I was bartending the service well at a fine-dining steakhouse on a jam-packed Friday night.
As is the case with most service wells, we discourage customers from ordering drinks from that area. That bartender is usually dedicated to making drinks exclusively for the servers, and the servers need their station clear of traffic so they can work efficiently. This particular service well is also set up facing away from the bar top, so the guests will naturally address the other two bartenders on shift.
The "But Can’t You Just...?" Trap
Cocktails started to roll in for a party of 50 when a couple from the party made their way to the service well. Talking over the shoulder of a server grabbing drinks from the well, "Can we order a couple of drinks from you?"
"Are you with the party?"
"Yea."
"Your server is taking drink orders at your table, and he'd be happy to help you." 🙂
"OK, but can we just get a couple from you real quick?"
Glancing at the ticket with 20+ cocktails for their table, "As soon as I get these drinks made that have already been ordered for your party, I'd be happy to help you." 😊
They walked away muttering something about bullshit.
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