How to...not be an idiot on the biggest bar night of the year
Olivia Vizachero
Issue date: 11/25/08 Section: Bar Guide
Everyone knows that better judgment often gets thrown out the window after a few cocktails, but that doesn't give anyone an excuse to act like an ignoramus while out in public. By following this guide you can successfully avoid angering your waitress, getting into a bar fight or getting yourself cut off.
Excuse me, miss:
In a packed bar, it isn't always easy to get your server's attention. He/she is normally running around like a chicken with their head cut off. Still, that doesn't mean it is permissible to act rudely in order to get a server's attention. Whistling or snapping is completely unacceptable. References such as "bar wench" or even "waitress" are extremely rude as well. Instead try "miss," "sir" or "bartender" if you're trying to snag their attention as they walk by your table or look past you at the bar. If you can't seem to find your waiter, and refuse to wait another second for a beer, then stroll over to the server station. More than likely you can find your server there and give them your order.
Service with a smile:
Okay, everyone at some time or another falls victim to bad service. A server might forget your drink refill or the extra side of Ranch dressing that you asked for. A bartender might seem to wait on everyone at the bar other than you. Bartenders and servers aren't flawless, especially when they're busy. On the busiest bar night of the year, remember that you aren't the only person in the establishment. Even with extra staff, wait time for a drink can be elongated. Don't hold it against them. The nicer you are and the better you tip, the faster you will get your drinks.
Always tip for water:
Newsflash: it takes just as much work to get your intoxicated self water as it does to get you a beer. Actually, more work because water entails ice and a straw, unlike draft or bottled beer. Contrary to popular belief, bartenders and servers aren't slaves at your beck and call. They make on average a whopping $2.65 an hour. Going out of their way to get something they aren't going to get paid for is not on the top of their to do list. They would rather wait on the 50 other customers that are going to tip them. So if you want some aqua to sober up with, either tip or be patient.
Excuse me, miss:
In a packed bar, it isn't always easy to get your server's attention. He/she is normally running around like a chicken with their head cut off. Still, that doesn't mean it is permissible to act rudely in order to get a server's attention. Whistling or snapping is completely unacceptable. References such as "bar wench" or even "waitress" are extremely rude as well. Instead try "miss," "sir" or "bartender" if you're trying to snag their attention as they walk by your table or look past you at the bar. If you can't seem to find your waiter, and refuse to wait another second for a beer, then stroll over to the server station. More than likely you can find your server there and give them your order.
Service with a smile:
Okay, everyone at some time or another falls victim to bad service. A server might forget your drink refill or the extra side of Ranch dressing that you asked for. A bartender might seem to wait on everyone at the bar other than you. Bartenders and servers aren't flawless, especially when they're busy. On the busiest bar night of the year, remember that you aren't the only person in the establishment. Even with extra staff, wait time for a drink can be elongated. Don't hold it against them. The nicer you are and the better you tip, the faster you will get your drinks.
Always tip for water:
Newsflash: it takes just as much work to get your intoxicated self water as it does to get you a beer. Actually, more work because water entails ice and a straw, unlike draft or bottled beer. Contrary to popular belief, bartenders and servers aren't slaves at your beck and call. They make on average a whopping $2.65 an hour. Going out of their way to get something they aren't going to get paid for is not on the top of their to do list. They would rather wait on the 50 other customers that are going to tip them. So if you want some aqua to sober up with, either tip or be patient.
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