Tips for the Bar and Bar Etiquette

As the break for the holidays approaches and students will most likely need a release from all… As the break for the holidays approaches and students will most likely need a release from all the stress that finals week can bring, I felt it necessary to inform everyone of certain things they must know while heading out for their post-finals celebrations.

I wouldn’t say I am the No. 1 authority on bar etiquette, but as a bartender and someone who frequents bars, I think I have some knowledge on the subject matter. The following are just a few rules to follow to ensure a good time for all. There’s also a few tips on how not to annoy your bartender, because a happy bartender will make your cup run over.

The No. 1 rule when you’re at the bar – and this especially applies if you are female – is: NEVER LEAVE YOUR DRINK! I know you’ve probably heard this a million times, but NEVER LEAVE YOUR DRINK! There are some scary people out there that have access to date-rape drugs.

While you leave your drink unattended to go to the bathroom, they might be lurking around waiting for their perfect opportunity. If you have to run to the restroom, finish your drink before you go or if you really can’t wait, take it with you. There’s almost no chance that your drink can be spiked if it’s in the ladies’ room with you.

Another key rule is to know your limit. As much as your friends love you and care for you, they don’t want to have to drag your drunk behind home while you’re half passed out at three in the morning.

Your best bet is to start slow on your first night and as you go out more, you’ll be able to find out how much your body can take. I know that when you’re out at the bar, your main goal is to get as wasted as possible, but you’ll thank me later when you don’t wake up the next morning with puke in your hair or laying in a hospital bed being treated for alcohol poisoning.

Along with helpful hints when going to the bar, there’s also bar etiquette. Rule No.1: Tip your bartender. Bartending is a hard job, especially the part where instead of going out and having fun, we’re working so you can have a good time. Now I know what you’re thinking: Bartenders get paid good money, who cares if I skim a little off this tip? In reality, most bartenders make very little in wages and depend entirely on their tips to make money. So even if you just leave a dollar, it’s better than not leaving anything at all.

Tipping can also be beneficial to you. If you tip your bartender, they’re more likely to remember you. When the bar is crowded with hundreds of people, they will more than likely come and serve you your drink first. If the tip was really good, then your bartender might hook you up with a rum and coke that’s 80 percent rum and 20 percent coke (You do the math!).

Another thing that you should do is know what you’re going to order. The one thing that bothers me most as a bartender is when customers don’t know what they want. It’s not just the simple act of not knowing, it’s the things they say and do because they don’t know.

Picture this: There are 50 people all cramped up against the bar. It’s about 85 degrees because of the hundreds of people dancing, talking and sweating. You’re burning up, running up and down the bar, and you come across someone waiting to be served. You ask them what they want and this is the conversation that ensues:

“Hmmm, what do I want?” You wait patiently and then they ask you, “What should I get?” then they turn and ask their friends, “What should I get? What are you getting? What’s good? What’s your favorite drink? Is a Long Island any good? How about a Sex on the Beach?” They go through all this while you’re standing there being yelled at by other people because you’re not waiting on them. So please do us all a favor and know beforehand what you’re going to order. It makes it that much easier for us to wait on you.

Next time you go out to the bar, remember these helpful hints. If you do, you’re more likely to have a fun and safe night out. And remember, I don’t condone underage drinking, and I never have. If you are younger than 21, read, study and learn these rules because one day you may need them. So be safe, have fun and don’t get too drunk over the holidays unless you want to be in the Police Blotter for public intoxication. They will call you out by your government name in the paper and it will be embarrassing!

Jennifer would like to send her seasons greeting to all, e-mail her at mjk18@pitt.edu.