I Was A Bartender For 3 Years. Here's How To Get Treated Like A Regular (Even On Your First Visit) - Tasting Table

"Whether you're patronizing a swanky cocktail bar, a classic dive, or somewhere in between, there are a few ways to let the bartender know you're the kind of customer worth giving special treatment to. Sure, tipping well and being polite will get you far enough - along with a few other do's and don'ts of ordering at the bar, but getting the type of service that the bartender's favorite regular receives is not that simple, especially on your first visit."

"Now, let's be clear that the service a bar regular gets isn't necessarily the best, five-star, ultra-attentive service. In my three years of bartending, the regulars weren't the people I gave my friendliest smile to or whose order I took most promptly. Rather, they were the people I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw them walk in, whose drinks I made a little extra strong, and who got dibs on the jukebox and TVs if they wanted."

"A little etiquette while ordering drinks can go a long way. First, a patient customer was always going to be served before an impatient one. If you see a bartender who is swamped, acknowledging how busy they are and letting them know you're fine waiting a bit for service can go a long way. Whenever I was in the weeds, the customer who said, "No rush, I can see that you're busy," was the first person I'd check on once I had a"

Bartenders favor patrons who show patience, politeness, clear ordering, and reasonable tipping. Regulars often receive subtle perks—slightly stronger drinks, priority on jukeboxes and TVs, insider recommendations, and casual conversation—rather than overt, ultra-attentive service. Acknowledging when staff are busy and offering to wait creates goodwill and makes a bartender more likely to check on and favor a customer. Basic ordering etiquette and respectful behavior speed the development of a friendly bartender–patron relationship. While becoming a true regular takes time, certain behaviors on a first visit can prompt similarly favorable treatment.

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