Choosing the perfect bar for a night out can be a daunting task with the myriad of choices available. Knowing what to look for can save you from a less-than-stellar experience.
Stephanie Ridgway, who has worked in various bars and distilleries, now serves as the director of brand advocacy for the liquor brand Charles Jacquin et Cie.
“I’ve been in my fair share of bars, from dives to high-end cocktail lounges,” Ridgway told Business Insider. “I’ve developed a keen eye for what sets the good apart from the great — and behaviors that will always raise a red flag for me.”
Ridgway has shared her top red flags to be aware of when visiting a bar, helping you make an informed decision on whether to stay or leave.
Watch Out for Cleanliness
Ridgway’s first warning sign is the cleanliness of the bar. Indicators such as sticky countertops, dirty towels, and unwashed glassware can suggest a lack of pride in the establishment.
“Everything else about the place becomes suspect to me and indicates to me that the bar staff doesn’t take pride in their workplace,” she mentioned.
She emphasizes the importance of understanding busy times, such as weekend nights, but advises caution during quieter periods if the bar still appears unclean.
Bartenders often say, “Time to lean is time to clean,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining a tidy environment during slower times.
Quality Over Quantity: The Batched Cocktails Debate
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While having some popular cocktails pre-batched can be efficient, Ridgway warns against relying too heavily on this practice, as it may detract from the experience.
“When I sit down at a bar and order a cocktail, I want to be treated to the full visual effect that watching the bartender carefully crafting my drink provides,” she told BI. “In short, I came here, in part, for the show.”
Avoid Bars with Intoxicated Staff
Spotting a bartender under the influence is a clear sign to leave, according to Ridgway. While some bartenders might join patrons for a casual drink, it’s crucial they maintain professionalism.
“I don’t go to a bar to have someone not fully in control of their faculties mix me a drink,” she said to BI.
Customer Service Matters
When spending money at a bar, Ridgway expects quality service without any dismissive behavior from bartenders.
“When I see bartenders rolling their eyes or exhibiting some other sort of dismissive behavior upon hearing a drink order, I’m pretty sure I’m never coming back,” she commented.
Assessing the Spirits’ Quality
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In high-end cocktail bars, the quality of spirits is critical. Ridgway notes that while bars must manage costs, this shouldn’t mean settling for the cheapest options.
“Bar managers and beverage directors have, quite literally, hundreds of quality brands at their disposal and, with a little research, can find some delicious, well-made, cost-effective alternatives with which to stock their bars,” Ridgway stated.
This story was originally published on July 31, 2024, and most recently updated on August 28, 2026.
