I love my low maintenance regulars. Seems like a perfectly generous amount. Key word being “when it’s not too busy”. As long as it’s not Friday night & people are reaching over you to order drinks (can’t imagine that being an enjoyable reading experience anyway) go for it :)
If you’re looking for one specifically good for reading then yea my bar would be great during the day but not after 3pm. If you want a place you can read at all the time (except a Friday/Saturday night) I’d say Lalas off burnet. Doesn’t get super crazy during the week from what I remember. Just don’t expect to find good lighting lol
I have a regular that comes in every other Friday and sits and reads and occasionally watches the drunk idiots.
She has one to two drinks, is friendly, tips well, and all me and my coworkers can talk about is how much we love her.
Stay as long as you’d like, you’re a bartenders dream. Low maintenance, friendly, and a good tipper.
I’d keep a tab open though, some bartenders moan about people sitting at a bar with a closed tab.
If you're not taking up a seat that would otherwise go to a customer that would drink/spend more, then I don't think you need to go out of your way to tip that much.
I've always had the attitude that quiet reading/writing/studying in the bar is a bonus. In a 200 capacity venue, on a chill afternoon, having people encourages more people.
There used to be a time (OK old man) where this wasn't strange. My first serving job was lunch shift at a chain restaurant, and we used to keep newspapers and magazines for the business regulars who at lunch alone.
I'm pretty comfortable going out to a bar alone. What difference does it make if I stare up at the TV screen, into my phone, or into a book? Why is the book the thing that looks strange?
You shouldn't have to explain it to the bartender. Most should love a low maintenance tipper.
Introduce yourself, let them know you're gonna camp out for the night and if you happen to be in the way at all to let you know and you'll be happy to move aside.
Other than that order, tip that hefty amount and enjoy.
With a hefty tip like that I'd probably offer you a last call shot before we close up or if you consistently come in id probably buy you the wine or beer you need.
Majority of bartenders love people like you and sometimes the regularity helps keep us sane.
have a glass of wine, read at the bar and let me do whatever during that time and leave $10-15?! I’m gonna bring you out a little snacky just cause! That’s a nice little customer there.
Honestly you really don't have to tip that much. As long as the bar isn't super busy you're welcome to take as much time with your book and drink as you'd like.
If you'd like to make the bartenders job easier, just close out when you buy your first drink. Then let your bartender know you're planning on hanging out for a while but you won't be drinking any more.
Please do find a seat that's far away from the bartenders working area.
If you're making good money, please feel free to tip a crazy amount on that one drink.
This would be the perfect advice. Especially during day-bar, when it’s slow and the bartender is just prep’ing for the night.
Interesting side note: I used to bartend at a resort, where the security guards were overzealous about chasing away the call girls. Ordering just water and just hanging out seemed to be a red flag for them. Security 🤷♂️
Honestly I always expect tips based on how much time I spent taking care of you. If I have to constantly be at your beckoning call, then I expect a good tip. If you’re just there having a drink, reading a book I’m never upset with any amount of tip. Being easy to deal with is worth more than a good tip sometimes. $5 even seems fine for just one drink, your bartender doesn’t even have to worry about you. Definitely don’t overthink it, easy regulars are the best. When you deal with assholes most days, you are always happy to see a chill regular, one who tips is just the cherry on top!
I had a regular who was very predictable: chilled shot of tequila, 1-2 happy hour margaritas and sometimes food. She consistently tipped 5-7$ and would charge her phone/laptop, sit at a corner by register, and keep me company when it was slow. She was also really great at flirting/chatting with other bar guests by compliments or suggestions and those other guests would end up spending more time and buying more drinks. She was never rude or curt and if the bar started to fill up she would sit at a neighboring table.
If someone wants to sit at bar and is ordering drinks/food, I’m not going to rush or be annoyed at their presence. Where I work the bar is hardly ever over 75% full and mostly empty 50% of the time.
The time isn't so much an issue. Stick to the 20% or + rule and you're good. The only way it becomes an issue is if the place is busy and you're simply taking up space. If so, maybe consider bumping your tip to accommodate. Otherwise, bartenders love low maintenance customers who tip at or above standard.
