Ordering Drinks at a Bar
These phrases will help you confidently order drinks, speak to the bartender, and pay the bill at a bar.
Key Phrases
I'm buying. What are you having?
casualSay this to your friends when you want to pay for their drinks.
Can I get you something from the bar?
neutralA friendly way to ask if your companion wants a drink.
What do you have on tap?
neutralUse this to ask the staff which beers they are serving.
Could you tell me what you have on draft?
politeA more formal way to ask the bartender about their beer selection.
Can I get a pint of lager, please?
neutralUK - Use this to order a large beer from the bartender.
Could I get a draft beer, please?
politeUS - A polite way to order a beer.
How much is a glass of house white?
neutralUse this to check the price of a basic wine before ordering.
Could you tell me how much the cocktails are?
politeA more formal way to ask the staff for drink prices.
Can I open a tab, please?
neutralUse this to keep a running bill so you can pay at the end.
Could I leave a card with you?
politeAnother polite way to tell the staff you will pay later.
Can I close out, please?
neutralUS - Tell the bartender you are ready to pay and leave.
Could we have the bill, please?
politeUK - The standard polite way to ask to pay.
We'll have another round, please.
neutralSay this to the bartender when you want the same drinks again.
Cheers!
casualSay this to your friends right before you start drinking.