Bartending...?

Question

Give me all of the tips that you can please. I am obviously nervous about this new job; however, I am excited also. I would appreciate serious answers from people who have experience. Or even if you have no experience behind the bar let me know what qualities you like to see in a good bartender. Thank you!!!

Answer 1

One of the most important things about being a bartender is the PERSONALITY of the bartender. Anyone can mix a drink, but to do it with a style all your own can make or break you. I used to combine my love of magic with my bartending, so not only did I provide good drinks, but I entertained the pants off my guests. Having a gimmick will help you to quickly build regulars, and that is where your money will come from.

One of my favorite icebreakers with a new guest: Pouring a line of Bacardi 151 across the bar, setting it on fire, running my finger through it, and lighting their cigarette with my finger. That was an intro they'd never forget. A few days later, she came back with 10 friends, all wanting to see the Bacardi trick. Now, I'm not saying you should go lighting yourself on fire...I'm just nuts like that.

One other tip, learn your basic drinks. Your LITs, your cosmos, your margaritas, your highballs. These are what you'll sell the most of. If you know those, you will know 90% of what you'll ever need to make. If you don't know a drink, don't be afraid to ask your guest "I'm sorry, what's in that??" They'll respect your honesty.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

RE: Could I get a bartending task and not using a bartending revel in? I haven't any bartending revel in, however I labored as a waitress for a million 12 months and I understand the wines (what wine could pass with what entree) and I know the way to pour a lager. I simply don't understand relatively the right way to make all of the cocktails. Do I have a hazard at getting a aspect time bartending task at like an...

Answer 3

Hi
I Have 30 years of bartending experience
always greet your customers like they are important to you, even if you really don't like them. Pay attention to their drink level and check to see if they are ready for another, but don't over serve them. If you do have to cut them off do it as kindly as possible , some people may even thank you the next time they see you. Try to be happy and friendly and ask them how their day is going . Alot of people are lonely and come in to a bar not only to drink but to be with other people and forget their problems, they don't want to hear about yours . Be quick and keep the bar or tables clean and empties picked up . Most people don't like a messy sticky table, that also gives you a few seconds to stop and talk to that
person in front of you. A Happy bartender makes for happy customers that will look forward to that next visit to see their favorite bartender . learn the basics the rest will come in time there are always new drinks , you can't remember them all at first , but after a while you will be amazed at how many you do remember. Always be neat and clean . looking good is a great thing . Depending where you are dress accordingly. A little sexy is good. Sluty might work some places but when a man brings a date or his wife out for the night she usually won't like if he is staring at you all night and not her. Speed will come in time just do your best. At my age speed is what I have to give and I can
put out a lot of drinks quickly and when the joint is packed people come to my end of the bar because they know I will do my best to get their order as fast as I can while still serving three or four waitresses. It can be a lot of fun and you can make money. Greedy bar staff won't make as much Some people don't tip ever
others don't tip till the end of the night and others won't tip till they get to know you and if you are quick and friendly they will start to tip. Most places have their group of regulars some in the daytime and some at night they can be demanding or be your best backers when it comes to telling the boss what a great bartender or just a great person they think you are
GOOD LUCK

Answer 4

What UNITool said is right about it depending on the type of establishment. I've found that if you work in a more laid back, lounge or martini bar, read up on a lot of trivia type things. That way it keeps the guests sitting at your bar involved and the drinks flowing. If they're having a good time, then they stay longer, order more drinks & that means more tips for you.

Knowing all the drinks will come in time but learn the standard one's first off (ie. Martini, Bloody Caesar (if you're in Canada), Bloody Mary, Margarita).

Oh, and most important, have a comfortable pair of shoes because your feet will know it if you've had a long day.

Answer 5

Alway smile and make eye contact with the customer, even if you dont feel like it, its a good way to make tips.

Wear comfortable shoes, being on your feet for hours behind a bar is a killer.

Always look confident, even if your not, fake it. Some customers can try and be *** holes with bar tenders, you show them whos boss and dont take any bull sh**.

most important, have fun. Bar tending is a great way to meet lots of interesting people, so just relax and enjoy it.
Ive been a bartender for a few years and its a great job..

Good luck

Answer 6

Some people will know you are new and try to guilt you into "buying" them a drink, ie:giving away the bar owner's booze. You do NOT have to do this, you're paid to sell it, not give it away. Talk to the bar owner and see how they want this situation handled, because it will happen to you sooner or later.

Don't be too nice to the point where you are afraid to cut some drunk off from drinking any more. That is within your right and actually you are liable should your patron cause damage or mangle anyone in an accident as a result of being overserved. Know your legal liabilities!!

Answer 7

always give a friendly greeting in a timely manner no matter how backed up you are. If someone orders a drink you don't know say something like " I'm having a brain block ,do you remember what's in that one?" never tell them you don't know, that robs you of professionalism. have a drink book, its not the customers responsibility to know what their drinking but sometimes they can help. Never spend time with someone your interested in while ignoring other customers, do that on your off time. continue to educate your self about product, and drinks and distillation methods. realize a tip is just that, and give the best service to everyone regardless of how heavy on the rail they are, if you go for dinner you don't tip when the waitress brings appetizers, do you? great service will pay off in the long run. don't ho*r up to the big tippers cause you never know who can change your life the next day. have fun, it shows.

Answer 8

First and foremost, be yourself, although your bar patrons may be drunk they can still see through a fake personality. Secondly buy the idiots bar tending guide, it gives u all the recipes of the popular shots and cocktails. Allways look busy and dont be afraid to get to know your patrons, it will make your shift go alot quicker and will increase the tip they leave. Above all enjoy it and remember your not going to learn eveything in your first shift, if someone asks for something u dont know how to make, ask them whats in it. Good luck.

Answer 9

i'm a Barmanager and what i look for in a good bartender aside from knowledge about alcohol is PERSONALITY. If you have that along with a good knowledge of mixing,serving and the laws governing alcohol you will do just fine in your new job. Best of luck to you.

Answer 10

Be attentive
Be polite
Don't drink
If you are not sure how to make a drink check the guide, don't guess.
Free pour the alcohol (gives the customer the perception they are getting more)

.. and sorry to say it, but if you have nice cleavage use it to your advantage and wear something low-cut. This will keep the guys happy with you even if you do screw up their order.