Want to get served faster in a bar? Follow these steps

You walk up to the bar.  You wait.  You wait some more.  What the heck is the bartender doing anyway, I know he/she sees me.  Wait, I was here before that guy.  




Has this ever happened to you?  If so, you may need to read this and learn what YOU can do to get better service.  Remember, just because they are there to serve you doesn't mean you are worthy of being served.

1. Slamming your empty bottle or glass on the bar does not make you a favorite at a bar.  No one like a temper tantrum and whether you meant it that way or not...that's how it looks.  A good bartender will know you need another drink before YOU know so subtlety is the best approach.  
2. Raising your money over your head....the bartender doesn't think "wow a customer who finally has money, let me run right over."  Imagine your job, you are trying to complete it and someone is waving a pen at you.  All it is....is distracting and will delay getting your drink.  It may not look like they saw you but they do.  
3. When the bartender approaches you, know what you want to drink.  There is nothing worse than waiting five minutes for you to decide between the fuzzy navel and sex on the beach...the only difference is cranberry juice...either you want it or you don't.
4. Have your money ready before your drinks are....even if you don't know how much it is going to be.  Don't wait until they tell you how much it is before you pull your wallet out and if you really want good service don't turn to the guy next to you and talk to him while doing this.  
5. Don't expect to get free drinks.....no matter who you are or how much you spend.  If they don't own the bar they may not have the authority to give you a free drink.  Some bars have a strict policy on this.  Don't make the bartender, other customers and yourself uncomfortable with this expectation.
6. Had a drink at another bar and just "loved it" so you order it at another bar.  Don't get upset because it doesn't taste the same.  Each bartender is different.  If it doesn't taste like you remember ask the bartender nicely.  Good point to remember:  If you are somewhere and love how the drink was made...ask the bartender how it was made.  This allows you to tell the next one how you like it.  If you do it nicely bartenders will appreciate the new information.
7. Don't like something about the bar....don't complain to the bartender unless they own the place.  If the music is to loud....ask if they will turn it down, don't complain about it.  If the TV is on basketball and you want to watch golf....ask.  No one likes a complainer...so don't be one.  
8. Don't be a jerk.  A jerk fights, degrades other people, acts like they "own the place," demands service....I could go on with this list but you know them when you see them.  If you are a jerk NO ONE wants to be around you, especially the one who has to be.
9. Last call is NOT AN OPTION!  That drink that you want so bad.....why didn't you think about it 60 seconds ago?  Serving after 2:00 AM means BIG TROUBLE for the bar, the bar owner and the bartender.  If you are a "jerk" about this, trust me the bartender will remember you.
10. DON'T FORGET TO TIP!  I have said this before and I will say it again.....tips are part of their wages!  You could not live on their wages so don't expect them to.  If it is your first time tip big in the beginning.  Let them know you will take care of them if they take care of you.  If you are a regular it is NOT okay to not tip.  If you go to the bar every day and have three drinks....your personality, no matter how good, does not pay the bills.  If you can afford to go every day...you can afford to treat your bartender well.  

Hope this helps you get better service and helps all the bar staff out there.  One final note:  please remember that bartenders are HUMAN!  I know it's hard to grasp this thought but they are.  Even the best bartender will make mistakes.  They are often harder on themselves than you could ever be so DON'T MAKE IT WORSE. 

Good thought here:  "People may forget what you said but they will never forget how you made them feel."  (Dr. Thomas L. Garthwaite)  Watch this video...this may not happen but the thought is there when you are a bad customer.

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