Follow these Rules, and you’ll have a great time every time
Building a good relationship with your bartender can transform your nightlife experience from ordinary to extraordinary. Bartenders are the gatekeepers of good times. They offer drinks, companionship, advice, and sometimes. A listening ear. However, earning the trust and friendship of your bartender involves more than just being a regular at the bar. It requires respect, understanding, and patience. Here’s how you can become best friends with your bartender, ensuring every night out is memorable.
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1. Be Polite
Politeness goes a long way in any interaction, and it’s no different with bartenders. Greet them with a smile, say please and thank you, and acknowledge their efforts. Remember, a bartender’s job can be hectic, and kindness can set you apart from the crowd.
2. Be Prepared and Patient
Know what you want to order before you get their attention. Bartenders appreciate ready customers, especially on busy nights. This means you can ask for recommendations, but being indecisive can be frustrating when a line of customers is waiting. If a bartender is serving someone else, don’t get frustrated or try to cut in front of other clients. Skilled bartenders have mastered the skill of observation and know who needs to be served first or last.
3. Don’t Expect Freebies
While it’s true that bartenders sometimes offer free drinks, don’t expect or ask for them. Freebies are a gift, not a right. Expecting them can put unnecessary pressure on your bartender, making your interactions transactional rather than friendly. Coming up to a bartender you have never met and haven’t ordered a single drink, you first say, “It’s my birthday; can I get a free shot?” will not win you any bonus points. Let things develop naturally, and you may get that freebie, but expecting it or demanding it will get you nowhere.
4. Watch Their Backs
Be observant and considerate. If you see someone bothering them or if they’re overwhelmed, offer a word of support or be patient. Also, watch for thieves who might steal tips off the bar when the bartender’s back is turned. Showing that you care about their well-being can build a strong foundation for friendship.
5. Always Tip, Even If They Suck
Tipping is not just a reward for good service; it’s a gesture of goodwill. Even if the service wasn’t up to par, leave a tip. Everyone has off days, and your understanding can make a difference. Service staff rely on tips to pay their rent, groceries, and everything else they may need; how would you like it if they came to your store or business and said, I’ll take that for free?
6. Get Their Social Media Hookups
Following your bartender on social media can be a great way to support them outside work hours. Bartenders love building a social network with their clientele when they aren’t acting like stalkers online. Always ask for their consent before searching them up, and respect their privacy if they decline your advances.
7. Do Not Overcomplicate Things
While trying new drinks is fun, constantly ordering complicated cocktails on a busy night can be a hassle. Stick to more straightforward orders when the bar is packed, and save the intricate requests for quieter times. Read the room, too. Try to order something other than your favorite exotic pina colada in a nightclub at 1 am or a 4-liter pitcher of beer, too. Don’t mix up the differences between a pub, bar, or nightclub; they don’t all serve the same things.
8. Take a Hint: The Bartender Might Not Want to Sleep With You
It’s essential to recognize that just because a bartender is friendly doesn’t mean they’re interested in you romantically or sexually. Respect their professionalism and boundaries. They have seen it all, and if they want you, trust me, they will let you know and leave you without a doubt. Remember, it is their job to flirt with you and help you forget your shitty week of work; it’s a fantasy, and don’t spoil it by going too far.
9. Don’t Be a Sloppy Drunk
Maintaining your composure is key. Being a sloppy drunk can create extra work for bartenders and make them uncomfortable. Show that you can handle your alcohol responsibly and that you can party the right way. Bartenders hate it when fights break out in front of their bar because it scares other clients away. Know when to have a bottle of water and cool it down; your bartender will love you for it.
10. Don’t Be a Perverted Creep
This should go without saying, but it’s crucial. Respect personal boundaries and understand that no form of harassment is acceptable. Being respectful and decent is the foundation of any good relationship. That means no touching of faces( we don’t know where hands have been), pulling bartenders closer to you, or moving in for a kiss. Always follow their lead, and don’t get pissed if you don’t get what you want.
Bonus: Learn some French, more than Bonjour!
Becoming best friends with your bartender is about building mutual respect and understanding. It’s about showing appreciation for their hard work and treating them with the dignity they deserve. Following these ten simple guidelines, you can foster a genuine friendship with your bartender, making your nights out more enjoyable and meaningful. Remember, an excellent bartender-customer relationship benefits everyone, creating a positive atmosphere where good vibes thrive. So, the next time you’re out, keep these tips in mind and watch how your relationship with your bartender transforms for the better.
