7 THINGS YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT BARTENDING

This post is for people who have never bartended. From an outsider’s perspective, bartending looks very different than one’s actual experience as a bartender.

1. BARTENDING ISN’T EASY

Bartending is a difficult job. Yes, pouring a beer might look simple. But bartenders take dozens of orders at once, do math in their head while being talked to by customers, handle drunk idiots, and deal with getting yelled at by customers for things out of their control… all while trying to look happy to make the venue seem fun. If you’re a good bartender, you are smart and have great people skills.

2. BARTENDERS DON’T MAKE THE PRICES

You might be upset that your Jack and Coke is more expensive then you thought it would be, but I assure you, your bartender had nothing to do with it. Asking your bartender to change the price is pointless. He/she will likely get fired if he starts cutting deals to customers.

3. THE AMOUNT OF LIQUOR IN YOUR DRINK ISN’T A NEGOTIATION

Again, the pour your drink gets is not determined by your bartender. Any profitable bar or nightclub has a set standard amount of liquor which they allow their staff to pour in drinks. A bartender will get fired from many of these establishments if he starts over-pouring or “hooking it up” for customers.

4. WE DON’T ALL PARTY ALL THE TIME

It might appear to be the best job in the world. But it can be a nightmarish job at times. Bartenders’ lives aren’t one big party. Many of us work other jobs and/or go to school for something else.

5. WE DON’T WORK FOR YOU

Bartending is a service job, of course. That doesn’t mean bartenders are your personal employee when you go in to an establishment. Don’t ask the bartender to “find out what that girl over there wants to drink.” That is NOT the bartender’s job. If you want to hit on her, you go do it.

6. WE DON’T KNOW WHAT YOUR WANT TO DRINK.

Asking the bartender, “what do I want to drink?” is an absurd question. How could the bartender possibly know what you like to sip on? Yes, the bartender will have a suggestion if you can describe the sort of drink you want. This doesn’t mean that bartenders can pick a drink out of the clear, blue sky based on the shirt you’re wearing that day.

7. WE SAW HOW MUCH YOU TIPPED

Our job is based on tips – it’s the whole reason we’re behind the bar. There is no reason for you to say “I tipped you $5 on the last drink, can you hook up this next one?” First, we know you tipped us $5. Second, again, we are not allowed to “hook up” any drinks without manager approval. If you are a good, regular customer, we will give you a free drink from time to time.. but not if you ask for it.

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