How to behave in adult bars after you graduate, according to a seasoned bartender

After working as a server/bartender for going on seven years, it is safe to say that I have seen just about everything when it comes to what to do (and what not to do) at any bar.

College bars and “grown-up” bars are totally different animals, each with different norms to figure out the correct way to act. Graduating and moving on to the big leagues is difficult to deal with already, and transitioning to after-work happy hours may be a little overwhelming. To help, here are a few starter tips to help ease your conversion.

Don’t harass your bartender

A simple flirt is plenty okay, however, don’t allow yourself to make your bartender feel uncomfortable. Working at a campus bar I have just about heard and experienced it all from extremely vulgar “compliments” to even a grab of the ass. I can gladly say that at my downtown job, I have never experienced anything even remotely close. You’ve graduated, now please grow up.

Add the phrase ‘whenever you get a chance’ to your vocab

As many other hospitality employees will agree, anyone who politely adds “whenever you get a chance” to any request immediately will move to the top of the bartenders priority list. This shows that you understand they are very busy and working hard and they appreciate it more than you can imagine.

Know your limit

Going to campus bars and getting one too many shots of well tequila is totally acceptable, but this is where that stops. You can still go have a few and get turnt without making a complete fool out of yourself. Besides, there will come a time and place when you will go out with coworkers and they will greet you on Monday with “how’d ya recover?” Save that one more drink for then.

Learn to tip

In college, it’s easy to get away with saying “I forgot to tip I was too drunk!” But, once you’re going to the fancier bars and inevitable happy hours, it is just plain rude to stiff your service. It’s understandable if you know your bartender is just straight up ignoring you, but be courteous if they are running around and doing a million things. It’s not as easy as some of us make it look.

Don’t act like you know what you’re talking about

Some people get intimidated by their peers when they order those dry martinis up dirty with a twist and want to make the same order. Trust me, you are not going to look like an idiot if you don’t know what an IPA is – this is the time to figure those things out! Don’t be afraid to ask questions and if you are really illiterate to alcohol, go into a bar alone one afternoon and do a little tasting for yourself. Familiarize yourself with everything so you don’t make the mistake of ordering that gross gin drink your boss did just to look cool.

The list could go on forever of college bar skills you think you finally have mastered. Throw all of that away and follow this guide and it will give you a good starter pack for how to act at your after work Friday Happy Hour with your new coworkers. Don’t worry-bars are still for boozing and socializing, it’s just a different, cleaner environment now.