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Shaken, Not Stirred: Bartending Secrets to Keep Your Customers Coming Back (and Not Throwing Their Drinks at You)

Marcus Lansky

As a bartender, one of the most important aspects of your job is providing excellent customer service. A positive customer experience can lead to repeat business, positive reviews, and increased tips. Here are some ways to improve customer service as a bartender:

  1. Greet customers with a smile: When customers walk into the bar, make sure to greet them warmly with a smile. This simple gesture can make them feel welcome and valued.

  2. Pay attention to customers: When you're behind the bar, it's easy to get caught up in making drinks and forget about your customers. Make a conscious effort to pay attention to them, ask them how their day is going, and engage in small talk. This can make them feel valued and help to build a relationship.

  3. Listen to customer requests: Some customers may have specific requests for their drinks or want to modify a menu item. Listen to their requests and do your best to accommodate them. This can show that you care about their experience and are willing to go above and beyond to meet their needs.

  4. Make recommendations: If customers are unsure of what to order, make recommendations based on their preferences. This can show that you have a deep knowledge of the menu and can help customers discover new drinks that they may enjoy.

  5. Stay organized: Being organized behind the bar can help you serve customers more efficiently and quickly. Keep your bar tools and ingredients organized and make sure that everything is within easy reach. This can help to prevent delays and long wait times for customers.

  6. Follow up with customers: After customers have received their drinks, follow up with them to make sure that everything is to their satisfaction. If there are any issues, do your best to resolve them quickly and effectively.

Providing excellent customer service as a bartender can help to create a positive customer experience and build customer loyalty. By greeting customers with a smile, paying attention to their needs, making recommendations, staying organized, and following up with customers, you can improve the quality of your service and make customers feel valued.