Going to a bar for the first time, how not to look like an idiot?

Question

Hey all, I just turned 21 and I want to appear semi savy going to the bars this week. What are some good drinks to order, and what kind of lingo do I use for them? "On the rocks" is with ice obviously, what are some other examples?

Answer 1

When I serve drinks, I see inexperienced male drinkers order frozen drinks or "fruity" drinks. Please save the strawberry daiquiris and the Bahama Mamas for the ladies.

I would say either stick to your favorite beer or liquor. Most beers taste better on draft, so try a draft beer and stick to the same one. For liquor, pick your favorite and choose a mixer. When I go out I often order a "Stoli and Coke." Your favorite could be "C.C. (Canadian Club) and Diet" or "Grey Goose and Sprite" or many other possibilities. Just another note: no need to say "on the rocks" here; that's just understood. If you don't want ice, say "up" or "straight up."

The most important advice I can give you is to tip the bartender well. Remember: the more you tip, the better your next drink will be. I tip a couple dollars (or more) for each drink.

Answer 2

Uhh i turned 21 a few months back and i didn't need anyones help on how to act at a bar. If this is your 1st time in a bar then that's sad. Plus if you are going to order anything "on the rocks" you might as well go to a club. You get beer at bars kid. Go up say hey i'm 21 now can i have a Bud on the rocks. Oh yea and tap is when it comes in a glass and not the bottle. A bottle is a bottle of beer so you know. And it is okay to walk around the bar with a drink in your hand. Real men don't drink mixed drinks, so that should have been your 1st lesson on how to act at the bar.

Answer 3

I'd just pick a beer you like - if you go for spirits or fancy cocktails, you could get hammered far too easily, which will indeed make you look less than savvy!

Drinking something you know you like will also make you feel more comfortable. Make sure you have something to eat before you go out - or order bar snacks - again so that you don't get hammered too quickly.

Have fun.

Answer 4

Go easy on yourself. Walk in, sit down at the bar and order a Bud draft! Have your ID handy.

Answer 5

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!! Go online and try out a few different recipes before venturing out to the bar and beer is always a safe bet.

Answer 6

I prefer Crown & Coke myself, just Crown Royal (whiskey) with coca cola....but if you don't want to look like an idiot, just don't get so hammered you start puking everywhere. Have some confidence too, you'll do fine.

Answer 7

Don't dance on the bar.

Answer 8

Ask for a shirley temple. The girls will come swarming.