Let’s face it; we’ve all been there before. You’re out at a bar and want to order a drink, but you don’t have any cash. Or maybe you want to buy a round of drinks for your friends, but you don’t have enough cash to cover the whole tab.
So, how do you open a tab at a bar?
There are a few different ways to open a tab at a bar, but the most common way is to ask the bartender. When you ask to open a tab, the bartender usually asks for your ID and a credit card. Once you’ve provided these, the bartender will open a tab for you and start charging your drinks to it.
Here we’ll look at what’s involved in opening a tab at a bar, including how to make sure you don’t get stuck with a huge bill at the end of the night, and also mention the few different ways to open a tab at a bar, so you can decide which method is best for you.
What Is a Tab?
The word ‘tab’ is short for tabulation or tabular, meaning the arrangement of items in a list or table. In the context of bars and drinking, a tab is the total of the charges for the drinks ordered. At the night’s end, you’ll settle your tab by paying your bill in full, either with cash or a credit card.
Most bars will allow you to open a tab, but it’s always best to check with the bartenders before ordering your first drink. That way, you can be sure they accept tabs and find out what their policy is on closing out tabs.
Some bars may require that you close out your tab by a certain time, such as the last call, while others may allow you to keep your tab open until you’re ready to leave.
The Different Ways To Open a Tab
The bar scene has changed a lot over the years, and so has how people open tabs. There are different ways to open a tab now, depending on the type of bar you’re in and your personal preference.
Here are some of the most common ways:
1. Ask the Bartender To Open a Tab
This is the most common way to open a tab and is usually the easiest. When you ask to open a tab, the bartender will ask for your ID and a credit card.
Once you’ve provided these, the bartender will open a tab for you and start charging your drinks to it.
3. Put It on Your Tab
If you’re a regular at a certain bar, the bartenders will already have your information on file and will be happy to open a tab for you.
This is especially common if you’re a regular customer or have been to the bar before and already have a tab open.
4. Use a Credit Card
Most people will agree with us that carrying cash around is a pain. If you don’t have any cash but still want to open a tab, some bars will allow you to put your drinks on your credit card.
This is a great way to open a tab if you don’t have cash, but it’s important to note that not all bars accept credit cards.
5. Use a Debit Card
Sometimes, you can use debit cards just like credit cards. If you don’t have cash on you and the bar doesn’t accept credit cards, you may be able to use your debit card to open a tab.
However, it’s important to note that not all bars accept debit cards, so it’s always best to check with the bartender before ordering your first drink.
Things To Keep in Mind When Opening a Tab
Opening a tab can be a great way to avoid having to carry cash around with you, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind before opening one.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when opening a tab:
Make Sure You Have Enough Money in Your Account
This is especially important if you use a debit card to open a tab. You don’t want to get stuck with a huge bill you can’t afford to pay, so make sure you have enough money in your account before opening a tab.
Check With the Bartender
Not all bars accept tabs, so it’s always best to check with the bartender before ordering your first drink. That way, you can be sure they accept tabs and find out what their policy is on closing out tabs.
Know the Bar’s Policy on Closing Out Tabs
Some bars may require that you close out your tab by a certain time, such as the last call, while others may allow you to keep your tab open until you’re ready to leave.
It’s important to know the bar’s policy on closing out tabs, so you’re not stuck with a huge bill at the night’s end.
Keep Track of Your Tab
It’s easy to lose track of how much you’re spending on a tab, so it’s important to keep track of your tab throughout the night.
That way, you can be sure you’re not exceeding your limit and have a better idea of how much you need to tip the bartender.
Takeaway
There are a few different ways to open a tab at a bar, but the most common way is to ask the bartender to open a tab for you. Other ways include using a mobile app, putting it on your tab, or using a credit or debit card.
When opening a tab, there are a few things you need to keep in mind, such as making sure you have enough money in your account, checking with the bartender, and knowing the bar’s policy on closing out tabs.
Opening a tab can be a great way to avoid carrying cash around, but it’s important to be aware of the risks involved.
