How do you buy beer in a bar?

[KristieMac]

I ask for the type of beer I want. For example, Yuengling Lager is very popular around these parts. But everyone just calls it lager. So if I want one, I walk in and ask for a lager. (You can tell you've left Central PA if you request a lager and the bartender asks you, "What kind?" or "What brand?")

If the bar has Yuengling on tap and in bottles, I'll be asked which I prefer. If it's on tap, it's typically served in a pint glass at most of the bars I frequent. If I know they have bottles and draft already, I can ask for a lager bottle or a lager draft. Some places offer sizes smaller or larger than a pint. In which case, I'll be asked if I want a girlie size, or if I want a giant glass.

 

[iowamensan]

I have never heard anyone ask for a pint. If you want what is on tap, you ask for a draw. Otherwise you ask for a bottle or can.

 

[Iscariot]

I say "Tom Collins. Neat."

 

[Teh Don Ditty]

Specify said beer and they will either bring it to you in a bottle or pour it into a glass. Consume and repeat.

 

[ezekielrage_99]

You drink gasoline?

Not anymore world oil prices are getting to expensive

I say "Tom Collins. Neat."

A virgin Kalhua and Milk always gets a good laugh as well

 

[AlBDamned]

23 MacRumors Members walk into a bar to buy beer...

6 hours later they are kicked out at closing time (completely sober) after arguing the entire time about the "proper way" to order beer.

A statement that is equally subtle and cutting

 

[yg17]

"May I stick my head under the tap" doesn't seem to go over too well with bartenders, so I usually just say "can I get a ______"

 

[IJ Reilly]

"May I stick my head under the tap" doesn't seem to go over too well with bartenders,

You're asking permission? Oh, now I see your problem!

 

[weckart]

Do you ask for a pint or a half litre?

Anyway, Scotland so a pint it is...

Indeed, a pint of beer, a pint of whisky, a pint of absinthe ..... always a pint. No half-measures.

 

[Jaffa Cake]

Blame the Brits.

Eh? We reward our drinkers by making our pints bigger, you don’t – and it’s our fault?!

Swallow your pride and swallow some extra beer too.

 

[bartelby]

Eh? We reward our drinkers by making our pints bigger, you don’t – and it’s our fault?!

Swallow your pride and swallow some extra beer too.

That and we can easily accept change. Whereas the Americans would rather wallow in archaic practices...

 

[Jaffa Cake]

That and we can easily accept change. Whereas the Americans would rather wallow in archaic practices...

Indeed. We, meanwhile, would much rather wallow in beer.

Well, I know you would anyway.

 

[bartelby]

Indeed. We, meanwhile, would much rather wallow in beer.

Well, I know you would anyway.

Ooh!


How very dare right of you!!

 

[teleromeo]

the waitress just starts tapping when I walk in ...

 

[nplima]

having recently moved to the UK from Portugal, I have to specify that I want a half pint of whatever is the beer they have with most bubbles, otherwise they give me an ogre-sized jug of some sort of thick tea they serve in these parts. blargh!

 

[bartelby]

having recently moved to the UK from Portugal, I have to specify that I want a half pint of whatever is the beer they have with most bubbles, otherwise they give me an ogre-sized jug of some sort of thick tea they serve in these parts. blargh!

Weak fizzy larger drinker are you?

 

[Foxglove9]

I'm 32 and never ordered a drink at a bar before until just 2 months ago. I learned the hard way. Who knew you were supposed to tip the bartender!

Never ordered a beer, just don't like the taste. But this thread has been a good education in beer ordering.

 

[Southern]

You buy beer in a bar with money. Or you promise someone a favour.

Try Czech lagers like Vratislav or Staropramen; medium strength, a light, hoppy taste and a reasonable price.

Eh? We reward our drinkers by making our pints bigger, you don’t – and it’s our fault?!

Swallow your pride and swallow some extra beer too.

PINTS FOR ALL! HURRAH

 

[Jaffa Cake]

Weak fizzy larger drinker are you?

I hope you’ve moved to London nplima – you’ll fit right in with all the southerners with your taste in weak, gassy lager.

PINTS FOR ALL! HURRAH

Ooo, looks like Southern’s getting them in. Ace.

 

[atszyman]

It's been a long time since I've been in a bar, much less ordered a beer in one...

But if I recall correctly it usually consisted of me naming a particular brand and variant. If it was on tap the service person (bartender, waiter/waitress) would ask, "bottle or tap?" If I answered "tap" size options were given if available, usually "small/large", "short/tall" or "little/big." One of our more popular happy hour bars offered the "big" as a 32 oz frosty mug for about $3. I think the price has increased in recent years but it was still a good deal considering most bars around here were charging about $4 a bottle, but that was outside of happy hour.

 

[synth3tik]

I go to the Irish pub that is the only one around here to serve Guinness the way it is supposed to be. They serve pints.

Most American bars people just ask for a glass of beer.

 

[Southern]

I hope you’ve moved to London nplima – you’ll fit right in with all the southerners with your taste in weak, gassy lager.

Ooo, looks like Southern’s getting them in. Ace.

Sounds like a plan, Jaffa Cake, might have to wait for the lunch break though. What's your usual then?

 

[Abstract]

Up here in Canada we like to order them by the pitcher

Yeah. Imagine my surprise when I moved Australia for uni, and all they drink are small glasses of lager called "schooners".

And listen to this: They have around 2 good beers in the whole country. Poor Australians.

 

[nplima]

I hope you’ve moved to London nplima – you’ll fit right in with all the southerners with your taste in weak, gassy lager.

yeah, I'm in London... over there in the North you drink beer syrup?


and by the way, "weak" beer in what sense?

 

[RedTomato]

Deaf here so I just point at whatever I want. Bar people have always been fine with me pointing at stuff.

I indicate pint by holding my hands a foot apart vertically, and a half pint by holding them a few inches apart. Never seen anyone fail to pick up on that. Worked for me in USA, Canada, UK, Scotland, Ireland, France, Ireland, Italy, Czech etc.

Same goes for shots of spirits - single or double, and point again for the mixer. Asking for ice (with or without) can be tricky but miming will get there in the end. Cocktails are best ordered by either writing them down or pointing at the one you want in the cocktail menu.

You ain't lived till you've seen 200 deaf people take over a bar, ordering a vast array of drinks and signing away till the wee hours