How do you get a bartender's attention?

[Redlin5_v1legacy]

Eye contact and a good seat are key but you've heard this already.

Of course, you could loudly threaten to go to another bar where you hear the service is MUUUUUCH better.

 

[SuperToaster]

Just throw something at he's/her head.
Works every time.

 

[Dirty Hipsters]

Be tall, and wear an awesome hat. It's hard to ignore someone wearing an awesome hat.

 

[The Shade]

Honestly, I've always been successful by just sort of flicking my chin up at them.

Most bartenders and servers I've encountered scan their respective domains. If they see anyone make eye contact, they'll look at you for any kind of a sign. A little upward tilt of the head indicates "I request your attention, sir/madam!"

Mostly, just maintain eye contact. People are subconsciously drawn to faces, so if you're looking at them, chances are they'll look at you. (May take a moment if they're busy.)

And if you want the bill, I find combining the chin tilt with a scribbling motion of the hand (as if you're signing an invisible document) will get you the bill without any verbal communication necessary. Invaluable when you're in a hurry.

Be tall, and wear an awesome hat. It's hard to ignore someone wearing an awesome hat.

I've also found that this is incredibly handy, should you find yourself in a situation where an awesome hat is appropriate. I get excellent service when I'm wearing my fedora, as bartenders (and attractive women) are drawn to the awesome hat. Viking helmets optional.

 

[Tron-tonian]

Being male, I can't flash man-boobs to get faster service, so I pull out cash.

I don't *wave* it, but i make sure that it's visible, and if it's the first drink of the night, I tip VERY well. It helps that Canadian money is colored differently depending on the bill type, so I'll usually pay $10 for the first drink, with steady (though smaller) tips throughout the night.

Those of you who are bartenders - can you confirm - is a healthy tip a good way to ensure continuing good service?

 

[Astoria]

Usually just keep pushing your way to the front and lean over the counter a bit (really helps if you're a girl). If that doesn't work keep staring at them and have your money clearly visible. If that still doesn't work yelling at them sure would get their attention, not sure if it would make them serve you though.

 

[Vanguard_Ex]

stand up, and hold up a 5'er, and look them in the eyes. always worked for me. don't forget to smile if they're cute!

This is what works for me. I tend to kind of twiddle the note in my hand and raise my eyebrows if they make eye contact. Subtle but it works.

haha XD i just realised, we're talking about bartender's like they're pole dancer's XD

except they're better cuz 1-cheaper, and 2-booze last a hell of a lot longer and 3-alot less likely to get you in shit for anything lol.

Haha! We are tbh xP True dat man

 

[theamazingbean]

Hold up arm, yell "Hey!". Don't be black, cause that may get the cops called on you.

 

[DigitalAtlas]

Know how much you want to spend that night? Hold it up in bill form whilst looking at the bar-tender straight in the eyes and say 'Keep them coming till the money runs out. If I pass out before then, keep the bloody change!"

Best way to get roofied.

 

[Mr.Incognitus]

Yell and throw things at the people around you. On a more serious note, I wouldn't have a damn clue, bars aren't a place I hang around at

 

[Woodsey]

I normally just pull my trousers down.

 

[EHKOS]

I just yell "petro nemo slappywag!" That's Petorian for "More beer, you slappywag."

 

[Inco]

Smile, get eye contact

Bottom line, don't be a twat

Quoted for agreement.

Really, its just simple and yet the most effect means. This works for me in the most crowded nightclubs that have people in every direction.
Just make sure you actually come forth and look like you are going to buy, don't stand back and be passive, but dont be aggressive or you just be more of a pain and ignored. (I think confidence is a good word for it, stand out from the crowd.)

 

[Blunderboy]

Smile, get eye contact

DO NOT wave money, bang the bar or be any kind of nuisance, you have no idea how fucking annoying it is having some asshole shout at you while you're busy doing something else or seeing to someone else, and in most cases most staff will make you wait longer out of principle

If you're not being served it's probably because the bar is very busy, in which case it's just better to be patient, if you keep coming back try to get the same guy or girl, they should remember you and remember the fact that you're not an asshole and be more inclined to come to you first, it's also good to leave a small tip like £1 or $1 or whatever, it's not much but this is what will get you remembered and faster service in the future

Bottom line, don't be a twat

This. Oh so much.
I used to be a barman, and nothing gave me a warmer feeling then ignoring people like this to serve the calm patient people.

Just say in the same place, where you are visible. Any decent barman will have a system, and will have a rough idea of who has been there for how long.

 

[ThongBonerstorm]

Have HUGE boobs.... they always get served first, and the host they've chosen.

 

[SillyBear]

Just wait? I've never been in a bar where they don't serve you eventually. Sometimes when they are busy you might be overlooked a few times, but they'll always come back to serve you.

I really don't understand what the issue is here, is this an American thing or something?

 

[Zac Smith]

Was in a busy bar one night and some girl kept pushing in front of everyone saying "can I get served pleased" guy behind the bar went "Tip for the future, the more you shout out, the more we ignore you" I lol'd to myself

 

[Twilight_guy]

Bring in a beer bottle, break it open on the counter and threaten to stab someone if you don't get a drink. Then have the cops arrive and arrest you and... no wait that's the wrong plan. Have you tried getting his attention the same way as another other clerk, i.e. body language saying "hey you, I wanna buy something".