We’re there to meet friends and enjoy a drink or two. Don’t act like you own the world, that you’re too good for us – the ones who pay your salary – and that without your glittering persona the bar would be a lifeless cave. Without you, in fact, someone with personality and a bit of wit might serve us, and gain a better tip and return business, instead of us having to wade through how important and above it all you think you are. Act like a rockstar ignoring us peons and you’ll ge the reputation as a first-class jerk.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/ZQELGKRRMYJ2DQIFRCNCLQ2D5I JamesU

    Yep, I wave a 20, you make me wait and I tip accordingly.

  • Jmhtrader

    this is a ridiculous article(must be weekend no news)

  • jim

    “yell whistle and I will make you wait”  oh yeah,   we will go somwhere else and not in your restaurant  (Since when does a hack  bartender tell paying customers what to do?)  I am a restaurant owner and if I saw that behavior you would be fired

  • Barconsult

    This must be advice for someone who has never been to a bar or lacks social graces.  The article does miss the important point, however, is that the bar does not exist for the convenience of the bartender its a business designed to serve the customer.  

  • Lawler200

    This was retarded. I stopped half way. Not so much “secrets” but deep thoughts by a waiter. And my tip to u is not automatic…depends on your service and your attitude and your effort. Im not giving you 15% to pour beer in a glass.

  • Anonymous

    Seems some of these bartenders think a lot more of themselves than the customers do them. Just pour the drink already. Geez.

  • Reb

    This is why I drink at home. Rude wait staff!

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_MJJL4D2O2H2GAK3TR24FQVQKBE C R

    anyone else tired of these articles that are just one big complaint about people doing their job?

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_NBKZ442SJTIDQPYP7Y5RZEQCZY Wertle Woo

    False.  If you’re relying on gratuity, here’s some news for you: beggars can’t be choosers.  If your work is worth more money, charge more money.  If not, then find work that is and stop whining.  Nobody likes a whiner.

    And LOL at being bothered by advances unless there’s a tip. Typical trashy whore who thinks serving men is a professional career. Yawn.

  • The Man

    You’re lucky if I give you $1 per drink.  $12 for a drink you should be tipping me

  • Me

    Wow, I’ll never get the 15 minutes back I spent reading this garbage … Secret No. 28: “If you drink way too much you’re gonna end up way too drunk.” Thanks for all these “secrets” and “tips” that do a disservice to restaurant employees everywhere. 

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_46PI6LYATESF3XQ4OWZ6MN566Q Bill

    I friggin’ hate these damned slide shows. Give me a list, a chart, or ANYTHING that doesn’t force me to click through these stupid slideshows that RELOAD YOUR SLOW PAGE again and again.

  • Randomweirdo

    “You want a drink made strong, order a double.”  Maybe it’s me saying nicely that last drink was BS and if you bring that weak nonsense over here again you will get no tip and I won’t come back….

  • Business Traveler

    To the bartenders: if you follow many of these “tips”, you will have a short career as a bartender. You are there to serve the customer – not the other way around. Do you have to tolerate rudeness – to a reasonable extent yes.  Do you have to control unreasonable behavior at the bar – yes but you are also not the Gastapo. Take too much of an attitude about being “The bartender” – not a good thing for you in so many different ways.

  • wendy

    I agree – have your money and drink order ready.  When the bar is busy I don’t have time to wait for these things.  I personally would never serve garnishes that sat out for even a day.  I think all customers should be entitled to fresh garnishes.  I don’t mind people waving money – it helps me to recognize who needs a drink – as long as they don’t wave it frantically, like an idiot. 

    Also, I personally like my customers unless they don’t tip me or act like an idiot.  Most people out there are pretty good to bartenders.

  • Sf24hr

    A cab driver kickin back to a bar to put a screaming drunk puker in the cab?  Thats a laugh.  If a bar over indulges its patrons, drivers tend to pass that place up, If a bar presents us with patrons that have a pleasant buzz, than we will return to provide more service to the club.

  • phat sam

     if you go to a bar for anything other than karaoke, you are a srs, lsr. even bars that have karaoke that don’t @ lesat have a stage are for loosers.

    • Cee Mills

      I guess I and all my friends are losers, then. We had no idea that you had already defined for all of society what is and is not cool. I apologize and I will encourage everyone I know to change their ways.

  • phat sam

    if you go to a bar for anything other than to sing karaoke, you are a srs lsr. if the bar does not have 2 lesat a stage, you are an even bigger looser.

  • phat sam

    @ not 2 sry =(

  • Anonymous

    I’m sorry, but all you’re getting is a buck a drink for a tip.  Just because a drink is $12 doesn’t mean it took any more effort from you to pour that pricey vodka.

