How do I tip and/or buy drinks at a lounge and/or bar?

Question

I know this is gonna sound weird, but I've had alcoholic beverages since I was 21 and now I'm 30 and I still don't know what the etiquette is regarding tipping and buying drinks in general at a bar and/or lounge.

While I've been in a bar and lounge before, I was never the one to buy drinks or tip. Luck had it that someone I was with was always the one who did.

Now, I'm going on a date and I'd like to know what to do.

Do I sit down first and then get the drinks at the bar itself and bring the drinks back to our table? How much do I tip for each drink? Do I tip at the end of the night when I'm ready to pay or do I have to pay each time I get a drink and tip each time as well?

Answer 1

I don't agree with tipping. Employers should pay decent wages.

Answer 2

Start a tab with your card and slide the bartender cash after every drink, this will ensure great service at a busy place.  If they are a good bartender they will bring the drinks to you, but dont count on it.  If your sitting at a table you will probably have a server, so if you do get your drinks at the bar, dont ask them to transfer it. close it out with the bartender, and leave more than 20 percent

Answer 3

There are some bars that do not have table service, possibly on slow weekday nights.

In those cases, you are expected to order your drinks at the bar and carry them to your table.  Sit at a table then do this.

You are usually expected to pay at that time.

Tips can be about 10% each time.

With table service, you will wait for a server.  At these times, you can run a tab.  You may need a credit card to do this and the server will process the card and return it to you.  If the employees know you and/or you are a regular, they will run a tab and allow you to pay cash on closing it out.

When you close out the tab, 15%-20% tip is the norm.  We have all been guilty at times of over tipping a hot waitress.  LOL

Answer 4

1st you know that bartenders and waitress work hard for that part of their pay. 15 percent is the norm. But I being a F& B mgr for 23 years tip depending on service. If a bartender or waiterperson goes beyond (telling me about specials makeing me feel like they are glad I am here etc I tip 25 percent.

If you are waiting to be seated and at the bar tip per order.

2 drinks at 5 each -depending on service 1-3 dollars. Happy dinning

Answer 5

when you get to the bar, if you are sitting at a table, most people will go directly to the bar, order a drink, and then find their seat at a table. your date could also find a table for the both of you while you go to the bar to order.  some bars will offer table service, and in this case you should probably run a tab.  if it is a smaller bar, or if it's slow, you may have to go up and order your drinks at the bar as you want them.  

if you are paying with a credit card, the bartender will take it and hold it and you can order drinks and have them put on your tab while you are there, then when you are leaving, you go up, tell him you want to close your tab, and pay your bill.  your bartender will give you back your credit card along with a reciept that you will write your tip ammount on.  although restaurants usually have you tip 15%, you should tip at least 20% when at a bar.  (i have no idea why, and if your date doesn't see the tip, i would imagine it won't make a difference to anyone but the bartender.)

if you are paying cash, you should pay as you go, and tip him when he gives you your change.  most bars will not let you start a tab if you won't give them a credit card to hold at the bar anyway.  when paying cash, always tip at least a dollar per drink, and if you are drinking mixed drinks, you should tip at least 2 dollars per drink. (these are minimum ammounts, if you get particularly good service you can tip more.)