There are plenty of different kinds of cocktail bars, each offering their own unique experience. If you want a stag do in Lisbon or a birthday get-together in Madrid, you should pay attention to what kind of cocktail bar you want. There are cocktail bars that offer a casual atmosphere, with light appetisers, and there are bars that offer much more formal experiences. Below, we will discuss things to look for in a cocktail bar.
Attentive Staff
One thing everyone should be looking for when you are trying to identify the right cocktail bar would be an attentive staff. This is one thing every cocktail bar needs to be great. Immediately after walking through the doors, I pay very close attention to the staff to see how they react and how they treat their customers. The best bars have very attentive staff with exceptional training. A good cocktail bar will welcome guests as soon as they enter the door and make them feel comfortable. Along with this, they should be excited as they greet their guests. After all, it is very unlikely you will get someone to come back if they didn’t feel welcome upon entering.
Comfortable Atmosphere
Like any other type of bar, the atmosphere is essential. No matter how big or small the cocktail bar is, I want to feel completely comfortable from the moment I walk into it to the time I exit the doors. No matter how relaxed or formal the setting is, I always remember the mood it put me in.
The overall vibe you get from the staff is key. Along with this, I always look at and consider the decor, lighting, and music when evaluating the atmosphere of a bar. How does the ambience contribute to my overall experience and how does it make me feel. These are the main things I ask myself because it can determine whether or not I think making a trip back to it would be worth the effort.
Cocktails
The drinks are a very important component of a good cocktail bar. I absolutely love going to a place that serves fantastic drinks. However, the quality isn’t the only thing I look for. I also look for a unique experience when it comes to their drink selection. After all, you can find relatively good cocktails almost anywhere you go. A bar that produces cocktails with the right balance of quality and uniqueness is key. That is a cocktail bar that will get me coming back for more. While this doesn’t mean you have to push the limits of mixology, it does mean I am looking for something more extravagant than a simple Gin and Tonic when I head out.
Friendly Bar Patrons
Different types of customers can certainly impact my overall experience. Not only am I noticing constantly how the patrons interact with the staff, but I also look to see how much customers relate to one another.
There are plenty of times I head to a cocktail bar where I am looking to chat with only friends. In these instances, having a bunch of loud and obnoxious patrons is a complete turnoff and deter me from having a good time.
Therefore, I look for cocktail bars that have respectful guests when determining which cocktail bar to frequent. A cocktail bar that can’t keep their patrons under control is not one I will want to frequent often.
Value
While a bar might serve the best cocktail in the world, if it isn’t priced reasonably compared to the competition, I will simply look elsewhere. While I don’t immediately go for the cheapest cocktail bar, I do look for value when I’m searching for one. I am a very firm believer in the old adage that ‘you get what you pay for.’ However, I want the most value for the money. Therefore, I look for a place that has a delicate balance between competitive pricing and a diverse menu with plenty of customisation.