Read your Bartender’s Mind – What your Bartender is Thinking

It’s no fun being happy every hour of the day, but that’s what everyone expects when you work at a Brooklyn bar.

No one wants to order a drink or meal from a moody server, which is why bartenders and waitresses have one of the toughest jobs in the city. We always have to be on our A game.

But just because we’re smiling, don’t assume you can read our thoughts.

There are many times when your bartender is acting friendly even though they may secretly be conspiring against your next order. Yes, some customers do get on our nerves, but here is a little guidance to help you stay on our good side, so your drinks and food remains intact (and untouched).

Here’s some solid advice from a bartender. A closer look at what he’s thinking.

Please and thank you

Waitresses and bartenders aren’t servants. We are people too. If you’re ordering a drink or meal, take a minute to acknowledge your server. Smile and make eye contact. It will go a long way.

Take your arguments outside

It’s embarrassing when couples make a scene in front of us. It’s awkward not only for us, but also for the people around us. If you need to fight, please resolve it outside. We have enough problems to worry about. We don’t need to hear about yours.

If you are done eating, please leave

After you’re done eating, pay the bill and leave. Don’t sit at the table for hours talking with your friends if you aren’t going to order anything else. You are taking up a table and preventing the waitress from doing her job and making money.

You’re also preventing others from getting a table. And we all know there is always a line for a table in Brooklyn.

You aren’t being ignored

Some people believe they are the only customers in the bar. Waitresses are very busy when they have to serve four or five tables. Be patient, we aren’t ignoring you and waving us over won’t help your cause.

And if your food is taking too long, don’t blame your waitress. We aren’t cooking your food – just serving it, so give us a break if your dinner takes a little longer than expected to arrive.

Don’t complain about your food or drink after finishing it

If you don’t like your meal or drink, tell the bartender or waitress before you’re done with it. I’ve seen this plenty of times while working at my bar and grill.

Customers say their steak wasn’t cooked right or they can’t eat the dish they ordered because it contains bacon when the menu clearly states this item has bacon.

Even worse is when customers go above us to the manager, and ask for the item to be taken off the bill or request a free dessert. It doesn’t work like that. If you don’t like your food, tell the waitress right after you take your first bite.

Tips matter

Tips are what waitresses and bartenders live on. Making $7.85 an hour isn’t going to pay the bills. It is extremely important (and I can’t stress this enough) that you tip your waiter/waitress well.

The proper tip to give is 15% of the check, but in New York, 20% is the norm. If you’re bad with math, just double the tax. This is definitely a way to keep us smiling all of the time and it will always be genuine.

42 comments on “Read your Bartender’s Mind – What your Bartender is Thinking

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    Many thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity,
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