In the interest of full disclosure, I should explain that I have my own regular place I frequent, a popular establishment in downtown Dayton called George Newcom's Tavern. Who was George, I hear you ask? Well, thanks for letting me explain: he was the first constable, tavernkeeper, garbageman, and all around social gadabout in 1796 whem Dayton was founded. His actual tavern has been re-created at a historical park, and the bar named after it looks nothing like George's place, nor is it even near the same spot. Nonetheless, Newcom's has an old feel to it, owing to it's past as a warehouse, and is widely reputed to be one of Dayton's most popular bars. I've been a semi-regular there for the better part of 7 years, and I'm treated like part of the furniture to a degree; if I'm not there for some reason one weekend, I get peppered with questions from most of the employees. To give you an idea of my relationship with the staff, I have been the only customer invited to the employee Christmas party the last 3 years, and no one questions why. So when I talk of things, I'm basing them on my experiences there, but I've found in my travels that a lot of these things are found elsewhere, putting to rest my theory it was some sort of provincial Ohio thing.
One thing I can't stand people who try so terribly hard to get a bartender's attention. You know the people, who lean in and go "hey! over here!". Bartenders hate it and you are going to be the last person served if it can be helped, so don't do it. I'm really passive when it comes to getting served. I usually try and make some sort of eye contact first, but sometimes I'll stand there and look around like a dork. But I always try and hold my money in my hand, so that they can see I'm not there to play games. Which leads me to another peeve--the person who, having gotten their drink, doesn't want to move from the spot. Now if you are sitting on a stool, you have a right to the space, no question. But if you are between people who are seated, or there is a service area where you get your drink and move on, then you owe it to the rest of us to MOVE YOUR ASS! Not stand and talk to your friend.
Then there are people who think they own the spot they are standing in. In places where it is crowded and there is a lot of movement, it pays to be a little cordial, and take a step in the opposite direction if someone is trying get past you. By trying to be a hard case and force the other person to squeeze by, all that's gonna happen is you're gonna get beer spilled on you, or maybe "accidently" burned with a cigarette (yeah, I've done both in my time, I'm not proud of it, OK?). Bars have a dynamic to them that require a certain amount of movement.
My biggest pet peeve though is standing in line for the men's bathroom and listening to other guys complain about the line. I used to think this was a local thing, but my travels have made me realize it's universal. Men can't understand why there is a line longer than the women's line. Usually, it comes down to simple math: if there are twice as many guys in a place than women, there is going to be line for the mens room. Simple, eh? And I especially loathe women who always want to cut in front of you to use the mens room, because the line is too long for them. I am not very accomidating to this practice and I usually make my displeasure known. I always wonder why some girl has to have her friends guard the door so that no guy can get in while the girl is doing her business. If she's brave enough to venture into a mens room, she should'nt act like she's never seen the business unit before.
One of my other favorite things is the person who thinks he's too important to stand in line to get in. I never abuse my privilege of being a regular to cut in front of other people just because I don't want to wait. I think it shows low class. As does asking for a freebie. I get comped quite more than I think I deserve, and I always make my gratitude known to whatever bartender obliges, but I don't think I should "expect" a free drink just because I spend a lot of money. A good bartender knows how to take care of customers who are good to them, so if you aren't getting a free drink, maybe there's something wrong with you.
Another good way to get me to hate you is to ask me for a cigarette. I'm not stingy with my smokes, but I don't have "Marlboro" stamped on my forehead either. I never refuse a woman, especially if she is attractive, but I always make a show out of giving one to some drunk who spent all his money to get shit-faced and can't afford to get a pack out of a machine. The "I just ran out" excuse elicits no sympathy from me. If I'm smart enough to plan ahead and buy a pack before I go out, then you should be also.
Well, I could go on all day about these little things, but it's not like I lose sleep over them. Drinking culture is a curious one, and I never fail to find amusement in watching people when I'm out. I just wish those damn bachlorette parties would leave me alone, and not want me to give them stuff.
Cheers