||||Resurrection

It’s a long known problem.  Many in our crowd are BAD tippers.  That’s one reason bartenders are loathe to do goth nights.  It was a huge problem for Emergence and it’s beginning to be an issue for Resurrection, too.

So, in the interest of keeping our gracious hosts at The Breezeway happy with us, I will now let you young’uns in on the secret to how to get a drink FAST and STRONG at any bar.  This isn’t just for Res, but it is for ANY bar you go to.

First, we begin with the “base” of $1 per drink.  This is because the bartender is going through the trouble of getting you something.  In general, if the bartender popped the cap or poured it, you tip at least $1.  You don’t always have to tip for water or canned soda, but it helps.  In short, if the bartender poured it, mixed it, or popped the top, you tip.

That’s the base.  That’ll keep the bartender from wringing out the slop rags into your drink and make you a normal patron.

You want really good service?  Really good drinks?  Tip more.  Yes, I know you’re probably thinking, “but isn’t the bar already making a huge profit?”  Not after you factor in all the expenses: lease, utilities, pay, insurance, etc.  But back to tipping.  Normally, I’ll tip $2 for the first drink of the night.  Every other drink I alternate $1 and $2.  What’s it get me?  I can walk into my usual bars and the bartender points to me from a distance.  I hold up the number of fingers for the number of drinks I want or give a thumbs-up and the drinks are expertly poured and waiting for me by the time I get to the bar.  Watch me at even the Grand Buffoon some day.  I get my drinks with a nod and much less waiting than most people at the bar.

There is one more exception you should know about.  If you order a complex drink… say, a *real* Long Island iced tea or a brain tumor, or anything layered, etc… or if you order anything top shelf – single malt for instance – your tip should start at $2 and go up from there.  If you’re ordering the insanely expensive stuff, and ONLY if you’re ordering the insanely expensive stuff ($100 a drink and up) then and ONLY then can you tip a flat percentage of 10-20%.

Lastly, you can alter the amount to reflect the quality of service.  Some bartenders are known far and wide for their service.  Scott makes strong drinks.  Terri is fast as lightning.  Both mix exceptionally well.  Let them know you appreciate it.

I had to be pulled aside and explained the basics, too.  (Thanks, Terri!) Over the intervening years the other details became apparent.  I was an uninformed 21 year old once, myself.  Nothing wrong with that.  Now you know.