it's amazing how a little customer service - like them remembering us - impresses and impacts and keeps us coming back for more. (not to mention sandy mixes a mean cosmo...which is only $5 at happy hour.)
so, how does one become a regular? we didn't initially set out to achieve anything special, but after frequenting the same place for a while, you do get certain perks. a complimentary drink or two or three, special service (like when i ask for just a 1/2 martini) and the thrill of being "known".
here are my tips if you're looking to carve out a special place:
1. don't settle. craig and i checked out a few bars in doylestown that offer happy hours before choosing bobby's. (tough job, but someone's gotta do it.) see who has the best drinks, the best deals and the best crowd.
2. slow but steady. you don't have to go multiple times a week or even every week to get remembered. the slow and steady method is better (for you and your wallet). that way you can "ease" yourself in.
3. sit at the bar. if you have the option of seats at the bar or a table, go for the bar. that way you can get to know your bartenders and strike up a rapport.
4. ask their opinion. if you always order the same thing (like me), ask what other drinks they recommend that would please your palate. good bartenders know how to make good drinks, and they'll appreciate being recognized as an expert.
5. tip well. this one's kind of obvious, but tip well. happy hour is already cheap, so it's not a big deal to leave a little extra. we like to leave 25-35%. good tippers are remembered and treated well.
6. go after hours. after hitting up several happy hours, and if the bartenders are starting to remember you, go after happy hour. this will let them know that you're not always looking for a deal and that you like them/the bar/the drinks even if you have to pay full price. and this is most likely when you'll reap the benefits of regularity...often the monetary kind...
so, i think it's about time to go out and find your happy place!
Great Tips - Tipping well, remembering names & sitting at the bar are SO MUST DO's! Pretty soon you'll be getting free drinks and some yummy appetizers gratis! xoxo from Trinidad
ReplyDeleteI love this. Conversation and a good tip are the big ones. No smart bartender is going to forget a charming, good tipper. Not to mention they'll most likely make your drinks first even if the bar is packed. Great post.
ReplyDeleteLove this so much! i do totally agree with you and a classic list!
ReplyDeleteMy boyfriend and I consider ourselves "regulars" at a tiny bar down the street. I love the certain perks that come along with it:)
ReplyDeleteHi, my husband and I go a lot to a restaurant in town (asian fusion style). And we always have the flour-less chocolate torte (we share because it's soooo rich). the staff always remember us when we walk in, we always have a nice table and they always joke about the cake with us (one day they didn't have it!!). It's nice to be remembered and treated as a special client, even if you don't spent a lot.. your business means a lot to them.
ReplyDeleteIn Germany we used to go to an Italian near our condo and anyday we could walk in and we would have a table (you know the tables with the sign "reserved" , that's what they are here for..) and we were always offered a drink after the meal.
Cheers !!
Cath @ http://frenchgirlinamerica.blogspot.com/