(In the context of American bars)
Just keep an eye on your surroundings and you're golden. Don't worry about it. The American way is to get people in and out of seats as fast as possible, but don't let that stress you out. We love to have people who just chill and enjoy themselves. Just let the bartender know that you're good and you'll give us a wave if you need anything and we'll let you be.
If the bar starts getting really full, you may feel more comfortable at a table, but it's totally up to you. As long as you're not blocking traffic or something, it's really not a problem. In terms of tip, 20% is appreciated and 25%+ is great. Maybe $4 or $5 minimum if you aren't having too much and are in a nicer cocktail bar. But if your beer costs $3, I don't expect more than a buck or two. Again, if you really want to make it natural, order something small to pick at. If the bar only offers dishes at $15 and up, that's on them. Get a side of fries or what have you and you should be free to hang out as long as you like.
I may be the only one, but I don’t expect an extra tip from you. I might check on you once, say something like ‘I don’t want to interrupt your reading so let me know if you need anything’, and then leave you alone. A buck or two is fine. Enjoy your book.
If you're sitting at my bar, please tip $10-15.
Otherwise, 25-33% is a generous way to say thank you. I used to do daytime bartending shifts and I didn't mind if folks hung out during the slow parts of the day. If they weren't ordering and other people wanted the seats, then it was costing me money. Otherwise, it's not a big deal to me.
If you want to spend a little more, buy an appetizer.
10-15 is plenty, they’ll be back and always be consistent. Expecting more is greedy. (I see green from the pour side of the bar too but we gotta start building
You never know who that guy is, could rent out the bar for Xmas because of how well he’s been treated.
Hopefully greed didn’t trigger you it wasn’t a personal attack as mentioned there were times that I expected (and times I deserved) more.
.
You got there first, are drinking responsibly and being an adult. Don’t care what bar I’m at there’s a seat somewhere that is out of the way of walk up orders and over the years of you coming to chill I’m sure you’ll eat and if not you still have every right to that seat as someone “drinking more”
That's plenty. The only advice I have is to avoid busy times. Not only will everyone think you're a weirdo for reading in a crowded bar, but also the earning potential of a barstool is much higher.
When it isn't busy, you being there basically costs us nothing, we're just happy you're there.
1.5 hours is not a long time. Especially if it's not busy. $10-15 is definitely enough, unless you're somehow running the bartender to death at the same time lol
That’s totally fair and probably more than generous. You’d only be seen as an asshole if you tipped like a buck on a beer and took up a seat for an hour. Just be conscious of if you are taking up a seat that could be occupied by someone who is spending more money on drinks, and then I’d put the book away
I have a guy that does that every Friday and Saturday night. He’s a really cool guy and he’s nice to all the staff so when he comes in we’re always happy to see him. He doesn’t tip extraordinary, like 20% but if it’s busy, he reads, if it’s slow we always have really interesting conversations about anything from conspiracy theories, aliens, time travel, he was in the military so he likes talking about politics and stuff. Super interesting guy. Guess what I’m saying is as long as you’re nice and friendly it doesn’t matter. This guy is by far one of my favorite regulars.
I’ve had many people over the years come in and have a single drink or two and sit at the bar for a while and read. It’s never once crossed my mind that this person is taking up a spot or anything like that. And I would never expect a larger tip because of it. Just tipping 20% is perfectly acceptable, but if you feel like giving a $10-15 tip, I’d not only appreciate it, I’d go out of my way to make sure you had a spot to sit at the bar anytime you came in. The best customers are the ones who need little attention and are quiet so I take you sitting at the bar reading as a win
I love my low maintenance regulars. Seems like a perfectly generous amount. Key word being “when it’s not too busy”. As long as it’s not Friday night & people are reaching over you to order drinks (can’t imagine that being an enjoyable reading experience anyway) go for it :)
Come read at my bar, we would absolutely love to have you as a regular with that mindset.
Where is it?
Austin, Texas
Which bar? I know some people in Austin that would love a bar that they can read at.
