Beer Bar Etiquette!

Believe it or not, it seems, as a society, we are starting to lose all sense of etiquette when we go out. I have not only noticed this at both of our Tribes Alehouse & Grill locations; but at other spots as well. Just the other day, as I was walking out of a local store, I watched a young man walking up to the ‘in’ door, pushing forward he proceeded through. Not a big deal, I am sure this happens thousands of times throughout the day. Except this time, behind him, was a young mother with her baby and rather than hold the door for her, he let it fly back onto her. She barely caught it on time. Had I been closer, I would have grabbed it myself; but the point is he never bothered to be aware of what was around him. It’s all a lack of or eroding etiquette.

Being a long time Hop Peddler, I have noticed a distinct lack of etiquette among the lovers of our brews. While this may be unintended, but I thought it was about time to put a little primer together!
So, here goes!

•          Everyone has an opinion about beer. You may be an expert about craft brew; you may be a regular; but don’t suppose to know what others will like. Unless asked, let others experiment for themselves; let them discover their likes and dislikes. 
•       Everyone drinks at different paces; it is perfectly fine for you to order a beer on your own if other folks aren’t ready. Don’t force those that aren’t done to gulp their beer down just because you are done and ready to buy. Also, if your beer is 90% gone and the server is taking orders for the entire table; it’s ok to let her know what you want. By the time she gets back, chances are you will be done. Making her come back with a full tray only to take the order you should have given 5 minutes ago is a bit rude.
•           Please, please use a coaster. If the server forgets to bring one for you do not hesitate to ask for one. They protect the table top as we all know, but they also absorb the condensation that collects at the bottom of your glass and thats nice so that you or your drinking/dining partner don't pit their sleeves through one of your puddles! 
•           Please be patient. All of the servers are working very hard, especially on busier nights. Frantically waving your tattered dollars in the air is not going to get you service any faster. Whistling, snapping and clapping will not help either!
•           Please tip appropriately! Unless you have ever been a server, you will never understand this; our staff works hard to not only please you, but earn a good living. A large portion of their income is the tips you bestow upon them. Generally, a minimum of $1.00 per beer is the norm, if you run a tab or get food; 15% - 20% is acceptable. 
•         If you have to get up from the bar to head outside to have a cigarette, push your stool in (to keep the pathway clear, and place a coaster on the top of your beer. Your server will know you are coming back! Similarly, if you in the dining room or at one of the high tops, push you chairs/stools in when you get up to leave. Tripping on someone else’s chair is never fun!
•          On smoking. I always hate approaching this sensitive topic, especially in winter. Here goes; when standing outside to smoke, please stand away from the path incoming and outgoing patrons. Making them walk through your haze is not only rude, but inconsiderate! Better to stand off to the side and closer to the building if you must get out of the wind.

We try to make both of our Tribes Alehouse & Grill locations welcome and comfortable for everyone! Stop in this evening and experience the warmth, camaraderie and reveille of good friends and beer!