Don’t be a dumbass.

And yeah, Silence could learn a lot from a monkey.

Honestly, why do people who are so hostile and judgmental work in the “hospitality” industry at all, when they don’t even vaguely understand the concept of hospitality? People now call it the service industry; maybe that’s part of the problem. Silence refers to the folks on the other side of his bar as customers instead of patrons, and that’s what he likely often gets: one-time customers instead of actual patrons. Who would patronize such a bar “tender”?

Silence, none of your rationalizations hold water, and could be easily refuted by a child. For starters, what kind of competent bartender doesn’t scan his bar every few minutes to see if anyone needs something? And what kind of bartender stands with his back to the bar long enough to cause a patron to have to wait long enough to be steamed about it? Sure, bartenders have plenty to do besides serve drinks, but one can cast an eye around the place every few minutes… and doesn’t practically every bar have mirrors behind the bottles *specifically for that purpose*?

Silence, you’ve got zero legit justification for your stance, and you know it. This is just one more of your little battles of will that you enjoy so much… and I shall now stop playing with you. You deserve to sit by yourself in the playground until you can find more appropriate ways to play with the rest of us. Everybody needs attention, but there are better ways of getting it than others.

Thank you.

Of the “million” tasks which make up your job, customer service ranks way at the top (no customers, and you wouldn’t have any of the other things to do, right?), so prioritize. Is filling the napkin dispensers at tables no one is waiting for really more important than taking the order of a seated party of four just because you’re doing napkins right now, for example?
And, while you’re otherwise engaged and realize that a customer needs attention, a simple “I’ll be right with you” goes a long way. Believe it or not, people can see that you are busy, and are willing to wait until you’re free…they can also see when you’re not busy and just making them wait.
You have to be there all day…they don’t have to be, and do not wish to be.

Boy, this customer service thing is really complicated!

I am so bummed out that she knows that I, oi, is a rude customer. Now who will serve me drink in this whole internet? oh wait…

Ok I will clarify because I don’t want an another gem like yeah, I won’t serve you. neener neener. It is an internet. I do not come here for a drink! When I want a drink I go to a bar! zing!

Even though it doesn’t really matter, we too know what a poor bar tender she is!

If it’s so “easy peasy lemon-squeezy to tell which category each one of” us falls into, you very well may just be a mind reader. Or just a bitter SOB.

Believe it or not, many of us have done our time in the service industries. There is no either you’ve done it or you haven’t. But there is an either you’ve done it well or poorly.

As far as entitlement, since when is it up to you to determine which patron deserves to be served ( outside of level of intoxication)?
For your information and edification, paying customers are entitled to service. It’s what they pay for. It’s what pays your salary. It’s why you make enough each night to think you are somebody, you putz.
They pay good money for their sense of entitlement, and you get paid to fulfill their needs. Otherwise, they’d all buy packaged goods and not pay the mark-up to sit at the bar. Then you’d be fucked.
You serve drinks. You need people willing to sit at the bar rather than buying their bottle at the store and taking it home much more than they need to sit at your bar…buy a clue any time here, because I refuse to admit anyone could be as stupid as you appear to be.

People drink for a variety of reasons.
The nicest guy in the world having a bad day may stop in for a drink, who the fuck are you to decide he’s rude, or pushy or most subjective of all high-maintenance? The guy is just fucking preoccupied with his own thoughts and looking for some solace in a glass, you self-important little prick of a drink jockey!

Tend your bar. Treat your customers well, all of them. Save the amateur psychoanalysis for after your shift.

I suggest anyone who doesn’t believe me, or thinks that every customer should be fawned upon like a puppy actually take a turn as a bartender, server, or counter help. It will open your eyes to how weird, snippy, uber-PA, and fussy the general public can be. Rational, intelligent adults act like children when they sit down in a place where they are expecting service. I promise you, you will never be nasty to a server again, nor will you assume that the servers of the world should be simply DYING to take your order for a $4 sandwich.

Patient, polite, friendly customers are lovely and make a server’s week. We remember them. They get free drinks, upgraded meals, secret desserts, etc. Customers who expect mind-reading and ass-wiping are the absolute worst thing ever. By your responses, it’s easy peasy lemon-squeezy to tell which category each one of you falls into.

Also, little bartender’s secret: if we perceive you as rude, pushy, or otherwise high-maintenance…you WILL wait longer on your next round. I make enough money each night that I’m not too worried about $2 from a complete shit. It’s worth it to not have to deal with you and your entitled attitude. =)