The everyman's guide to bar etiquette

I bartend for a living. It's a decent way to make a living while I figure out the rest of my life. I'd like to offer some advice in hopes that you have better bar experiences in your future.

1) Have a go-to drink. Bourbon and ginger, scotch and soda, vodka cranberry, Budweiser - it doesn't matter. It should be simple.

2) Know what you want before you grab the bartender's attention. Nothing is more annoying than being grabbed at a busy bar from a patron that does not know what they want.

3) There's a time and a place for complicated drinks. We're more than happy to make you an old fashioned or a Vesper martini, but if it's shoulder to shoulder inside, keep it simple. We've got other people to worry about.

4) Tip. You do not have to tip extravagantly. One dollar per drink is standard. Two if you make us muddle something. Tips are how we make a living, and the bartender remembers who tips and who does not. If you do not tip, the bartender will be slower getting back to you or may outright ignore you.

5) Tip above and beyond and you will get drinks for free. I promise.

6) Throughout the course of the night, bartenders are bought a lot of drinks and shots. This is a nice gesture and we appreciate it. However, never do this in lieu of tipping.

7) If you order a really obscure shot or cocktail, be prepared to tell us what it is. We have good memories but we don't know everything.

8) The best way to get served quickly at a bar is to be patient. I know this seems counter-intuitive. Make polite eye contact and have your money or credit card out.

9) Don't wave your credit card or money at us. Don't reach your hand further over the bar to get our attention. If you're reaching behind the bar with a $20 in your hand, we will assume it is a tip for us.

10) On busy nights, we have at least five drink orders in our heads at all times. Don't yell a drink order when you haven't been acknowledged. It's the equivalent of trying to do math while someone yells numbers at you.

11) The bar fruit tray is not your personal buffet.

12) If it is busy, try to avoid opening and closing a tab for one drink.

13) A kamikaze is vodka and lime juice. A SoCo kamikaze is called a SoCo and lime. A bourbon and lime juice is disgusting.

14) Know your limit, especially if the bar is a place you frequent. It is one thing to embarrass yourself somewhere where you'll never be seen again. It is another to embarrass yourself night after night in the same place.

15) Conduct yourself as a gentleman (or lady) at all times.

16) If you want to follow none of this advice, just go out on Halloween, New Year's Eve and St Patrick's Day. Those are the amateur drinking holidays and you'll be in good company.

Follow this advice and you will have a better bar experience every time. I promise.

Rule #3

A gentleman ties his own bowtie.

Sartorial Mecca: Sid Mashburn

I was in Atlanta last weekend and had to hit up Sid Mashburn in Midtown. High praise has come from Esquire and GQ as well as a number of well respected style blogs, and after seeing the place in person, all of it is deserved. The store itself was beautiful, the items amazing, and the staff cordial and helpful. It is a store with only the best and nothing unnecessary - you could shop with your eyes closed and come out happy.

Known for great tailors, the shop's in-house staff works out in the open for everyone to see.

The shop also has a partnership with Filson.

I've been lusting after a pair of the Sid Mashburn Double Monk oxfords for a long time and was ready to buy them, but they were out of my size. Supposedly they are getting a new shipment soon. They're even more beautiful in person. In the meantime, I'm on the waiting list.

Next time!

I was also able to make a trip to the Vortex in Little Five Points. Great burgers and great beer, what more could you ask for?

Rule #2

Every gentleman needs a good tailor, barber, and cobbler.

Words of Wisdom

"Only two kinds of people wear sunglasses indoors: blind people and assholes."

- Larry David

Rule #1

Some things are always worth the money. Quality shoes, a good watch, and good booze are among them.

Introduction

Welcome,

This blog will contain advice and rules on style, etiquette, and other assorted randomness. I hope to share some knowledge on topics that I wish someone had given to me before I learned the hard way.

Being a well rounded gentlemen requires many things - understanding of style, situational etiquette, music - I think we all know what being well rounded entails. These are the topics I will cover.

Enjoy!

Tom