tips for a new bartender?

[moose]

gasp, scary thought. just started my 2nd job this past week bartending on one of the many ferries to martha's vinyard.

having never really served alcohol (and im not a huge drinker, except at certain conventions ) can you experienced folk give me some basic tips so that i can do well?

edit: made almost 50 bucks in 2 hours on a charter tonight, so i guess im not doing all that bad, right?

[snapperhead]

dont use a "jigger" .....I always hated bartenders that did, the drinks were always to weak and therefore so were my tips

[rpm]

On a free pour spout, count to 3 while pouring....that's 1 oz.

Don't get used to the big tips unless you land a really choice gig or a job at a gay bar. Male bartenders generally make 1/3 in tips vs females.

[Nefarious]

Know a lot about everything.

I know I'm being vague, but It seems like all of my favorite Bartenders could always chime in and add a useful tidbit to a conversation.

Know Peoples names, and what they drink. Especially Regulars.

People like when they sit down and see the bartender pouring thier drink Without saying anything. Or when they approach the bar and thier asked personally by name what they will be having.

Keep the Bar Food Rolling...

Always ask if they need a menu and mention the Days special, Keep the cooks busy and make a few dollars on the side.

Carry a Lighter and Pour a Good Drink.

Thats about it.

[capt. apathy]

nobody should stand at your bar without at least a - "be right with you", for more than about 5-10 sec.

have an opinion but don't get sucked into arguments.

don't assume anything into a drink if it isn't asked for (mostly ice) if they like it they will generally ask for it or you can add it later much easier than pouring a drink off the ice and having it taste watered.

always have a lighter a pen and paper within arms reach.

and kiss your nights out at the bar goodbye.  unless you are a serious drinker, working in a bar will quickly ruin it for you as a place to go for fun.  4 weeks working the door severely cut down on the fun-factor for me.

[Gnslngr]

agreed about the lighter and the pen.  Also do not make eye contact w/ somone (on busy times) unless you tell them "be right w/ you" or you are ready to serve them.  

Allways keep your bar clean....aint nothin worse that sittin down at a bar and putting my hands in 3 hour old beer.

Not sure if you have a uniform or not but allways look your best no matter what.  some customers notice the effort and will tip better because of it.

And of course the number one rule of bartending:

You treat every customer the same.....doesnt matter if they are a big tipper or not.....by the same I mean w/ the best possible service.

[Jester]

Invest in a copy of MR. BOSTON's OFFICIAL BARTENDERS GUIDE.

Sure as you don't have one - someone will come through and order something you have never heard of.

Also, very good advice about the lighter, pen & paper, clean bar, quickly making contact with the customer & well kept appearence. Will bring you better tips and results.

[boxboy28]

My tips........
1. Pen and paper ya sure

2. if you serve bottled beer have an opener on you!

3. i always wore a bar towel or rag tucked in the front of my pant (like a mingus cover)

4. always greet them like mentioned before (with the ill be right with you)

5. speed kills but dont ever let people sit there while you arent working on making a drink or doing your job(nothing worse than walking up to a bar and watching the bar tender stand there talking or smoking) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

6. Convo is allways great! but dont intrud!

7. Yes remember drinks and Names !  ( i allways new drinks but mostly forgot names! To this day i can be out some where and people know me but i have no clue as to there names but i could tell you what they drank!!!!)

8. when you see a big tipper (and you will) allways allways allways  hook his arse up fast and strong/big drink (if they like it)
thats all i can think of now!  


Thats all i got now but is noon here in Michigan on a Sunday ind im hung over!

[Fridaddy]

And dont drink while at work. More bartenders become alcoholics that way

[tapakeg]

A monkey can be taught to make a rum and coke or open a bud light, but he can't hold a very good conversation.  Good point on know a little bit about everything especially sports.  Never go overboard on discussions about politics, religion, or anything racist.

Know your products.  When I first started bartending I was reading every label and smelling all the liquors.  People will want to know what is the difference between Makers Mark and Jack Daniels.  It sucks to have a bartender that does not know Glenlivet from Glen Campbell.  (yeah a bad joke).

If you are in a busy envioronment, BE FAST AND EFFICIENT.  If you are in a fancy place learn to make the drinks GOOD.  People appreciate a good bloody mary or old fashioned.

and defenetly yes keep a clean bar.

Tapakeg

[Gixer]

If your doing cocktails (foget Tom Cruise) don't pretend to know 50 and do them all badly. Just learn 10 and do them very well with perfect consistency. Customers especially females love good cocktails.

Bar work is Sales, note what ever your Bar's main product is, wine,whisky what ever. And learn as much as possible about it. Easy to sell when you know what your talking about.



...-Gixer

[Ghosth]

Listen well, don't say much. Nods & shoulder shrugs let them know your listening without you actually having to speak.

What happens there stays there, kinda like vegas.

I don't think you'll have many problems.

Best of luck to you!

[xrtoronto]

I would suggest having a supply of matchbooks handy so if one of the patrons meets somebody and wants to write down a phone number, they can use the matchbook (and your pen if req'd)

matchbooks with name of bar on it ... even better!

[JoOwEn]

Try not to drink all the liquor.