Sometimes a dingy bar that smells like stale beer is exactly what you want. So this could also be a list of GREEN flags.
Someone asked bartenders to name the top signs you just walked into a bad bar. Here are a few red flags they say to look out for.
1. A lack of cleanliness and organization. That includes dirty glassware, or dusty bottles on shelves. A sticky bar can also be a sign the whole place isn’t clean. If they can’t even wipe the bar down, there’s not much cleaning going on.
2. They’ve got too many signature cocktails. A few is fine. But too many is a sign none of them are very good.
3. No one says hi. Even if it’s a hole-in-the-wall, the bartender should greet you when you walk in. Even just a smile or nod is enough. Just something that says they’ll be with you in a second.
4. The bartender has an ego. Like they mostly make gin-and-tonics, but insist they’re a “mixologist.” Even if they ARE an expert, hospitality should come first.
5. A general lack of knowledge. At the other end of the spectrum, they should have SOME basic skills. If they have to look up how to make an old fashioned, you’re probably not at a great bar.
(VinePair)
