How to Order Beer

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Beer is a great beverage that you can enjoy at a bar, pub, restaurant, or other fun venue. Trying different types of beer when you are out is a good way to find out which ones you like. If you're ordering beer with friends, share a pitcher or order a flight of beer to sample several different brews at once. Be polite and generous with your server to ensure that you get good service when ordering beer from them.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Selecting a Beer

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  1. Browse the menu at the bar, pub, or restaurant you are visiting to see what beers they have available. If there is no written menu, scan the tap handles behind the bar to see what beers are on tap. You can also ask the bartender or server for a quick rundown of what you can order.
    • If you know what kind of beer you like, ask the bartender what they have that is similar.
    • If you're not very familiar with beer and the bar isn't too busy, ask the bartender what their favorite beer is and why.
  2. Lager beer is the most commonly ordered beer because it is light and refreshing. Many bars and pubs will have this type of beer on tap as their house beer given its popularity. Order a lager if you want a simple, thirst quenching drink. [1]
    • Lager beers are usually around 4-5% alcohol.
    • Budweiser and Heineken are examples of popular lager beers.
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  3. Pilsner beers are a type of lager that contain more hops, which creates a more intense taste. Order this type of beer if you want a more bitter tasting brew. [2]
    • Pilsner beers generally have a 5-6% alcohol content.
    • Grolsch is a popular European pilsner.
  4. Pale ales are the most common type of craft beer, and there are a range of variations on this brewing style. Though they are light in color they are generally a bit stronger than lagers and pilsners and have stronger flavors, depending on the ingredients used to brew them. Order a pale ale if you want to ease into drinking craft beer. [3]
    • Pale ales can range from 4-6% alcohol.
    • The Sierra Nevada Brewing Company's pale ale was one of the first American style pale ales produced, and it is still a popular choice.
  5. Stout beer is known for being rich in flavor and heavier in consistency than other beers. It if often brewed using bold ingredients like roasted coffee beans or chocolate to add to its smooth taste. Order a stout if you want a decadent beer that has a thick and almost creamy texture. [4]
    • Stout beer can vary drastically in alcohol percentage, usually between 4-10%.
    • Guinness is the most notable and popular brand of stout beer.
  6. Porter beers are a lot like stouts but they are a bit lighter in color and less heavy. This type of beer usually has a molasses-like taste to it, adding a sweet and smoky quality to the drink. Order a porter if you want a drink with smooth and slightly roasted flavor. [5]
    • Like stout beers, porters can range between 4-10% alcohol.
    • Fuller's London Porter is an excellent choice for this type of beer.
  7. Sour beers are gaining popularity with the rise of craft brewing. Many sour beers are brewed with fruit like raspberry or cherry to augment their sour taste. Choose this type of beer if you enjoy sour candy or want to experience a tangy and effervescent drink. [6]
    • Sour beers generally range between 3-7% alcohol.
    • Berliner Weiss is a popular German sour beer.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Interacting with Your Server

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  1. Bartenders are generally very vigilant about what is happening around their bar, so they will glance your way eventually. Look their way and wait for them to look back at you. Make eye contact and nod or wave to signal that you'd like to order. [7]
  2. It will be very difficult for a bartender to see you if you stand behind seated customers at the bar, or behind the beer taps. Position yourself at an empty part of the bar where nothing will prevent the bartender from seeing you. [8]
    • If the bar is too crowded, wait until a spot clears and stand there once it is free.
  3. Depending on how busy things are, your server may be very rushed when you place your order. Always wait for your turn and speak respectfully. Being courteous will earn your server's appreciation and may result in better service. [9]
  4. If the bar is very crowded, avoid making the bartender wait while you decide what to order. Know what you want before approaching the bar. If you are uncertain, glance at the beer taps or drink menu to choose your beer in advance. [10]
  5. Bartenders are liable if they serve alcohol to minors, so it is not unlikely that they will ask to see ID to make sure that you're of legal drinking age. Always have a valid piece of identification with you when you order beer. A driver's license or passport are the best options. [11]
  6. If you are in a country or region where tipping is custom, tip your server at least $1 no matter how much your beer costs. If you run a tab and pay for several beers at once, tip at least $1 for every beer you ordered. If you received exceptional service, it is welcome and appreciated to tip your server more. [12]
    • A good tip for exceptional service might be $5 for a $15 bill.
    • Note that tipping is not a traditional practice in some places, like Australia.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Choosing a Size

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  1. By U.S. standards, a 12  fl oz (350 ml) bottle of beer equals 1 regular alcoholic drink. Order a bottle if you want to pace yourself or keep track of your drinking easily. It is also a good choice if you simply enjoy drinking out of a bottle instead of a glass. [13]
  2. A pint of beer is usually served in a 16  fl oz (470 ml) glass. By U.S. standards, a 12  fl oz (350 ml) beer equals 1 regular alcoholic drink. Order a pint of beer if you want to sit and drink leisurely. [14]
  3. As a general rule, you'll pay less per glass of beer if you order it in a pitcher. If you are out with friends and you are sure that you will each drink enough to finish a pitcher, order one instead of individual bottles or pints. It will not be worth it if you don't drink the whole thing. [15]
  4. Many bars and breweries offer flights of beer, featuring 4 or 5 samples of different brews. These different beers are served in shot-sized glasses for tasting. Purchase a flight for yourself or to share with a friend for an economical and fun option. [16]
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      Tips

      • Plan ahead when you go out drinking by choosing a designated driver or bringing money for a taxi to avoid drunk driving.
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      • Stay hydrated by drinking water in addition to beer when you are out.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://craftybartending.com/types-of-beer/
      2. ↑ https://craftybartending.com/types-of-beer/
      3. ↑ https://craftybartending.com/types-of-beer/
      4. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/different-types-of-beer-2014-12
      5. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/different-types-of-beer-2014-12
      6. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/different-types-of-beer-2014-12
      7. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/05/smarter-living/how-to-get-and-keep-a-bartenders-attention.html
      8. ↑ https://www.supercall.com/culture/bartenders-attention-in-a-bar
      9. ↑ https://www.pastemagazine.com/drink/how-to/how-to-properly-drink-at-a-bar
      1. ↑ https://www.supercall.com/culture/bartenders-attention-in-a-bar
      2. ↑ https://www.pastemagazine.com/drink/how-to/how-to-properly-drink-at-a-bar
      3. ↑ https://www.phillymag.com/foobooz/2015/11/27/bar-tipping-etiquette/
      4. ↑ https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/what-standard-drink/
      5. ↑ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/pints-liters-pots-and-schooners-beer-size-matters-28912334/
      6. ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2014/07/23/11-ways-to-save-money-at-the-bar
      7. ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2014/07/23/11-ways-to-save-money-at-the-bar

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To order beer at a bar, start by choosing what type of beer you’d like. For example, order a lager such as Budweiser and Heineken if you want a light, refreshing beer. If you prefer a dark, roasted taste with a heavier consistency, try a stout beer like Guinness. For a fuller taste without the heavy consistency of a stout, try the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company’s pale ale. Order your beer as a pint if your want a long, relaxing drink. If you want to pace yourself or keep track of your drinking easily, order your beer in bottles. For more advice, including how much to tip your server, keep reading!

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