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$26.99 (as of September 18, 2024 12:33 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)When you find yourself settling in at your favorite bar, it’s crucial to be mindful of certain etiquette to ensure everyone enjoys their time. One often overlooked rule is about where you place your personal items. You might be tempted to leave your bag or coat on the counter or the back of your chair, but this can encroach on valuable space and become a nuisance for both the bartender and other patrons. Instead, utilize hooks under the counter or check your belongings at coat check. These small considerations can go a long way in showing respect to the bar staff and ensuring a smooth, enjoyable experience for all. Have you ever walked into a bar, excited for a night out, only to feel slightly out of place because you’re not sure about the unspoken rules? Trust me, you’re not alone. There are etiquette guidelines you might not even know you’re breaking, but they can make a world of difference in ensuring everyone has a good time, including yourself.
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The Etiquette Rule You Shouldn’t Break When Sitting At The Bar
When it comes to bar etiquette, your personal items can cause more disruption than you might think.
The Importance of Personal Space
Regardless of the type of bar you choose to drink in, there are a few unspoken etiquette rules in place to ensure everyone has a good time. One such rule involves the personal items you bring into the bar with you. If you’re only at the bar for a short time, you might just plop your purse, bag, or other items on the counter and think nothing of it, but this is considered rude.
Limited Bar Counter Space
For starters, there’s only so much room on the bar counter, and the bartender needs that space to do their job, while other customers need it to place their drinks. The bar can also be sticky from spilled drinks or littered with crumbs, leading to a grimy purse or briefcase and making this faux pas wholly not-worth-it.
Personal Items and Safety
Likewise, you shouldn’t hang your personal belongings over the back of your chair when sitting at the bar. Though it’s convenient for you, your things are now in the way of anyone passing by and could be knocked to the floor. Even worse, your items are now out of your sight and an easy target for theft.
Proper Storage Solutions
Instead, hang your personal belongings from the hooks under the bar counter. If no hooks are available, leave your items with coat check or in the car. And don’t ask the bartender to hang onto your items; it’s not their job, nor is it a good move in terms of liability.
Clean Up After Yourself, But Only to a Certain Extent
You might think you’re being helpful by cleaning up after yourself, but there are some limitations to consider in a bar setting.
Don’t Hog the Counter Space
Now that you know that counter space isn’t to be squandered, you might try to put in more effort to keep it clear, but sometimes, even kind actions are unnecessary on your part. Just as it’s bad etiquette to clean up your spills at a salad bar, it’s equally problematic to do so at a bar counter.
Leave Messes to the Pros
Sure, you might think you’re helping by cleaning up your own mess, but you’re likely to reach for those expensive little cocktail napkins, wasting them. The bartender, on the other hand, has rags specifically for cleaning up spills.
Broken Glasses are a No-No
On a similar note, if you break a glass, don’t attempt to clean up the shards on your own. For one, you could cut yourself, and that’s a liability for the bar. Secondly, the bartender has equipment on hand—gloves, rags, a broom, and dustpan—to safely clean it up.
Handling Your Trash
At the end of your visit, you might feel inclined to gather your trash, but you should avoid putting said trash in your glass. While you may think you’re helping, the bartender now has to remove all that sticky, wet trash from your glass before they can wash it, and we can guarantee they don’t want to touch that. Instead, bartenders generally prefer that you leave your trash in a neat pile on the counter.
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Know How to Get the Bartender’s Attention
Getting the bartender’s attention can be an art form. There’s a right way and a wrong way to do it.
Avoid Rude Gestures
Snapping or whistling? Rude. Calling out to them? Also rude. Waving? Questionable. Rather, the best way to get their attention is by making eye contact, perhaps with a smile.
Subtle Signals
This not only discretely signals that you’re ready to order but also allows them to acknowledge you while continuing with whatever task they’re working on (like helping another customer whom you might’ve interrupted with your yelling).
No Banging on the Bar
Another big no-no is banging your glass on the bar to get the bartender’s attention. All that’s going to do is make the other patrons stare at you, wondering what your deal is. You might even break the glass, putting yourself and others in danger. Seriously, just quietly wait your turn like everyone else.
Respect and Gratitude Go a Long Way
Perhaps the most important etiquette rules to follow at the bar, however, are those of respect and gratitude.
Respect the Bartender’s Role
Use your manners when interacting with the bartender. They are there to ensure you have a great time, and treating them with respect can go a long way.
Tipping is Essential
Always tip at least $1 per drink, if not the standard 20%. Treating them kindly will make them much more likely to be attentive to you in return.
Additional Etiquette Tips to Enhance Your Bar Experience
To truly master bar etiquette, consider these additional tips:
Be Mindful of Your Volume
Bars can get loud, but try to keep your voice at a reasonable level. Shouting can disturb other patrons and make conversations difficult for everyone around you.
Occupy Only the Space You Need
If you’re at a crowded bar, don’t spread out more than necessary. Keep your personal items close and avoid taking up seats that aren’t needed.
Be Polite to Other Patrons
Be courteous to those around you. If someone bumps into you, assume it was an accident. A simple smile or a friendly note can defuse potential conflicts.
Conclusion
By following these etiquette tips, you’ll not only have a better experience but also contribute to a pleasant atmosphere for everyone at the bar. So next time you’re out, remember to keep those personal items in check, respect the space and the people around you, and treat the bar staff with the kindness they deserve. Cheers to good manners and great times!
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