Drinking 101 - How does ordering drinks at the bar work?!
Also, are there any good drinks you can recommend for a beginning drinker? I would prefer to not look too stupid in front of my friends.
Answers: I'm a newbie to alcohol (although over the legal age) and was wondering exactly how to order at a bar/club/restaurant/etc. When do you pay? Do you ring out at the end of the night or pay after each round?
Also, are there any good drinks you can recommend for a beginning drinker? I would prefer to not look too stupid in front of my friends.
First step is to tell the bartender what you want. They make it and give it to you.
If you are sitting at the bar, often bartenders will automatically start a tab for you. That means they start a bill, just like when you eat at a restaurant. You pay at the end when you're ready to leave. Either the paper bill will be nearby,or you ask "check please".
Sometimes bartenders will ask whether you want to start a tab when they give you the drink. Else they'll just tell you the price, then you are expected to pay it (or ask to start a tab if you are sitting at the bar and expect to stay for a couple of rounds).
When you just walk up to a bar, you say what you want, when they hand it to you they tell you the price. Then you pay it.
Tipping is customary, whether you are running a tab or paying by the drink.
You can pay per drink right after you get it, or start a tab.
Most often, the bartender will just ask you to pay when you leave.
at a bar you pay as you go at a restaurant you pay when done. try beer 1st or a fruity drink like a daquiri. they are good beginners. and always follow the rule of thumb to never drive after drinking any amount.
Here. Allow me.
Bartender. I shall have a nuther Beesh Kneesh pleash, and here, my good man, is my very last 20 dollars. Keep the change old buddy old pal. Hey baby, want to go out with a spriritual man? Bartender. I would like a nuther Beesh Kneesh. That lasht one made my face hurt.
You usually pay at the time you're served and leave a tip. You might be able to start a tab where you just pay for everything when you leave but you'll likely have to leave a credit card with the bartender to do that.
If you're limited on your drinking, maybe you should start with white or red wine. Usually a bar will have a couple of each. If you don't know which kind you can always ask what they're like and you don't have to feel embarrassed about it. Beer is always a good choice too.
Try not to over do it and have fun.
You can pay per every drink you get or request to start a "tab" which allows you to buy all your drinks then pay when you are finished. In either of these paying arrangements expect to tip around 10-15%.
If you like beer Budweiser is always good and cheap, request a "Bud Draft". That is a good start and not very expensive. As for mixed drinks the Martini is a classic.
A Margarita or a Daiquiri are usually the easiest for you to order and very common. You can can get a vodka and OJ which is pretty good. Wine and beer can be hard for a first timer because they are not sweet and easy to choose one that is good tasting. Good luck though and have fun learning what you like and don't like.
Another good option for a drink is a Bloody Mary or Caesar. It's not for everyone, but if you like tomato juice, and a bit of spice, it's worth trying.