Don’t Be This Person: 10 Things That Drive Bartenders Crazy

Ever wondered what gets under your bartender’s skin faster than a full tray of spilled beers?

We asked our followers to share their favorite ways to (lovingly) annoy a bartender, and the responses poured in like a freshly tapped keg.

From passive-aggressive antics to downright hilarious habits, here are the top 10 ways to test the patience of your favorite drink-slinger.

Top 10 Ways to Annoy Your Favorite Bartender

1. Declare That the Bartender Is Always Right

Sometimes, the best way to annoy someone is to feign unwavering agreement.

Declaring the bartender is always right while deliberately poking at their patience is a sure-fire way to irk even the most zen drink-slingers.

“Don’t do it, period—the bartender is always right.” – Steven F.

2. Bring Your Own Ding-Ding Bell

There’s nothing bartenders love more than unsolicited noise, right?

Ringing a personal ding-ding bell for service will not only capture their attention but also earn a spot on their mental “least favorite customer” list.

“Get one of those dinging bells and ring it every time you need a drink.” – Rick S.

3. Call Them on Their Cell

Taking “urgent” service requests to the next level, some patrons will call the bartender directly when service feels too slow.

This blend of entitlement and technology will certainly leave an impression, albeit not a good one.

“Call their cell ’cause you’ve been waiting too long.” – Scott C.

4. Overshare About Your ‘Best Friend’

Bartenders don’t just serve drinks—they sometimes serve as unwilling participants in personal dramas.

Oversharing about your “best friend” and their imaginary grievances is a surefire way to make the bartender wish they could serve invisibly.

“F*** that he’s my best friend. Oh, and he told me he hates you!” – Jeff H.

5. Be a Cocktail Connoisseur… Every. Single. Time.

For patrons who hate consistency, ordering a different, complicated mixed drink each round is a perfect way to stall the service.

Make sure to emphasize every specific instruction to slow things down even more.

“Order a different mixed drink every time.” – James H.

6. Ask Guinness and Lager to Go on a Date

Why not turn a simple drink order into a science project?

Asking which beer is darker not only holds up the line but also makes the bartender question your observational skills.

“Order a pint of Guinness and a Lager, then ask which is darker.” – Michael A.

7. Critique Their Timing Like a Watchdog

Everyone loves constructive criticism… except when it’s about service time during a packed bar rush.

Make sure to loudly point out how long you’ve been waiting to add an extra layer of tension to their evening.

“Call them out on the service time when it’s slammed.” – Kenny E.

8. Request Drinks Via the Landline

When calling a bartender seems too direct, ringing the landline and placing a drink order is the next logical step.

This unnecessary escalation might be creative, but it certainly won’t make you a favorite.

“Ring the landline 📞 and ask for the drinks to-go.” – Gary M.

9. Holler Like You’re in a Rodeo

Sometimes subtlety isn’t an option—yelling across the bar for your next drink ensures everyone knows your order.

It’s disruptive, loud, and guaranteed to irritate even the most patient bartender.

“Holler, ‘Hey, can I get another drink here!’” – Barry V.

10. Share Bar Jokes… That Don’t Land

Bartenders hear a lot of jokes, but telling several in a row without landing a single laugh is its own art form.

If humor isn’t your strong suit, why not test their ability to fake a smile?

“Telling him/her several bar jokes, and they don’t laugh.” – Dennis C.

Annoying your bartender might seem like fun and games, but it comes with its own risks—like watered-down beer or “accidental” delays.

From ringing bells to sharing bad jokes, our readers clearly know how to walk the fine line between humor and harassment.

Which one of these have you tried (or endured)? Share your thoughts below and keep the conversation brewing!