Is it rude to only order 1 drink at a bar?

Question

I still tip 20%. Just wondering because I got some weird looks from bar tenders when I told them to close my tab after 1 drink on a couple different occasions.

Answer 1

Its unusual but not rude. Most people go to bars to socialize and have a couple of drinks, while others who just want one drink usually buy it from a store. Most or Alot of cases a guy goes to hang out with friends or pick up girls so usually a number of drinks are bought.

Answer 2

Why should they care when you tip them 20%... Do they want a tip or not would be my ???

Answer 3

you probably get weird looks because most people have more than 1 drink..but its not rude no

Answer 4

No.  It's not rude to ask someone to perform their job.  That's like asking if it's rude to order one coffee at Starbucks.

I assume you are in the States, because no one outside of the States tips 20% to a bartender.  Even in the states, 10% is fine for taking up 45 seconds of a bartender's time.

Tip 20% if you are sitting at the bar and he changes the TV channel to the sports event you want to see and he keeps your glass full.

Answer 5

it is not rude to just order 1 drink...it would be rude if you did not order anything and just sat at the bar taking up space...hey u did not do anything rude ...you bought a drink ...paid for it and paid a tip....to heck with that bartender who gave u a snotty look....

Answer 6

First of all, kudos to you for tipping 20% on your drinks.  Trust me, it doesn't go unnoticed and, if anything, the bartender is probably sad that you are not ordering more so he/she can make some more cash off you.

On that note, how long do you sit at the bar with that one drink?  If you chill for thirty minutes or so, pay your tab and leave, then the bartender is being obnoxious.  However, if you nurse one drink for over an hour and don't order any food or more drinks, then the bartender may be antsy about the money they could be making off that seat, especially if it is at the height of the dinner rush.

Regardless, it is your right as a patron to sit and consume your drink but if you are taking that stool for two hours (and assume it's a 1.80 tip on a 9.00 martini), then they're not dissing you, just seeing the money they COULD be making (one patron per hour who eats dinner and has a couple drinks, running up a thirty dollar tab and leaving six dollars x two hours = 12 bucks).

I hope that makes sense.  Again, good for you for being a good tipper.  I would forgive just about anything if someone was cordial and tipped well.

Answer 7

Weird looks because they dont see that often.

Answer 8

OK, here's how I see it.  The bartenders are probably wondering why they had to set up a tab for you for one drink instead of just paying upfront for the drink.  It is NOT rude of you, but that's where those quizzical looks are probably coming from, that's all.

Answer 9

rather have one drink then one drink too many

Answer 10

I don't think so, it's your decision how much you want to drink, they are getting paid regardless