The Mixology Talk Podcast, Episode Twenty Six
This episode could be summarized as “Don’t be that guy!” Here are five more things your bartender wishes you knew!
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In today’s Episode…
We’re adding a “part 2” to Episode 17, when talked about some things that Bartenders wish you knew. If you haven’t already listened to that one, start there. Then come back for five more!
Most of bartender & waiters’ income comes in the form of tips. So when you bring a coupon to the restaurant or get comped a drink or dish, remember to tip based on what the full bill would have been – not the total after the coupon or “free item” has been removed. Why? That waiter worked just as hard, and spent their time at your table – not at another table where they would get a full tip. So go ahead an tip based on what the full bill would have been.
2. Free Drinks
Its your birthday. Great. Happy Birthday! But don’t expect to get a free drink! Free drinks or food should be accepted graciously and never expected. Bartenders may not have the authority to give you a free drink, and are usually under the scrutiny of the management. Don’t expect them (or worse, ask them) to give you something for free.
3. Don’t Ask me to make your drink “Stronger”
Just don’t! It’s really tacky and immediately tells the bartender you’re the type that expects special treatment and doesn’t want to pay for it. (And it’s usually a sign of a poor tipper as well.) So if you want a double, order a double – but again, don’t expect it for free.
4. Pre-Dinner Drinking
If you’re at a restaurant waiting for your table at the bar and having a drink, it can be a little confusing what to do when your table comes available. Here’s what we recommend:
- If possible, close the tab with the bar before you leave.
- If not possible, go ahead and leave a few dollars for the bartender before you go to your table.
It’s almost always better for the bartender to close the tab or leave a tip before you go.
5. Don’t Eat my Garnish!
I can’t even believe this has to be said, but unbelievably, this has been an issue in every bar Chris has ever worked.
Before their shift, Bartenders will set up their “mise en place”, or their workstation, with all of the ingredients and garnishes they will need for their shift. When the customers reach over and eat the orange wedges, olives or cherries, not only is it rude and unsanitary, but it throws off the bartender’s preparation for their shift and they run the risk of running out of garnish.
Don’t stick your hands in the garnish. If you’re hungry, order food!
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Thanks for Listening!
If you’re a bartender, let us know what we missed! I’m sure there are a lot more pet peeves that we haven’t thought of – let us know in the comments and we’ll include them in another episode!
Hey guys!
So as a bartender I’ve developed a few of my own pet peeves. The one I find
most annoying-“Yeah, lemme get a beer”. OK we have 32 different
kinds..WHICH ONE?! For some reason it really gets under my skin. Another one
that goes along with that is “Surprise me.” Well my friend you’ll
have to be way more specific because chances are you won’t like my surprise.
Also, pleaseee stop ordering for your friends or significant other and then
turn to me when they don’t like it. The only person you should be ordering for
is yourself (:. Now I might be nitpicking at this point but this is a question
I hear on a daily basis and I really just don’t get it- “Can we eat at the bar?”
Ok, maybe I don’t get out much but have you ever been to a restaurant where you
can’t eat at the bar? This is turning into a great therapy session by the way. Also,
as a bartender at a restaurant I understand Celiac disease is common so I do my
best to maintain a knowledge of gluten free items, but don’t expect me to know
everything, I provide you alcohol and a therapy session, not medical care. It’s
your disease you should know what you can or cannot have. Bartending has made
me an awful person. How about “Oh happy hour is only 15 min away can
you just give me the discounts now?” or “Oh happy hour ends in 5 min, my drink
is full, can I pay for another now before it ends?” NO, just all sorts of NO. I
don’t think these people understand that what they really are asking is for you
to risk your job to save them a couple dollars. Another- when you’re greeting a
customer and they rudely cut you off mid-greet to give you their order, chill
bro I’m the one pressed for time not you and if you are you probably shouldn’t
be here.Last but not least- THE VERBAL TIPPERS.. you know the ones who run you ragged, give endless compliments and empty tips. The customers who think hospitality is synonymous to slavery End Rant, I swear.
These are all amazing comments, I especially like the one about Verbal Tipping. That might be one of the most annoying things in the restaurant because the customer is telling you over and over how much fun they were having and how great your service was and you are thinking “Man this is awesome, what a great table. They’re totally going to leave me a decent tip.” Then when you pick up the check, all of those good feelings swing right over to the dark side. Great comments, thanks.