What makes a good bartender?

We just visited our 71st bar on this quest for the best in the Adirondack Park. The bartender is the first line of defense and usually the first person to whom you speak when visiting an unfamiliar tavern. A great bartender can make a lousy bar look good. A bad bartender can ruin even the best bar.

What makes a good bartender? The criteria varies, depending upon your needs. If you just need somebody to serve you a drink, not engage you in conversation, any bartender will do.

Good Bartender

1. Don't be an asshole.

2. Do greet your customer in a timely manner, even if you're busy. Let them know they have your attention, even if you're restocking all the beer, mixing kamikazes, and taking a food order all at the same time. A smile goes a long way.

3. Be helpful. Some people just never know what they want to drink. Offer suggestions and ask leading questions. Do you like martinis? Are you a vodka drinker? Shots are my specialty.

4. Know something about the establishment for which you work and the basic history of the place.

5. The most attractive people are not necessarily the best tippers. (See rule #1.)

6. Speak to your customers as though they're adults, not third graders. (See rule #1.)

Good Bartender

7. Try to act like you like your job, even if you don't. Though we can usually tell. Burnouts are obvious.

8. Be forthright. If one customer orders a rum and Coke, and the other orders a diet Coke, and you only have Pepsi products (or vice versa) tell both customers the truth. (See rule #1.)

9. Don't touch the sipping part of my glass.

10. Fer Chissakes, wash your hands once in awhile.

11. Listen. You can learn a great deal through observation. You have two ears and one mouth. You should listen twice as much as you talk.

There is more to an enjoyable experience than a good bartender. It's also imortant to be a good customer. We hope we are. Advice on that next time. Just don't be an asshole.

Cheers & Bottoms Up!
Kim & Pam