by D. Kearney Sparano

Created on: April 06, 2009

Not all bars are created equal. Each and every bar is created for a particular subset of people. Like restaurants, each is serving a particular type of clientele, the ability to read and choose which bar to go to can make a world of difference. Determining which bar is right for you and knowing your way around it is a skill that requires common sense and knowledge of oneself.

Picking Your Bar:

To do this correctly will involve trial and error. What might look to be a cool beer and shot place may turn into a Mecca for idiotic college neophytes after 10 pm. However, usually what you see is what you get. If the place looks like it caters to yuppies, don't expect to walk in and see a lot of jeans and t-shirts. The real question is what do you want in a bar and why? In the words of the bard "To thine own self be true." Go to a martini bar if you really like martini's, not because of the some status symbol reason. If you like beer go to a bar that has a lot on tap. If for some God awful reason you like to dance when you drink go to a club. Above all though go to a place you know you will comfortable in. this sis the 1st step in assuring your experience will be enjoyable and not hell on earth. Of course finding out where you will be comfortable is the trial and error part.

Etiquette:

This is important no matter what bar you walk into, but especially for one you want to regularly patron. Etiquette is the essence of "knowing" you way around a bar as well as ensuring good service. Failure to practice good bar etiquette is a guaranteed way to make sure you are always the last person served. Here are some tips to ensure good service.

Try to sit at the bar whenever possible this will help the bartender recognize your face.

Ask the bartender name, wouldn't you rather be referred to by your name then by your job title. Also they will most likely ask your name in return. This means that you are not just another customer.

Attend the bar regularly on a weekday if possible. Bartenders like people who give them money and if you are the one tipping on a Wednesday when it's dead, they'll love you.

Tip well, it's a simple concept. Here are some good guidelines: Tip well on the 1st drink

For a bottle beer that may be a dollar, for a draught beer (depending on price) $3-$5

Simple drink like scotch on the rocks should be similar to draught beer.

Complex cocktails like a kamikaze etc, half the price of the drink

After the 1st drink you can dial down the tipping a bit, but every drink deserves some gratuity.

Don't wave money around to get service, you will look stupid.

Do put money on the bar and leave it there. I like to start with a $20 and ass as necessary.

Above all be nice and polite, think of a bar as someone's home. You are a guest so treat your host with respect.

Mastering bar etiquette is all about practice. Once you have it down you will be able to know your way around pretty much any bar in America.

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