Going to a bar for the first time. Don't want to spend too much but want good drinks. Suggestions?!
Answers: Im turning 22 and some of my friends want to take me out to the bar. This will obviously be my first time so I don't want to look like a fool. First of all, what is some common terminology used around the bars? Secondly, I am on a limited budget so I was wondering how the tipping system works for bars and was also wondering about the best drinks (can be beer or mixed drinks). Finally, my friends encouraged me to meet a girl at the bar so is it normal to just walk up to a girl and start talking, or is it better if my group of guys go join a table full of girls to make conversation? Thanks a lot for ya suggestion!!!
Since you're on a budget, I suggest asking for your drinks 'tall', this means that they add more mixer, that way the drink will last a little longer and the alcohol won't hit you so hard. You typically order 'highballs' tall, which is just one alcohol and one mixer like a rum and coke, or a gin and tonic. You can get away with tipping $1 per drink if you're ordering separately, or $2-3 for up to 5 drinks, but no less than $5 for at least 10 drinks at once. If you leave the card at home, you probably won't be able to run a tab, which is a good thing, you'll stay in budget. If you're ordering yourself a shot, you should order it chilled, it'll make the liquor go down smoother and you won't choke and look like a dork. As for what kind of drinks to order, since this is your first time, I'd let your friends order the shots (and maybe they'll pay for the round), and stick to something you're comfortable with. I'm guessing that even though this is your first time to a bar, you've at least drank before, so stick with that, and add a mixer. I personally like Crown and Coke, to be simple, but it can get pretty complicated. If you want to be a little daring, Try ordering one of these variations: A Long Island ice tea is a mixture of vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, sweet&sour, and coke, half shots of the alcohols and fill with the mixers. If you don't like the coke, try a Long Beach (my other personal fave) which is the same thing but with cranberry juice, a Tokyo Tea, which is with Midori (a melon flavored liqueur), or a Bartender's Ice Tea, which is a Long Island without the tequila, to make it a little smoother. These, along with the highballs we talked about earlier, are probably the most popular bar drinks.
If you want to talk to a girl, instead of sending her a drink like all your friends will be ragging on you to do, go up to her and ask her if you can buy her one. It'll show her that you have the balls to actually come up, instead of hiding behind the alcohol. If you don't think you'll be able to, have a friend buy you a shot, wait for it to sink in, then go for it.
P.S.- If you get a shot of tequila, it's LICK the salt, TAKE the shot, then BITE the lime. You'd be surprised how many people don't know this.
Aww you poor guy.
If you are on a budget. Take just the amount of cash you want to spend. LEAVE THE ATM/CREDIT CARD!!!
As for the ladies...do what you feel is natural. Just don't show fear! You can do the group thing or you can approach one on your own. Maybe one will approach you.
hmmm.....first off, if you're not much of a drinker i'd suggest you stick with beer. usually your cheapest bet at the local bar would be your domestic ( bud, miller, lager...etc ) draft beers ( whatevers on tap ). bottles usually cost more than draft.....and if you're drinking an import or a better beer you might be spending $2-$3 more than what's on draft. best mixed drink - bang for your buck - deff a long island iced tea. five different liquors - poured almost 3 quarters full ( that's how we do, anyhow ) and it still tastes like a dream - not like a liquor overload. but they pack a punch - the nondrinker will usually be VERY drunk off of 2. bar terminology - be cool and specify if you want a beer bottle or draft if they have both....but bartenders usually ask. asking for a shot of liquor is self explainatory...but some people ask for it up or straight up. if you want, lets say, a scotch on ice, ask for it on the rocks. bartenders will sometimes ask you if you won't tequila shots with groceries...thats lemon/lime and salt.....it's easier to request such things with your drinks. a mixed drink - order as such - you want whiskey and coke - order it as such. a single is a small glass & a double is a larger or pint glass. last call means the bar is closing - order your last drink - you won't get another chance. as for tips....i suppose it depends on the person & the bar... one dollar a drink is the norm - but when you tip higher your bartender WILL remember you - expect better drinks & less of a wait when it's busy....as for the girlies - thats always a hard call - some chickeys are out to drink and socialize and have a good time while others are out with a friend and dont want to be bothered - you have to judge their persona - but usually groups of guys & groups of girls work out well... alright....i'm writing a book....stick to draft beers for your first bar night out and observe everything for a bit...it's always interesting & maybe you'll learn a thing or two....have fun & cheers....
miller high life or bud lite would be good for u if u want a mix drink Seagram's wine cooler will do that way u wont be too drunk