How to Order Beer

Co-authored by Tom Blake

Last Updated: March 29, 2019 References

Beer is a great beverage that you can enjoy at a bar, pub, restaurant, or other fun venue. Trying different types of beer when you are out is a good way to find out which ones you like. If you're ordering beer with friends, share a pitcher or order a flight of beer to sample several different brews at once. Be polite and generous with your server to ensure that you get good service when ordering beer from them.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Selecting a Beer

1
Read the drink menu or ask what beers are available. Browse the menu at the bar, pub, or restaurant you are visiting to see what beers they have available. If there is no written menu, scan the tap handles behind the bar to see what beers are on tap. You can also ask the bartender or server for a quick rundown of what you can order.
- If you know what kind of beer you like, ask the bartender what they have that is similar.
- If you're not very familiar with beer and the bar isn't too busy, ask the bartender what their favorite beer is and why.
2
Order a lager if you want a clean, crisp beer. Lager beer is the most commonly ordered beer because it is light and refreshing. Many bars and pubs will have this type of beer on tap as their house beer given its popularity. Order a lager if you want a simple, thirst quenching drink.^{[1]
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- Lager beers are usually around 4-5% alcohol.
- Budweiser and Heineken are examples of popular lager beers.
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3
Choose a pilsner if you want a light but flavorful beer. Pilsner beers are a type of lager that contain more hops, which creates a more intense taste. Order this type of beer if you want a more bitter tasting brew.^{[2]
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- Pilsner beers generally have a 5-6% alcohol content.
- Grolsch is a popular European pilsner.
4
Order a pale ale if you enjoy a beer with a fuller taste. Pale ales are the most common type of craft beer, and there are a range of variations on this brewing style. Though they are light in color they are generally a bit stronger than lagers and pilsners and have stronger flavors, depending on the ingredients used to brew them. Order a pale ale if you want to ease into drinking craft beer. ^{[3]
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- Pale ales can range from 4-6% alcohol.
- The Sierra Nevada Brewing Company's pale ale was one of the first American style pale ales produced, and it is still a popular choice.
5
Drink a stout if you prefer a dark, roasted beer. Stout beer is known for being rich in flavor and heavier in consistency than other beers. It if often brewed using bold ingredients like roasted coffee beans or chocolate to add to its smooth taste. Order a stout if you want a decadent beer that has a thick and almost creamy texture.^{[4]
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- Stout beer can vary drastically in alcohol percentage, usually between 4-10%.
- Guinness is the most notable and popular brand of stout beer.
6
Go for a porter if you want a dark but slightly sweet beer. Porter beers are a lot like stouts but they are a bit lighter in color and less heavy. This type of beer usually has a molasses-like taste to it, adding a sweet and smoky quality to the drink. Order a porter if you want a drink with smooth and slightly roasted flavor.^{[5]
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- Like stout beers, porters can range between 4-10% alcohol.
- Fuller's London Porter is an excellent choice for this type of beer.
7
Pick a sour beer if you want a very tart brew. Sour beers are gaining popularity with the rise of craft brewing. Many sour beers are brewed with fruit like raspberry or cherry to augment their sour taste. Choose this type of beer if you enjoy sour candy or want to experience a tangy and effervescent drink.^{[6]
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- Sour beers generally range between 3-7% alcohol.
- Berliner Weiss is a popular German sour beer.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Interacting with Your Server

1
Make eye contact with the bartender and nod or wave. Bartenders are generally very vigilant about what is happening around their bar, so they will glance your way eventually. Look their way and wait for them to look back at you. Make eye contact and nod or wave to signal that you'd like to order.^{[7]
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2
Stand in a clear spot in front of the bar to be seen. It will be very difficult for a bartender to see you if you stand behind seated customers at the bar, or behind the beer taps. Position yourself at an empty part of the bar where nothing will prevent the bartender from seeing you.^{[8]
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- If the bar is too crowded, wait until a spot clears and stand there once it is free.
3
Be patient and polite when ordering. Depending on how busy things are, your server may be very rushed when you place your order. Always wait for your turn and speak respectfully. Being courteous will earn your server's appreciation and may result in better service.^{[9]
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4
Decide what you want quickly if the bar is crowded. If the bar is very crowded, avoid making the bartender wait while you decide what to order. Know what you want before approaching the bar. If you are uncertain, glance at the beer taps or drink menu to choose your beer in advance.^{[10]
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5
Present your ID if your server asks for it. Bartenders are liable if they serve alcohol to minors, so it is not unlikely that they will ask to see ID to make sure that you're of legal drinking age. Always have a valid piece of identification with you when you order beer. A driver's license or passport are the best options.^{[11]
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6
Tip your server no less than $1 per beer, if applicable. If you are in a country or region where tipping is custom, tip your server at least $1 no matter how much your beer costs. If you run a tab and pay for several beers at once, tip at least $1 for every beer you ordered. If you received exceptional service, it is welcome and appreciated to tip your server more.^{[12]
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- A good tip for exceptional service might be $5 for a $15 bill.
- Note that tipping is not a traditional practice in some places, like Australia.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Choosing a Size

1
Get a bottle of beer for 1 standard-sized drink. By U.S. standards, a 12 fl oz (350 ml) bottle of beer equals 1 regular alcoholic drink. Order a bottle if you want to pace yourself or keep track of your drinking easily. It is also a good choice if you simply enjoy drinking out of a bottle instead of a glass.^{[13]
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2
Order a pint of beer to enjoy a long, relaxing drink. A pint of beer is usually served in a 16 fl oz (470 ml) glass. By U.S. standards, a 12 fl oz (350 ml) beer equals 1 regular alcoholic drink. Order a pint of beer if you want to sit and drink leisurely.^{[14]
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3
Go for a pitcher of beer to save money when drinking with friends. As a general rule, you'll pay less per glass of beer if you order it in a pitcher. If you are out with friends and you are sure that you will each drink enough to finish a pitcher, order one instead of individual bottles or pints. It will not be worth it if you don't drink the whole thing.^{[15]
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4
Opt for a flight of beer to sample different types. Many bars and breweries offer flights of beer, featuring 4 or 5 samples of different brews. These different beers are served in shot-sized glasses for tasting. Purchase a flight for yourself or to share with a friend for an economical and fun option.^{[16]
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