Your local watering hole—the bar.
It’s a place to relax and unwind with friends, a place to have a good time, and maybe even meet up with new people along the way.
But if you’re not careful, it can also be a place where you end up pissing someone off. And that person could be your bartender—and trust me, they don’t like it. Neither will you! Your local watering hole could turn into a festering ground for annoyance and really bad cocktails.
To help you stay out of the doghouse (or at least make sure your drink arrives properly made), here are some phrases that annoy bartenders everywhere.
Ways To Sound Smart
- Order the exact liquor. “Johnny Walker, Blue Label on the Rocks”
- Order the exact number of ice cubes: “”Johnny Walker, Blue Label on the Rocks, with One Ice Cube”
- Order top-end liquors. “Johnny Walker, Blue Label.” Everyone knows it’s amazing, and you’ll sound like you know what you’re talking about.
7 Phrases That Make You Seem Uneducated
"What's On Special?"
Listen, bartending is an art form, not a menu. If there are specials written up on the board or on the menu, great! But asking what’s on special every time you come in is just going to get old fast.
Trust us, if we have something special that night, we’ll let you know about it!
"Can I Have a...(long list of ingredients)?"
This one might sound familiar—it’s the infamous “bartender’s choice.” Sure, we can try our best to craft something delicious for you based on those ingredients…but chances are it won’t be quite what you were expecting! Save yourself some disappointment and stick to ordering classic cocktails off the menu instead.
"I'll Have What He/She Is Having"
We get it—sometimes someone orders something that looks so good that you just have to have it too! That said, please don’t simply point at someone else’s drink and tell us “I’ll have what he/she is having.” Not only does this put unnecessary pressure on us to remember what their order was (especially if they ordered several drinks!), but how do we know that particular cocktail is going to be good for YOU? After all, everyone has different tastes!
"I'm not sure, just surprise me."
Again, this shows a lack of thought on your part and puts the bartender in an uncomfortable position. It’s always best to have at least some idea of what you want to drink before you approach the bar. That way, the bartender can make a recommendation based on your preferences instead of just guessing.
Bonus! Here’s a video that will give you and anyone who goes out to eat at a bar or restaurant a solid guide on how to not annoy a server, or you, the bartender.
"I don't like (insert liquor here), so just make something with (insert different liquor here)."
This one is just annoying because it shows that you don’t know what you’re talking about. If you don’t like a certain liquor, chances are good that you won’t like anything made with it either. It’s always best to be specific about what you do and don’t like so that the bartender can make a more informed decision about what to make for you.
"Can I get a (insert drink here) with a twist?"
This one isn’t necessarily annoying, but it does show that you’re not familiar with the drink you’re ordering. A twist is simply a piece of citrus peel that is used as a garnish, so asking for one in your drink is unnecessary and will likely just confuse the bartender. If you want a twist in your drink, just ask for it without specifying what kind of drink you want it in.
"I'll have a (insert drink here), but can you make it weak/strong?"
This is another one that isn’t necessarily annoying, but it shows that you’re not familiar with the drink you’re ordering. Asking for a drink to be made weak or strong simply means that you want more or less of the liquor in it, which is something that most bartenders will automatically do anyway. If you want your drink to be made specifically weak or strong, just ask for it and specify the amount of the alcohol (just one shot of the vodka, not two).
Speaking Not Required: Ways to Sound Dumb Without Words
Making a bartender’s night harder than it needs to be is pretty simple. So easy, you can actually do it without using words at all.
From reaching out across the bar and screaming your order to snapping your fingers for service, or even just simply not having your order ready, bartenders have enough to deal with already.
Overstaying your welcome at the bar is a practical foolproof way of making sure that the bartender wants you gone ASAP – especially if you decide to play loud music for yourself/your party.
And last but not least, there’s never anything more annoying than placing an order and then disappearing before collecting it – don’t be that person!
Here’s a list to break things down for everyone:
Making a bartender’s night harder than it needs to be is pretty simple. So easy, you can actually do it without using words at all.
From reaching out across the bar and screaming your order to snapping your fingers for service, or even just simply not having your order ready, bartenders have enough to deal with already.
Overstaying your welcome at the bar is a practical foolproof way of making sure that the bartender wants you gone ASAP – especially if you decide to play loud music for yourself/your party.
And last but not least, there’s never anything more annoying than placing an order and then disappearing before collecting it – don’t be that person!
Here’s a list to break things down for everyone:
How To Sound Like a Connoisseur
“I’ll Have a Double-shot of Johnny Walker, Blue Label, Neat”
Neat means without ice.
“I’ll Have a Tom Collins.”
Many order Gin & Tonics. Instead, try more rare drinks like a Tom Collins.
“I’ll Have a French 75.”
This is one for the ladies. If you’re looking for a strong drink, skip the Long Island. Go for something more feminine, a combination of brandy/gin/vodka then topped with bubbles. Order and it will make you sound like an expert.
Actions That Make You Look Not Smart in the Bar
- Play with your straw. Those straws were meant for drinking, not your disgusting hand.
- Constantly check your phone.
- Occupy a barstool for an unpaying object or child. Unless the entire bar is empty, please don’t plan to use the barstool for anything except a human butt that is of age and can tip a bartender properly.
- Send your drink back multiple times. Send it back once, that’s fine. But a few times? Just order something else–you don’t like the cocktail.
- Throw money at the bartender instead of tipping properly. Unless your bartender or server consents to your throwing of money, this is just rude. Hint: You’re not a club!
- Ignore the bartender. There’s a fine balance of being courteous and annoying. Interact with us, but don’t ignore us like we’re robots.
- Snap your fingers or wave to get attention. Use your words! You’re an adult. You should know them by now, right?
- Play loud music for yourself or your party. The music at a bar or restaurant is typically picked for a reason. And you’re not the paid D.J., are you?
- Stay a long time, AKA “camping”. If you plan to stay a while, just tip accordingly for the time spent at the table.
- Not being ready with an order.
- Interrupt with a bartender is talking with someone else.
- Make a weird amount of eye contact. If you need something, yes—you’re allowed to look at me a little longer. But don’t stare at me over the rip of your glass while I’m washing dishes. That’s just weird.
- Use passive communication methods. Just tell me what you want. What you really, really want.
- Snack out of our fruit tray. That’s gross. Keep your dirty paws out!
- Rip up your napkin or coaster. I get it, you’re nervous about the date. Unless you plan to clean your confetti, please tear the paper up like a puppy at your own house!
Be Smarter with the Help of Local Bartending School
At the end of the day, we want all of our customers to feel welcome in our bar and enjoy their experience.
Plus, nobody likes going to bars and clubs only to encounter grumpy bartenders.
Luckily, there is a way for you to prevent that from happening.
Knowing which phrases and behaviors actively annoy bartenders can help you keep yourself out of trouble the next time you hit up your favorite watering hole.
And if you want to learn more about the ins and outs of being a bartender, consider taking classes at Local Bartending School—not only will it help other customers enjoy their experience even more, but it could also help you make some extra money on the side!
So don’t let fear keep you away; break down any barriers between yourself and a pleasant bar experience by not annoying your bartender.
We want to hear from you! What’s the most annoying thing to happen to you while bartending? Post in the comments below or find us on Instagram to send us a direct message.
