I have been hired as a cocktail waitress but have never done it before.What are some important things to know?

Question

It is at a casual bar with several pool tables. Occasional pool tournaments happen there. I basically want to know if there are any "terms" that would be helpful for me to know so I'm not a deer in the headlights when talking to the patrons or the bartender. Is there a best way to make great tips without being a s***k? What do I do when I experience harrassment? And at what level of harrassment should be reported?

Overall, are there any cocktail waitresses or bar patrons out there with some advice?

Answer 1

It will probably be mostly beers, so I doubt there will be too many terms. Just familiarize yourself with what liquor they have, what beer they have on draft, and what they have in bottles. If they ask for a bottled beer, ask if they want a glass (or chilled mug if you have them ready). If they get a draft and you are the one filling it for whatever reason, remember that if it is the first of the day to let the tap run for a bit or it will be flat. If someone asks for a paper cup when they have a drink (and they aren't cashing out) they are chewing tobacco, so stuff a paper towel in it before taking it to them.

You can be friendly and flirt without coming on to someone. You'll see very quickly which ones you can safely flirt and joke with and which ones are creeps. Don't try to work the creeps for tips; it isn't worth it.

Report it if anyone grabs/gropes you, threatens you, flashes you, or is abusive. There is a difference between being skeevy and abusive. If they are just too much but haven't done anything overt, mention it to someone who isn't the manager, and get their advice. If you don't have a boyfriend, made-up ones work also. =)

Answer 2

DON'T bend over.  do the "Bunny Dip" and dip at the knees.  be yourself, and be friendly.  tell your boss if guys get too eager.

Answer 3

If the customers are mostly playing pool I doubt very much they are really going to be into "cocktails". Pool players are more your run of the mill beer drinking types. Just be polite and assertive, I doubt you will get much trouble. If someone grabs your backside or any part of your body then that should be reported but I kind of think you can use your common sense for that! Whatever you feel is uncomfortable is not acceptable.

Answer 4

never drink on the job...actually never drink on the premises even when you are off duty.

Answer 5

1. If happen to pinch your rear just ignore me and laugh it off.

2. I am always right.

3. A few provocative words are okay just smile and wink.

4. A phone number is worth a thousand words.

Take all of these and turn them around 180 degrees. It is not alright for a guy sober or drunk, to treat you with less than basic social respect. Being drunk is never an excuse for inappropriate actions by any person. You are a person doing a job not a s**y (okay maybe s**y) toy for a drunk boy.