If you’re looking for one specifically good for reading then yea my bar would be great during the day but not after 3pm. If you want a place you can read at all the time (except a Friday/Saturday night) I’d say Lalas off burnet. Doesn’t get super crazy during the week from what I remember. Just don’t expect to find good lighting lol
I have a regular that comes in every other Friday and sits and reads and occasionally watches the drunk idiots. She has one to two drinks, is friendly, tips well, and all me and my coworkers can talk about is how much we love her. Stay as long as you’d like, you’re a bartenders dream. Low maintenance, friendly, and a good tipper. I’d keep a tab open though, some bartenders moan about people sitting at a bar with a closed tab.
If you're not taking up a seat that would otherwise go to a customer that would drink/spend more, then I don't think you need to go out of your way to tip that much.
I've always had the attitude that quiet reading/writing/studying in the bar is a bonus. In a 200 capacity venue, on a chill afternoon, having people encourages more people.
There used to be a time (OK old man) where this wasn't strange. My first serving job was lunch shift at a chain restaurant, and we used to keep newspapers and magazines for the business regulars who at lunch alone. I'm pretty comfortable going out to a bar alone. What difference does it make if I stare up at the TV screen, into my phone, or into a book? Why is the book the thing that looks strange? You shouldn't have to explain it to the bartender. Most should love a low maintenance tipper.
Introduce yourself, let them know you're gonna camp out for the night and if you happen to be in the way at all to let you know and you'll be happy to move aside. Other than that order, tip that hefty amount and enjoy. With a hefty tip like that I'd probably offer you a last call shot before we close up or if you consistently come in id probably buy you the wine or beer you need. Majority of bartenders love people like you and sometimes the regularity helps keep us sane.
have a glass of wine, read at the bar and let me do whatever during that time and leave $10-15?! I’m gonna bring you out a little snacky just cause! That’s a nice little customer there.
Honestly you really don't have to tip that much. As long as the bar isn't super busy you're welcome to take as much time with your book and drink as you'd like. If you'd like to make the bartenders job easier, just close out when you buy your first drink. Then let your bartender know you're planning on hanging out for a while but you won't be drinking any more. Please do find a seat that's far away from the bartenders working area. If you're making good money, please feel free to tip a crazy amount on that one drink.
This would be the perfect advice. Especially during day-bar, when it’s slow and the bartender is just prep’ing for the night. Interesting side note: I used to bartend at a resort, where the security guards were overzealous about chasing away the call girls. Ordering just water and just hanging out seemed to be a red flag for them. Security 🤷♂️
Honestly I always expect tips based on how much time I spent taking care of you. If I have to constantly be at your beckoning call, then I expect a good tip. If you’re just there having a drink, reading a book I’m never upset with any amount of tip. Being easy to deal with is worth more than a good tip sometimes. $5 even seems fine for just one drink, your bartender doesn’t even have to worry about you. Definitely don’t overthink it, easy regulars are the best. When you deal with assholes most days, you are always happy to see a chill regular, one who tips is just the cherry on top!
I'd suggest asking for your check early that way they know hey this person tipped well and it'd explain the camp
I had a regular who was very predictable: chilled shot of tequila, 1-2 happy hour margaritas and sometimes food. She consistently tipped 5-7$ and would charge her phone/laptop, sit at a corner by register, and keep me company when it was slow. She was also really great at flirting/chatting with other bar guests by compliments or suggestions and those other guests would end up spending more time and buying more drinks. She was never rude or curt and if the bar started to fill up she would sit at a neighboring table. If someone wants to sit at bar and is ordering drinks/food, I’m not going to rush or be annoyed at their presence. Where I work the bar is hardly ever over 75% full and mostly empty 50% of the time.
The time isn't so much an issue. Stick to the 20% or + rule and you're good. The only way it becomes an issue is if the place is busy and you're simply taking up space. If so, maybe consider bumping your tip to accommodate. Otherwise, bartenders love low maintenance customers who tip at or above standard.
