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Up-Charged For Life

There seems to be a bit of confusion when it comes to customers and alcohol.  One cannot exist without the other, it's a love/hate relationship, and one makes the other more tolerable.  However, when it comes to paying for the alcohol, many customers don't understand why it costs more for some drinks over others.

There's no complaining when you get your drink.  Most customers see a glass full of booze and melt.  But just so you know, If you order a vodka-martini, you are going to get a martini glass with 3 ounces of vodka in it.  When you order a vodka on-the-rocks, I am going to bring you a rocks glass, with ice, and 2 ounces of vodka.

But when you get the bill, the look of confusion and contempt is price-less.  So I'm just guessing that most people don't understand the concept of up-charging.  If you order a vodka-soda, or a drink like that, you are getting 1 1/2 ounces of alcohol.  Granted some bars and (bartenders) are going to vary the amounts, but that is pretty standard around town.  And that's definitely the standard according to Jon Taffer.

A good referral for how much is ACTUALLY in a drink can be found here.

But if you order a martini, then when your server puts the order in the computer, we order what alcohol you want, plus a modifier.  Depending on what type of drink you are getting, martini/ rocks/ etc., determines how much the up-charge will be.

Most up-charges range from 2 to 4 dollars depending on the place or what part of town you are in.  To put it plain and simple, you are paying for the extra alcohol.  No, you're not paying for ICE, and no, I cannot hook you up with anymore alcohol just because you're saying you are going to hook me up.

Hopefully this will help with a lot of customer's stress levels when they get their bills.

And to the guy who yelled at my co-worker the other night for the 3 dollar up-charge... GET BENT!      
Until next time... Server's don't pay their rent with compliments.

"Bitter.  Party of 1?  Your table is ready."

The Bitter Bistro




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