(15 votes, average: 4.73 out of 5)
Loading ...
I’ve lived in 7 different places, and in each place I’ve always found a bar that becomes ‘my spot’. After about the 10th visit the bartenders start to recognize you, you get comfortable at the same table, and you’re going on a regular basis. In good times or bad, your regular hang-out can be a place to vent, celebrate, or just relax.
For me at my current spot that is about once a week, usually for a Hoegaarden or two. I recently got a kick-ass coffee table (or bar top) book, purely made up of photos of regulars (aptly titlled The Regulars) which is what got me thinking about the topic.
Sarah Stolfa is an extremely gifted photographer who took all the pictures as a student while bartending at McGlinchey’s bar in Philadelphia. Each photo depicts one person sitting at the bar where she worked, but they are more than just pictures. From all walks of life, and covering the spectrum of human emotion I find myself flipping through the book regularly, just picking a page and studying the image for a few minutes. Some look confused, some happy, some enthralled in work, some smoking an endless amount of cigarettes; every picture tells a story.
I find myself now trying to spot regulars at the bars I frequent. I think there’s a few key factors that draw me to the same bar more than once:
* the bartenders: I want a crew that can remember my name, make my drinks extra stiff and give me some ‘Regular’ attention when it gets busy
* the crowd: ah, the scenery; everyone loves a good view while you enjoy a pint or two but they key is laid back people you can talk to
* the environment: show me a patio with palm trees and Christmas lights. I’m sure some people prefer the classical dingy atmosphere you can find in the Regulars but I go out to escape. I want to feel like I’m on vacation.
* the location: If I can stumble home on the two foot express while grabbing a slice of pizza on route, then my night can be complete.
I wonder if I would make an interesting still life? Probably not. 
What about you guys? What moves a bar from a one time visit to a routine stop?
You can grab the book I’ve been shamelessly plugging here:
Popularity: 27% [?]
July 9th, 2009 at 6:06 am
the crowd, definitely the crowd. I’ve been to alot of places and seen alot of well done venues fail because the crowd is lacking or not intriquing.
July 9th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Good info!
I will keep it!
July 11th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
I’m not much of a bar person and I question this as well. While I agree that it is the crowd, how do you get the crowd there in the first place?
July 12th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
I totally agree, its definitely the crowd. And probably add in a bit of the environment as well.
July 13th, 2009 at 3:42 am
The crowd, ambience, food and drinks,a nd most importantly, the distant from my place of work!
July 14th, 2009 at 5:43 am
I liked this info. Thanks
July 15th, 2009 at 4:47 am
The atmosphere does it for me. A drink is a drink, it’s good be in a nice place.
July 15th, 2009 at 10:46 am
nice blog
i played the bar tender game its fun.
July 15th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
thanks saol abicim
July 17th, 2009 at 2:54 am
This was a great and very intersting way to explain
tender game.Enjoyed playing very much.
Thanks for the great info.
July 17th, 2009 at 6:12 am
Thanks for the information. The surroundings and area sure help also. Plus not to far if I am staying awhile.
July 19th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
It’s all about the scenery for me to but not palm trees, I’m lookin for smokin waitresses.
July 20th, 2009 at 10:01 am
You identified the ingredients. I would put location at the top. You do not want to be looking at driving or having to find a cab. Hopefully, you live in an area where there is a place with all the ingredients.
Thanks for sharing.
July 20th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
I just feel home when bartenders recognize me. I think it’s an important point and can’t understand bartenders who don’t recognize you after 10 times… Also the crowd is such an important, wherever the location is.
July 21st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
I am also regularly going to a particular bar and bartenders are recognized me, even though the peek time. So, I have no problem at any time.
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:27 am
I really want to visit such that nice bar, but it’s so pity coz i couldn’t find it in my city.
Nice info master
July 27th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Sad. I couldn’t find such bar in my city
July 29th, 2009 at 12:53 am
For me the most important thing about my favorite pub is the music. The music just has to be good. If the music is good enough i can sit and drink for hours on end.
July 29th, 2009 at 12:55 am
The most important factor for me is the crowd. There has to be people who are like em and with whom i can have a very laid back conversation.
July 29th, 2009 at 4:14 am
?????? ?????-
????? ?????-
????? ?????-
?????
July 29th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Save Money with The Most Effective Energy-Saving Solution for
your home or business attic
insulation houston
July 29th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
Thanks for the heads-up Andy. I was considering using it to increase traffic but now I realize I have to weigh the risks vs. the benefits.
July 30th, 2009 at 7:57 am
I haven’t read any comment that mentions the bartender as an attraction. That seems strange. I suppose people have such low expectations of bartenders’ persona, that they’re happy just to get a drink.
I know “the crowd” seems important, but that element is fairly random and uncontrollable. Well maybe for me, since my bar is in a casino in Atlantic City. Neighborhood bars do set a distinct tone in their offerings, decor and music.