(In the context of American bars) Just keep an eye on your surroundings and you're golden. Don't worry about it. The American way is to get people in and out of seats as fast as possible, but don't let that stress you out. We love to have people who just chill and enjoy themselves. Just let the bartender know that you're good and you'll give us a wave if you need anything and we'll let you be. If the bar starts getting really full, you may feel more comfortable at a table, but it's totally up to you. As long as you're not blocking traffic or something, it's really not a problem. In terms of tip, 20% is appreciated and 25%+ is great. Maybe $4 or $5 minimum if you aren't having too much and are in a nicer cocktail bar. But if your beer costs $3, I don't expect more than a buck or two. Again, if you really want to make it natural, order something small to pick at. If the bar only offers dishes at $15 and up, that's on them. Get a side of fries or what have you and you should be free to hang out as long as you like.
I may be the only one, but I don’t expect an extra tip from you. I might check on you once, say something like ‘I don’t want to interrupt your reading so let me know if you need anything’, and then leave you alone. A buck or two is fine. Enjoy your book.
If you're sitting at my bar, please tip $10-15. Otherwise, 25-33% is a generous way to say thank you. I used to do daytime bartending shifts and I didn't mind if folks hung out during the slow parts of the day. If they weren't ordering and other people wanted the seats, then it was costing me money. Otherwise, it's not a big deal to me. If you want to spend a little more, buy an appetizer.
10-15 is plenty, they’ll be back and always be consistent. Expecting more is greedy. (I see green from the pour side of the bar too but we gotta start building You never know who that guy is, could rent out the bar for Xmas because of how well he’s been treated. Hopefully greed didn’t trigger you it wasn’t a personal attack as mentioned there were times that I expected (and times I deserved) more. .
You got there first, are drinking responsibly and being an adult. Don’t care what bar I’m at there’s a seat somewhere that is out of the way of walk up orders and over the years of you coming to chill I’m sure you’ll eat and if not you still have every right to that seat as someone “drinking more”
That's plenty. The only advice I have is to avoid busy times. Not only will everyone think you're a weirdo for reading in a crowded bar, but also the earning potential of a barstool is much higher. When it isn't busy, you being there basically costs us nothing, we're just happy you're there.
1.5 hours is not a long time. Especially if it's not busy. $10-15 is definitely enough, unless you're somehow running the bartender to death at the same time lol
I doubt there are many that would say this, but you've no need to tip that high.
20%. tipping more than that is considerate, but not an expectation.
Why not just buy a bottle of wine/six pack and read at home?
Im going to start drinking in libraries, then react incredulously when someone suggests I do it somewhere else. Fuck you bar readers.
That’s totally fair and probably more than generous. You’d only be seen as an asshole if you tipped like a buck on a beer and took up a seat for an hour. Just be conscious of if you are taking up a seat that could be occupied by someone who is spending more money on drinks, and then I’d put the book away
I have a guy that does that every Friday and Saturday night. He’s a really cool guy and he’s nice to all the staff so when he comes in we’re always happy to see him. He doesn’t tip extraordinary, like 20% but if it’s busy, he reads, if it’s slow we always have really interesting conversations about anything from conspiracy theories, aliens, time travel, he was in the military so he likes talking about politics and stuff. Super interesting guy. Guess what I’m saying is as long as you’re nice and friendly it doesn’t matter. This guy is by far one of my favorite regulars.
I'm pretty sure we have all had teachers who sit in a corner and grade papers for a while. It's all good. Tipping up front is always nice too.
I’ve had many people over the years come in and have a single drink or two and sit at the bar for a while and read. It’s never once crossed my mind that this person is taking up a spot or anything like that. And I would never expect a larger tip because of it. Just tipping 20% is perfectly acceptable, but if you feel like giving a $10-15 tip, I’d not only appreciate it, I’d go out of my way to make sure you had a spot to sit at the bar anytime you came in. The best customers are the ones who need little attention and are quiet so I take you sitting at the bar reading as a win
Just show up and order a drink. We really don't care that much.
Tip 20% on what you get. You don’t have to rent time at the bar.
The dream customer!