Posted By Jinx on Dec 11th, 2007 4:23 pm

Tips for Bar Regulars- How to Not Wear Out Your Welcome

  • There is no doubt that regulars are essential to a bar's prosperity. And we bartenders appreciate them, definitely. That said, there are some regulars who become such a bane, you wish they would take their business to your competitors and become their problem instead of yours. Below are a few things that will take you from valued regular to a pain in the ass who needs to find a new hangout  
  • 1. The #1 problem: regulars who think they own the place. You are a customer. You are there to relax, socialize and knock back some drinks. Not to tattle to the real owner over every little thing the servers do. Not to meddle with the employees and how they handle isues. If you are that fascinated with how the place is run, get a job there. Otherwise, BUTT OUT. It's not your business. No matter how long you've been going there.
  • 2. If you are waiting and the bartender hasn't asked yet if you want a drink, speak up. She may be distracted, or think you are leaving, or that the other bartender already got you. Simply ask for a drink. Don't sit there and seethe. Don't time her. Don't storm away. That bullshit is for menstruating teenage girls. 
  • 3. For some reason, women with the ugliest partners are also the most jealous. Trust me, your bartender does not want your aging, mulleted tweaker boyfriend with the bad teeth. Accusing her of hitting on him just makes you look like an idiot. 
  • 4. If the bar is nice enough to let you run an overnight tab, don't be a pain in the ass about paying it. When you are asked to pay(and they shouldn't have to ask), don't act insulted or scan the tab and deny you drank that much. This is why bars stop letting customers do this. Now you've ruined it for everyone. Happy now?  
  • 5. Don't be sweet to a server then complain about her to her boss. That's just chickenshit. If she did something you didn't like, take it up with her. She probably didn't realize she offended you. And if you are easily offended, you really shouldn't be hanging out in bars. Don't backstab. That just makes you hated. And your drinks are about to get very weak. 
  • This is where you splutter; "But you're in the service industry!" Being a server does not make you less than human. We do not go to your work and cause problems for you there. If you can't stop being a shithead, quit drinking and use the money you save to go to charm school. Pleasant customers make for a pleasant atmosphere. Which is what you want, right? 
Bartender Rant #1 »

Bathroom Graffiti

Kyle Ritter
Dec 28th, 2007
3:51 pm

How did I miss this? Excellent post Jinx!

zcline
Dec 28th, 2007
4:26 pm

People really do crap like that? Personally, I like getting to the level where you can have a friendly convo with your neighborhood bartender. Its kind of nice to walk into a place, get the friendly nod, and they walk over and begin pouring the beer you always drink. Personally I prefer "The usual?" in case I'm in a mixed drink mood, but thats rare.

notoriouskelly
Feb 1st, 2008
2:19 pm

Great post Jinx!

Now, here's the customer's perspective:

blah blah blah....

Thanks for your service!

NK

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