How Much to Tip a Bartender

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Practicing Good Etiquette

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Video

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Q&A

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Tips

At a sit-down restaurant, you tip your waiter at the end of your meal and go on your way. But at a bar, how and when you tip can make or break the quality of service you receive throughout the night. Yes, tipping your bartender is an art, and one you'll need to practice if you want the bartender's attention. We'll fill you in on the ins and outs of tipping at bars, as well as some other etiquette to practice on your night out.

Things You Should Know

Tip your bartender after every round to receive quick, quality service.
Tip between 50-100% after your first round to establish a good relationship with your bartender.
Keep tips for simple drinks around $1-2, and tip around $2-3 dollars for mixed drinks or cocktails.
Add to your tip if your bartender is doing a great job, and never try to haggle with your bartender.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Tipping Your Bartender

1
Tip big on the first round. In some circles, it's common practice to leave a large tip on the first round. Depending on the bar, leave between 50-100% to make a good first impression.^{[1]
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- Some bartenders might think you want special treatment for leaving such a large tip. Don't act like the bartender owes you anything, and don't make a big deal about leaving a good tip.^{[2]
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- Even if you don't tip large on the first round, you should at least leave something. Don't stiff your bartender, especially on the first round.^{[3]
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2
Tip according to the drink. If you order a beer or a glass of wine, you can usually get away with tipping between $1-2. If you order a cocktail, tip between $2-3. The longer your bartender spends making your drink, the more you should tip them.^{[4]
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3
Leave a tip for every drink. If you're paying in cash, make sure to leave a tip for every drink. A good rule to follow is about $1 a drink. In nicer bars, leave $2 per drink.^{[5]
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- If you're paying with a card, calculate 20% of your tab at the end of the night. For more expensive cocktails, it's a better idea to go with 20% of the tab rather than tipping by the drink. If you have trouble calculating the appropriate tip amount, just divide your total costs by 5.^{[6]
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Tip extra for exceptional service. If your bartender was particularly quick to serve you, or made each drink perfectly, reward his good service. It's the bartender's job to make sure you have a good time. Not only is he responsible for making your drinks, but he's also responsible for making you feel welcome in the bar. If you appreciated the extra lengths your bartender went to improve your evening, leave a big tip.^{[7]
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Don't bargain with your bartender. Don't try to convince your bartender to give you a free drink in exchange for a tip. You're asking the bartender to steal, which could get her fired.^{[8]
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- Don't ask your bartender to make you a strong drink unless you are willing to pay for it. If you want a stronger drink, order a double.^{[9]
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- If you do end up getting a strong drink, remember to reward your bartender with a nice tip.^{[10]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Practicing Good Etiquette

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Be patient. Bartenders have a lot of customers to serve, and they have to give each one their full attention. Don't wave money at the bartender to get his attention. Just make eye contact, and wait your turn.
- Don't slam your hands on the bar or yell to get the bartender's attention. Don't do anything obnoxious in the hopes that you'll get served next. Chances are, if you're rude, you're going to wait longer.
2
Order your drinks the right way. When the bartender approaches you for your order, be ready. Don't hold up the line trying to decide what you want.^{[11]
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- When ordering a mixed drink, start your order with the type of liquor you want. If you have a brand preference, say so. Don't say, "Can I get a Whiskey and Coke with Jack Daniels." Instead, say, "Can I get a Jack and Coke?"^{[12]
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Don't ask for drinks after the bar has closed. Bars give a "last call" warning several minutes before they start closing up. This is your last opportunity to order a drink. Bars give their patrons a few minutes after close to finish their drinks, but they legally cannot sell you another drink.^{[13]
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Be respectful. Your bartender is a human being and deserves to be treated with respect. Don't boss your bartender around, and don't make demands.^{[14]
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- Don't argue with your bartender over the amount of your tab. Your bartender has a better idea of how much you drank than you did.^{[15]
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- Don't talk on your phone while you're waiting in line.^{[16]
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5
Know how to tip when you travel. Tipping customs are different depending on where you are. In the U.S. you are expected to tip no matter what. Even if you have bad service, it is still considered rude to stiff someone. In Japan, however, tipping is an insult.^{[17]
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- In the U.K., you wouldn't leave a tip, but you would offer to buy the bartender a drink.^{[18]
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- If you travel to a place and you're not familiar with their tipping customs, just ask your bartender.^{[19]
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Community Q&A

Question

What percentage do I tip when running a tab and settling at the end of the evening?

Community Answer

About 20%. Take your total and multiply it by 0.2 and that will give you the amount you want to tip, or divide your check by 5.
Question

Should I tip the bartender or server if they are also the owner of the establishment?

Community Answer

Yes. If they served you, then you should tip them as you would any other employee.
Question

How should I tip the bartender if I ordered food and tap water but no drinks?

Community Answer

If you are sitting at he bar, you should tip. Bartenders know that everyone can't drink liquor at lunch, or if they are the DD, or on medication. The bartender still has to pour the drink, even if it is water, and if you are at the bar, you are taking up a seat. Depending on how long you are there, and how many waters you are served, you should still tip at least $1-$5 for water.