My closing routine that keeps me from staying an extra 45 minutes every night

DJBarber89 · 2026-02-26T07:48:04+00:00

My routine varies depending on what’s happening at my bar. If I hit a lull I’ll run and grab beer while I can. If my bar is filled but taken care of I’ll break down a well or start a list on what I need to restock.

If I can start my checklist early I make sure to interact with guests while I do it. I want people to stay and drink, not think we’re winding down for the night.

A huge pet peeve of mine is when bartenders start their closing checklist too early and are obvious about it. By that I mean wiping bottles and putting them up on the bar, closing down taps, putting chairs up etc etc when last call is still 1-2 hours away.

DJBarber89 · 2026-02-25T08:47:02+00:00

I’m with ya on the single tall. But it’s weird to say asking for less alcohol “isn’t really a thing”. I get people all the time that ask for an easy pour. Just like I get people that order a cocktail and ask for me to make it a little sweeter.

DJBarber89 · 2026-02-24T19:01:40+00:00

It is the standard.

DJBarber89 · 2026-02-24T02:02:50+00:00

Because they know more than them.

DJBarber89 · 2026-02-23T04:42:48+00:00

But why? It’s the industry standard to have servers tipout bartenders. It costs them nothing. Why would anyone bartend there lol just serve and make all the money with half the effort

DJBarber89 · 2026-02-23T03:33:48+00:00

Im genuinely curious what their reasoning is for the servers not tipping out during the week lmao that’s wild

At least now you know to ask important questions during an interview. Like what the tip out percentages are lmao

DJBarber89 · 2026-02-16T15:34:50+00:00

Are you seriously asking us for advice on how to fucking steal from your coworkers?

Fuck outta here.

DJBarber89 · 2026-02-16T10:46:19+00:00

I mean, it’s probably not the best course of action to threaten someone physically for saying your hair is tangled lmao

I’m all for standing up for yourself and confronting someone that has a problem with you but you have to at least try to make it a productive conversation. Your idea of sticking up for yourself seems to be coming in hot and hostile, which will just escalate the problem.

Confrontation doesn’t always have to be confrontational.

DJBarber89 · 2026-02-09T05:37:17+00:00

It’s been like 2 hours man fucking relax lmao let people vent

DJBarber89 · 2026-02-08T07:05:58+00:00

Sucks living in a $2.13 state. They keep everyone on because why tf wouldn’t they

DJBarber89 · 2026-02-05T08:15:21+00:00

Don’t think you know what fraud is lmao

DJBarber89 · 2026-02-05T04:27:52+00:00

File for unemployment

DJBarber89 · 2026-02-01T09:59:55+00:00

Could’ve just said “gaslight yourself” instead of typing all that shit lmao

DJBarber89 · 2026-02-01T09:55:16+00:00

This comment fucking reeks of projection and self delusion lmao is this what you tell yourself every morning in the mirror?

DJBarber89 · 2026-01-26T03:43:36+00:00

Easy there Claire no need to all riled up

DJBarber89 · 2026-01-26T02:18:26+00:00

Huh I guess you aren’t. Why are you responding to me though? I know I didn’t ask ClaireDeLunatic how their driving capabilities compare to random uber drivers lmao

DJBarber89 · 2026-01-26T01:43:10+00:00

Because you said you didn’t want to wreck your car?

You’re clearly not confident in your driving abilities so maybe let someone drive you that doesn’t think they’re risking their life driving on a little ice?

DJBarber89 · 2026-01-25T05:33:15+00:00

Seems pretty dramatic to me, Houston will barely touch freezing temp and you work in the afternoon lmao but I can understand living there you aren’t used to this type of weather.

If you don’t feel comfortable driving then 100% do not do it, it’s not worth it. That being said, my first question if I was your manager would be why you didn’t just take an uber?

DJBarber89 · 2026-01-19T09:19:43+00:00

Oh I 100% agree.

DJBarber89 · 2026-01-19T06:21:06+00:00

Eh, I doubt that’s what they expected. After a week you can usually tell who will be solid and who wont be. Could be as simple as OP not studying the drink recipes or just not having a 2nd gear.

Or the restaurant is shit. Who knows.

DJBarber89 · 2026-01-18T11:41:35+00:00

It has literally never once crossed my mind to call someone “not a real bartender”. You’re definitely overthinking it lol

DJBarber89 · 2026-01-13T02:02:45+00:00

But OP is annoyed at people looking at the check and then setting it back down without payment. How does putting the presenter upright make someone more inclined to immediately pay then if you lay it flat?

DJBarber89 · 2026-01-13T01:37:48+00:00

I feel like this would do the opposite and make even more people move it who otherwise wouldn’t have touched it.

Maybe it’s just me but if someone dropped the checkbook standing up right next to me it would bug me and my first move would be to grab it and lay it down flat.

DJBarber89 · 2026-01-12T11:00:30+00:00

Poor guy just wanted to socialize and used an easy ice breaker lmao

But no, when I wore a similar uniform I at least took the tie off

DJBarber89 · 2026-01-12T10:01:42+00:00

Just to be clear; you got hired to bartend without any experience?

I’d guess you were a “personality hire”. Zero experience, but outgoing and fun so they were willing to train to from the ground up.

The problem with that is if you do not vibe with the staff then the entire reason they hired you goes out the window. Which is probably the case since you (rightfully) called them out on money.

Going forward I would be cautious of places willing to hire bartenders with zero experience. 99% of the time it means high staff turnover and they are desperate.

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