“We don’t have time for that”: this request, which customers find friendly, annoys many bartenders
Are you hesitating over the menu and counting on the bartender to help you choose? Be careful, a well-intentioned comment can sometimes complicate their task. Behind the bar, customer expectations and the demands of service don't always mix well.
A bar, a cocktail menu, and that eternal dilemma: what to order? To break away from your usual choices, you might be tempted to leave the choice to the bartender. A way of showing them your trust, you think. Except that this good intention can create extra work for them, especially when other customers are already crowding around the bar.
An order that lacks clues
The problem lies in that one little phrase: "surprise me." Some professionals appreciate the opportunity to offer a creation. Others are less receptive to this request without prior information, especially when they are already handling numerous orders. Without knowing your preferences, they have to ask you several questions before they can prepare a drink.
Wanting a surprise doesn't mean you have the same tastes as the person preparing it. You can be curious while hating an ingredient or a type of flavor. And the bartender can't know that. So a perfectly made drink might not appeal to you at all.
This is also what can complicate things: giving the professional free rein and then not liking the final cocktail. This can lead to criticism, complaints, and waste. So, it's best to point out what you don't like before it's prepared, rather than once the glass is in front of you.
To provide some points of reference without spoiling the discovery
Context also plays a role. When the bar is quiet, staff may have more time to chat, ask questions, and offer personalized service. But during a busy period, a vague order can really complicate things.
For example, you can give a few details: a cocktail you enjoy, a preference for citrus, or a flavor you'd like to avoid. These simple suggestions help the bartender tailor their recommendation without forcing you to choose a specific drink. You give them freedom while increasing your chances of enjoying the result. When it comes time to taste, be flexible and open-minded.
