What is the best way to judge a bartender?

Sure it’s very entertaining to watch your local favorites scramble to find ingredients to beat the clock and amuse us with gorilla suits and hot boys in drag, but what makes a “good” bartender truly worthy of winning a “bartending competition?”

Here are our criteria for a typical patron – if the bar has an average number of people:

1. Speed of service: how quickly after entering the establishments are you addressed with a greeting, eye contact and served?
   
2. If the bar is not slammed with people, how frequently are you checked on?
   
3. How long is your glass empty before you are asked if you would like another?
   
4. When ordering a drink the bartender has not heard of what is their reaction? Do they try to make it? Do they insult you? Do they offer you something similar?
   
5. Creativity: How frequently do women say “uuuhhh make me something fruity”… How delicious is your “something fruity”?
   
6. Small talk – It isn’t uncommon for people to come to a bar alone during happy hour. Are you pleasant to talk to? Are you friendly? Do you flirt? What is your style?
   
7. Finally what bothers us the most: How much more attention do regulars get than strangers? You never know when a stranger might become a regular – don’t blow them off.

Over the next few weeks we will be evaluating the bartenders of Richmond. Both strangers and regulars are welcome to give input: RatingRVA@gmail.com!

Top three will receive prizes. HAPPY DRINKING!