Organizing a Night Out and understanding bar etiquette

Time to have a GREAT NIGHT OUT!!!

Okay, you want to go out.  You want to go with a group of friends.  Did you know there is bar etiquette?

Before the NIGHT OUT!!

First thing you need to know if YOU choose the bar, YOU are considered the host for the evening.

Okay, you know which bar you want to host your gathering at (Jimmy's Tavern of course).

• Make sure the bar knows ahead of time you are coming to assure the table(s) are set up to fit the number of people coming.
• Establish a designated driver before going to the bar!  In a earlier blog there was a link about how much you can drink....it would be wise to revisit that website.
• Now this one may be what keeps you from "organizing" the outing:  How is the tab going to be paid?  If it is a single tab....the host leaves their card with the bartender.  If it is individual tab the host still needs to leave their card with the bartender "just in case" someone forgets to pay the tab.  (Personally don't invite anyone who would do this).  IF you are planning individual tabs where everyone either pays their own or the bill is split equally PLEASE plan ahead of time....there is nothing worse for a bartender who has taken care of you all night to have to run multiple credit cards for one tab.
• Discuss with the party whether "rounds" will be purchased or each person will order when ready.  It is bad manners to buy rounds that would obligate another to reciprocate. 

While AT THE BAR

• Okay ladies....there was a time when it was expected that the man purchase your drink.  Want Women's liberation.....buy him a drink.  Please don't expect that the men at your table will pick up the tab...this will lead to hurt feelings if they don't.
• Men:  It is nice if you offer to pay for the first drink but do not insist....you don't want it to lead to any misconceptions of any expectations.  AND remember this:  if you offer to buy her a drink, it means ANY drink she wants...don't be upset if she drinks "top shelf."
•  Bartenders and Waitstaff are busy!  Don't request their attention until you know what you are ordering. 
• The words "THANK YOU" and "EXCUSE ME" will also work in the bar environment!!  Being in a bar does not excuse bad manners.
• Know your limits.  There is nothing worse than "the drunk of the group."  Yes going to a bar involves drinking....but if you get angry when you drink too much...don't drink too much.  If you get sad when you drink too much don't drink too much.  EVERYONE in the bar, not just the people in your group, want to enjoy being there.  Fights and tears are not part of having a good time.
• If you see your waitstaff or bartender leaving....settle the tab with them before they leave.  Most will not ask for fear of offending their customers but they deserve the tip they earned!!!

Now we come to tipping:  revisit the blog on tipping and don't be cheap!  Great tip (pun intended) tip well the first drink and you will receive better service....but don't forget to continue tipping throughout the night if you pay by the drink.

The bartender and waitstaff ARE NOT YOUR MOTHER.  Don't make a mess and leave a mess at your table.  It has never hurt anyone to clean up after themselves.

LAST CALL really does mean LAST CALL.  It is rude to ask for "just one more."  It is also rude to ask to stay past closing time.  It is against the law to serve you after hours so don't put the bar and the bar staff in that position.

Leaving the bar does not mean your job as the host is over.  Make sure no one has left anything at the bar AND make sure ALL women leave safely! 

Jimmy's Tavern on Facebook wish everyone a safe and great night out!!!

Directions and Hours of Jimmy's Tavern