Bar Etiquette 101 | Do’s and Don’ts Every Bar Customer Should Stick To

If you’re a regular bargoer, you know that walking to your favorite bar is almost like walking into your home. You can recognize a regular just by how they enter the doors, breezing freely through the crowd. The way they get their drinks is pretty telling too. They’ve got their favorites memorized and order their preferred blend without a flinch, or bartenders have them profiled to a tee and know only to ask if they’re getting the usual.

The thought makes sense if you think about it: the familiar atmosphere breeds comfort, making nights out a little more fun.

A night out at a bar is generally a fun experience. What’s not to like about letting loose with a bit of booze? But as great as it sounds, there are unwritten rules that customers should abide by. Yes, bar etiquette exists.

What are these unspoken bar rules? Do your homework and brief yourself on these do’s and don’ts. These tips are general, so you can apply them wherever you are in the world.

The DO’s: What to Do at a Bar

Even the most casual bars and places of leisure require some decorum from their customers. While not every establishment will provide a list of house rules at the door, it’s generally understood that by practicing good etiquette at a bar, everyone can have a good time. Have a great night by sticking to these practices:

Bring your manners with you

You’d think this tip is common knowledge. It shouldn’t take much to be a decent person at a bar, right?

Unfortunately, some leave their manners at home during nights out. Some customers treat bartenders and other patrons poorly, acting like they own the establishment. Sure, servers cater to customers’ orders, but they’re not your slaves!

When you order your drinks, don’t forget to ask politely. Saying “please” and “thank you” isn’t a tall order. It won’t hurt to give servers and staff a smile either! They’ll appreciate your kindness, even if you’ll only be there for a few hours.

Be ready when ordering

You don’t have to memorize a bar’s entire menu. However, you should be sure about what you plan to order—especially if you’ve been waiting for a while.

When your server/bartender comes to you for orders, don’t be the person that goes, “Hmmm, what should I get?” You’ll just waste their time by being unprepared.

It isn’t just being respectful to the bartender, it’s being respectful to the other customers queuing behind you. Be a great customer by clearly stating your order quickly and simply. If your chosen establishment has a “pay as you order” policy, have your money ready as well.

Buy rounds when you’re in a group

Let’s say you’re having an after-work drink with a few coworkers, and they all want different drinks. What’s the proper bar etiquette here? Buy the first round with one payment on the premise that another person gets the next round, and so on.

At first glance, you may think this might hurt your wallet, but think about it: when you’re in a group, individually ordering shots at a bar means numerous transactions. Individual orders waste bartenders’ time and are a hassle on their part because they still have tons of drinks to make.

Make bartenders’ jobs easier by lumping your choices into one order. It’s a win-win move that makes everyone happy.

Get your orders from your appointed server

If you’re at a table with a designated server taking your orders, stick with that person. Most servers normally have a nametag, so address that server by name. By sticking to your server, you’re ensuring that money will be coming that server’s way. Trust us—you don’t want to be the customer who robbed them of their much-deserved tips!

What if you’re getting a few drinks at the bar while waiting to be seated? Our recommendation: don’t transfer the bill to your table. Pay that tab and start a new one when you’re finally seated.

Dress for the occasion

You don’t need to look like you’re going to a red carpet event, but it never hurts to dress nicely!

For example, you’ve been invited to a night out at a cocktail bar. If you don’t know what to wear to a cocktail bar, we suggest you sport smart casual outfits. Since cocktail bars are refined establishments, you may want to look the part.

What if you’re headed to a hole-in-the-wall bar a few blocks from your house? By all means, dress informally! Just don’t wear something that makes you look like you’ve just gotten out of bed.

Some establishments have a sign at the door that shows the dress code. But if you plan on calling them beforehand for a reservation, ask if there is a dress code so you don’t show up only to get turned away at the entrance.

Clean as you go

It isn’t exactly customary for customers to clean up after themselves at a bar. But if you want to go the extra mile and be polite to the staff, bring your empty glasses to the bar! You’ll save them the time and trouble of cleaning up after your messes.

The DON’TS: What to Avoid Doing in Bars

Don’t be a bartender’s worst nightmare! Save everyone the misery of bad nights by remembering these don’ts:

Don’t hover at the bar

You know a customer lacks bar etiquette if they occupy a stool and act annoyed if people try to make room and request drinks. Don’t be that person!

As soon as you get your drink, leave the bar counter and allow other customers to enter. Not only will you be a polite patron, but you’ll make staff work more efficiently too.

Don’t wave your money to be noticed

You’re not talking to a performer on stage! If you’re waving your money to get a bartender’s attention, you’re an arrogant, rude, and impatient customer. Bartenders are always busy, and you don’t want to make their jobs harder than it already is.

If you want to get noticed and served, hold your money at eye level and give a subtle signal, like raising your hand. This assures faster and better service.

Don’t request to make your drink too strong

There’s a reason drinks have recipes. Don’t be a greedy customer by asking to make yours stronger! Doing that means you’re essentially asking for a free round, which, by the way, is a huge no-no!

That request may be a reason to get your bartender fired because making drinks stronger than their base alcohol levels is cheating. If you want more booze, be a decent person and pay up!

Don’t flirt with your bartender

Don’t attempt to flirt with your bartender—especially if you’re going out for drinks with a girl or guy! Not only will this turn your date off, but this will just make you look like a weird person. There’s no room for inappropriateness anywhere.

If you sense flirty banter between you, they’re only doing that to get bigger tips (which isn’t wrong per se). You’re not a VIP or special customer. To most bartenders, you’re just an average Joe (or Jane) paying for great drinks.

Don’t be messy

There’s a difference between getting drunk in a bar and getting hammered beyond belief. Don’t humiliate yourself and act out in a bar. You’ll scare customers and risk getting kicked out. Also, people can record anything nowadays. You don’t want to become an online laughingstock!

Watch your liquor and know when to put your drink down. Not only will you save yourself from a humiliating moment, but you’ll also avoid a nasty hangover too.

Try to apply these tips when you go out for a drink. Nights will be more fun if you act decently—even if you’re letting loose with a few shots and bottles.