Tipping Etiquette: The Dilemma of the Knowledgeable Bartender

Last night, I had the pleasure of visiting a new establishment that specializes in Belgian beers. Naturally, I ordered a Belgian gueuze, fully expecting to cringe at the bartender’s pronunciation, as is often the case in these situations. However, I was pleasantly surprised when the bartender confidently pronounced it as “the guhz” and seamlessly transitioned into an informative discussion about the beer’s wild fermentation process. She even suggested a cheese pairing without me prompting her.

As I sat at the bar, I was struck by her expertise and passion for the craft. In my experience, most bartenders either steer clear of attempting to pronounce hard-to-say beer names or mispronounce them with complete confidence while serving. This bartender, however, stood out. She not only understood the nuances of the beer but also delivered it with precision and care.

Given her impressive knowledge, I felt compelled to tip her 30%. However, I found myself contemplating whether there are any unspoken rules regarding gratuity based on a bartender’s expertise. Should one adjust their tip based on how well a bartender knows their beverages? Is there an informal sliding scale that correlates correct pronunciation with tip generosity?

Whenever you encounter a bartender who not only serves but also educates and engages with their customers about the drinks, it certainly makes for a memorable experience. It begs the question: How do you approach tipping in these unique circumstances? Do you find yourself tipping more for knowledge, or do you adhere to a standard percentage across the board? Let’s discuss how we can navigate these scenarios with grace and fairness in mind.