  • Disgruntled Reader

    Really? You broke the article into 27 pages? Are you crazy? Do you think I enjoy clicking?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Dell-Monte/100003602739396 Dell Monte

    Bobthebartender

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Dell-Monte/100003602739396 Dell Monte

    A termite walks into a bar and says “Is the bartender here?”.

  • Newsworthy44

    Order a Bombay Blue dirty up with two olives Martini….very tasty. After a few of those you can walk up to the prettyest girl and tell her …. hi, my name is Myles…Myles Long.

  • Justme1982

    This has become rather heated. Let me attempt to settle a few things. There are jerks on both sides of the bar just as there are in every walk of life. I’ve had good and bad experiences at both dives and upscale establishments. You can tell, most of the time, right when you walk into a place if the drinks are going to be expensive. If you can’t afford a decent tip for decent service because of the price of the drinks, you are in the wrong place. As far as getting ignored by the bar tender, I’m sure it has happened to most of us at one point or another. Sometimes its because the bar tender isn’t paying close enough attention, sometimes its because they chose to ignore you based on a set of personal guidelines you may have violated in their mind. Some of these are obvious: don’t scream at someone who is obviously busy concentrating. On the flip side, don’t be surprised as a bar tender if someone does something to get your attention because your busy chatting with someone while they have been waiting for a few minutes longer than they should for a drink. I also can’t quite understand why you bar tenders take offense to someone having their money out on the counter? Don’t you like us to have our money ready? Its sometimes difficult for me to imagine how a server has any clue whether or not I’ve been helped when the bar is too packed to hear the person next to you and there are 50 people hanging out at the bar that have already been served. Cut us some slack, and we will do the same. I wan’t good drinks and good service as much as you want a good tip.

  • National Reader

    why pay 15% for something that takes 20 seconds to do? If you served 60 drinks an hour thats alot of tip $$ so dont complain….

  • Josh

    #1 – don’t ignore me for 10 minutes and I won’t have to yell. #7 – do you do more work to pour my $14 Scotch than the bartender down the street does to pour the same Scotch for $7? Didn’t think so. That’s why you get the same tip.

  • http://www.facebook.com/joseph.diehl2 Joseph Diehl

    Hey Mr. Bartender, in this bad economy, don’t give me any lip! Be grateful I came into your bar and want to spend money!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1482244743 Laurie Forsman

    Wow, so much negativity against the bartenders! We always tip, and tip up front, with the delivery of the first drink. We find it’s a courtesy and we will receive perhaps a little “extra something” in our later orders. I see no problem with that; it’s part of the “experience” that some of you are moaning about.

  • GameTime

    Oh I’m sorry. Am I being paid to put up with you or are you being paid to wait on me? Since when does being a bartender qualify for snob-of-the-day? Either get your butt over here and wait on me or I’ll just spend my money elsewhere. I can get over-priced bad drinks with rude servers anywhere!

  • NonCompassionateLiberal

    “Everyone should bartend a few nights in his life.
You learn so much about people.”
    I tended bar for 13 years. You learn a lot watching people lie to each other.

  • keller23

    It’s hilarious how highly bartenders think of themselves. Dudes (and dudettes) you pour drinks for a living. That’s all. You’re not curing cancer, you’re not coming up with the next Facebook, you’re not writing a great novel. You take a bottle of booze and pour an ounce into a glass, give it to me. Rinse. Repeat 100 times a night. Sheesh.

  • http://www.facebook.com/jmkobes John Michael Kobes

    no wonder i drink at home!

  • http://www.facebook.com/david.rozycki.18 David Rozycki

    Buck a drink

  • http://www.facebook.com/david.rozycki.18 David Rozycki

    I would never order a 12 buck drink.

  • pissoff

    waaaah poor bartenders. Stop crying and make me a fkn drink

  • http://www.facebook.com/william.wolfrath William Wolfrath

    Re #7 : you know what “doesn’t fly”? Ignoring me more than once. Sorry, you do that, you get a buck. It’s one thing to be busy; it’s another to ignore when no one else is ordering a drink. Be nice, I be nice back.

  • hoipoloi

    Webster’s NewWorld Dictionary (3rd College Edition)
    “tip (2)*……..-n. 4)* a small present of money given to a waiter, porter, etc. for services; gratuity”
    * my parenthesis added for clarity -h

  • hoipoloi

    If you think it is the customer’s responsibility to subsidize your pay, then you subscribe to the laissez faire of capitalism and you are at the customer’s mercy…..you take what you get because the boss & the customer rule. If you are not satisfied with your situation and you can’t change the power distribution by yourself, a union is your only option as I see it.

