Is it rude to not order an alcoholic drink if you’re sat at the bar?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I guess it would be kinda rude to order a virgin pina colada when it’s busy because it’s a pain to use the blender. That’s what my ex-boyfriend told me, so I wasn’t allowed to get them.

Are you 5 and referring to your dad? Your post would make more sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you English OP? were/are "sat" at the bar is a very English way of stating things (and one that their grammarians frown at as well, but that's another thread).

Best advice in America- the bartender probably did not care at all about the tip. At all. they were probably more annoyed about providing food service at a busy bar and the iced tea is all the way over in a pitcher near the waitress station or something.

? DP, southern American and I would say “was sat at the bar”.

Also Southern: I was sitting at the bar or I was seated at the bar. I don’t drink alcohol. Sometimes I order iced tea, sometimes I order non-alcoholic mixed drinks — and tip a bit higher.

I suggest an S/O if this debate is going to continue. Not really relevant to the OP!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s weird and unprofessional for a waiter to “make a face”, ever, because you ordered iced tea. It was on the menu, right? Maybe he suddenly realized he left his oven on at home, or something. Maybe iced tea murdered his mom.

I’ve found that bartenders are usually really cool about non-alcoholic orders. They’ve seen all the reasons that people order them in the first place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you British?

That's what I thought

[Anonymous]

The person that suggested it was inconvenient for waiter was probably accurate. The waiter probably runs cocktails and appetizers in the busy bar and wasn’t thrilled with the hostess seating a party for dinner there with the attendant requests for things. There is nothing wrong with ordering an iced tea but your bar server saw more work and less reward in a teetotaler diner and did a poor job of masking.

[Anonymous]

Why was a waiter involved at all? Every time I’m seated at the bar, the bartender is the one who takes my dinner order.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why was a waiter involved at all? Every time I’m seated at the bar, the bartender is the one who takes my dinner order.

OP here. No clue it was odd. He handed the cocktails the others in my party ordered to the waiter too instead of directly to them and said nothing to us all night. This is an upscale restaurant with a Michelin star.

[Anonymous]

Wow. I remember a time (I think the mid 90s?) where most bars and restaurants actually encouraged at least one person per party to not drink (designated driver!) If you mentioned you were the designated driver they'd give you free soda or iced tea.