    • cmack

      The only people that will work for $3/hour without tips are the homeless. Hope you enjoy that drink made by the guy that has not bathed in six months.

  • Chino

    who started this whole tipping thing? You have a job that should be payment enough. I just don’t get paying for a dinner /drink at inflated prices only to have pay more for some uneducated monkey to bring it to me

    • Cee Mills

      You can be “educated” and still be stupid; I suspect you may be proof of this

  • ridgielover

    T.I.P.S. To Insure Prompt Service – this is not a guarantee, nor should it be expected.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1407947655 Jim Turner

    You get a buck for the effort, you don’t get more just because you are overcharging

  • no name

    I love number 10. Won’t hesitate to call the cops. That’s one some woman in Ohio got fired for doing.

  • charlie_oscar

    The sense of entitlement with many bartenders is absurd. A buck a drink is all you will ever get from me for one drink…be it a draft or LI ice tea. If I order a round…of 5 drinks, you get 5 bucks. Budget yourselves accordingly!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001014849544 Mike Alan

    12 If you can make some money while saving someones life, go right ahead

  • Shane Ford

    1 dollar per drink is plenty. i used to bartend. only idiots pay 16 dollars for a gin and tonic.

    • crazypete1

      True, but a lot of the $16 drinks are worth it. They use fresh fruit juices fresh garnishes, usually there are 2-4 ounces of reasonable booze, and take time to make (muddling, etc). Also, many use infused liquors (which take time) and make their own garnish (for instance, preserve their own cherries).
      I don’t go out often, so when I do I want something I can’t make at home.

  • Jeff Brockmeier

    Or give up drinking and save your money and your health.

  • Stupidlist

    This is the most obnoxious list ever created. You have a job, pouring drinks, get over yourselves. Whoever created this list should be fired and eliminated from the gene pool.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_YSS5WP2SRWITD54YPFA4GM7BFQ charlesr

    14. I spit in your drink.

  • GodProtectAmerica

    Lets face it, farting is great fun. A nice loud and stinky fart shared
    among your fellow workers is a great source of entertainment at the local pub. Bartenders will never tell you this amazing secret.

  • Disney

    #23 – pay me for talking to you…..laughable

  • Merlin

    Be with me?…Where did that come from? I’m a 61 year old bar tender and I’ve worked the Cal Neva club and casino in Reno all the way down to dives, I never expected a costumer to come to my bar to “be with me” maybe a girl or two , but that’s different, and I always made it fun, never worried about a tip, usually made between 450.00 and 700.00 in tips in a 6 hour shift. So, take a tip, get way over yourself , you aint Tom Cruise. And you’ll make more.

  • mac

    You are talking about a profit bc of the price of a beer. You are not taking into account that the average bar will actually make a profit of about 5-7% on everything on their menu. You do need to take into account that in many states the taxes that are put on alcohol sales are much greater than most anything else in the state besides hotel and car rentals. You see the price that you pay at the store which is approximately $1.30-$1.65 per beer. The store still paid about $1 per beer. Now the difference is, that store is not having to pay a lot of the cost of a bar. Reasoning being, There are the cost of labor, lights, rent, and things that both pay, but tack on restrooms( yes there are cost there because drunks break crap), a kitchen, kitchen crew ( drunks get hungry) music license, on premise alcohol license (which is much more expensive than an off premise), and so on. The percentages above are even if a bar is doing really well. For an owner to be happy and do verywell he needs to see gross sales of close to a million dollars a year.

  • SimonSays

    The only reason they work for tips is because nobody will stick the whole thing in.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1407947655 Jim Turner

    Shut up and get me my drink

  • Richard Paul

    What’s wrong with a buck a drink? A Kettle One and soda takes as much time to prepare as a rail vodka and soda. Oh, that’s right, you’re a mixologist…Question: What garnish do you serve with a vodka and soda? I bet you’ll say “lime”….wrong, lemon. If you can’t get that one right, then you deserve a buck every two drinks. Bartenders, there a some excellent ones but most are an unfortunate but necessary distraction.

  • SimonSays

    So get this. I went to see a live show at a popular large bar I frequented. The M.C. announces “now everybody don’t forget to go see your bartenders in the OTHER room too” (I think she announced their names as DeDufus, LaArrogance and LaLazy…something like that….the mic was kinda muffled though). At events like this in my hometown they used to be out on the FLOOR taking drinks and serving as nobody wants to lose their spot. If they’re a “tenured” bartender, they can have a server out there on their behalf and split tips. The 3 clowns in “the other room” didn’t look too happy when I exited. Must have been a slow night …..even though the “other room” was packed.
    I used to be a good tipper but after that……$1/drink. No exceptions.