Do those of you who find “the crowd” important really speak to strangers that much? Or is it merely comforting to be around people you presume to like?
July 31st, 2009 at 10:01 am
Great insight! It made me think on what draws me to the same place. For one, it’s the crowd. And then the place, the music … the entire feel of the place. Plus good service.
July 31st, 2009 at 11:33 am
Hi,
For me the draw is the environment and the crowd , I like peaceful and quite place to grab a beer or two .
August 1st, 2009 at 1:24 am
The environment is always very calm, soothing and mellow. That is what draws me in.
August 1st, 2009 at 4:49 am
great article, thanks..
August 1st, 2009 at 6:03 am
Thanks for the heads-up Andy. I was considering using it to increase traffic but now I realize I have to weigh the risks vs. the benefits.
August 1st, 2009 at 5:35 pm
thanks for information. I will keep it!
August 2nd, 2009 at 12:31 am
I’ve never noticed before but I do tend to go to the same bar all the time.
August 4th, 2009 at 4:34 am
Thank you for sharing good articles, posts and more are waiting, in respect
August 6th, 2009 at 9:22 am
I thinks, the taste and the atmosphere it self will bring me back.
regards
adam
August 7th, 2009 at 9:33 am
The most important factor for me is the atmosphere, if atmosphere is good will bring me back also i like good music and a place where people can have fun and a good time.
Tnx for sharing with us this article.
August 8th, 2009 at 8:54 am
I suppose it`s bartenders and general atmosphere of the place, that gets me to keep coming back.
August 11th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I think the environment brings me back. From the people, seats and music it needs to be the right recipe.
August 12th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
great information
keep it up
August 15th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Certainly the crowd has to be the main factor, I must say I prefer the dingy traditional style bars
August 17th, 2009 at 2:51 am
Great center to find all the peoples to enjoy their day. Nice post.
August 17th, 2009 at 3:13 am
Thanks for the information. The surroundings and area sure help also. Plus not to far if I am staying awhile.
August 18th, 2009 at 7:33 am
Hi!
I like it is very useful to me.
Thanks a lot.
For mor info about SEO tips, Visit my blog.
by,
Tips of Collective Web Experience for Blogging Sites!
Cine Indians
August 19th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Either the right kind of dingy hole – full of character and interesting characters, not those awful English football/sports bars or something smart, sophisticated and enjoyable. I can take or leave the stuff in the middle.
August 20th, 2009 at 6:04 am
I don’t get it.. how do they r influence ?
August 20th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
I tend to go for places that offer a little privacy for me and my people to talk, but at the same time, have a good selection of woman.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:10 am
I totally agree, its definitely the crowd. And probably add in a bit of the environment as well. Thanks for a nice post.
August 21st, 2009 at 5:59 pm
I just happened to come across your site while surfing and you sure have some great info here. I will be sure to drop in again. However if you ever go searching for a great work from home opportunity, be sure to check out my site : Maverick Money Makers Club
August 24th, 2009 at 4:19 am
I totally agree, its definely the crowd but location is important as well and a good selction of woman XD
August 24th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Alliance leveling guide.
August 25th, 2009 at 2:38 am
Hi, I think its informative and useful for me. I have noted some points from
this article, good article for me. Thank you very much for sharing. Regards,
- Bizbamboo
August 25th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
I always find a place wherever i go, the environment and the location are important facts to choose the right place, im just make sure that im confortable!
August 27th, 2009 at 12:08 am
I love to see your post
calm! like trees that never bear to be cut by anyone.
August 27th, 2009 at 1:18 am
definitely a combination of the crowd and the location. i will return back to the same place again and again if i feel the venue has a good ambience and somewhere that i can people watch relatively undisturbed.
stunning personalised gift ideas
August 28th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Hi, I think its informative and useful for me. I have noted some points from
this article, good article for me. Thank you very much for sharing. Regards,
August 28th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
I totally agree, its definitely the crowd. And probably add in a bit of the environment as well. Thanks for a nice post.
August 29th, 2009 at 2:51 am
First visit, thank you! Your article is very interesting. Maybe, if I learned a lot from your blog. Your writings should be used as reference. Hopefully this first visit may be a good start to form friendships.
First visit, thank you! Your article is very interesting. Maybe, if I learned a lot from your blog. Your writings should be used as reference. Hopefully this first visit may be a good start to form friendships.
First visit, thank you! Your article is very interesting. Maybe, if I learned a lot from your blog. Your writings should be used as reference. Hopefully this first visit may be a good start to form friendships.
August 30th, 2009 at 12:27 am
I’ve been to alot of places and seen alot of well done venues fail.I agree that it is the crowd, how do you get the crowd there in the first place?
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Bartenders – definitely. If the service is good and drink prices are reasonable, you can forget a bad crowd.
September 5th, 2009 at 11:05 am
The people make the bar for me, we just saw Toby Keith in concert in saratoga and that song he sings, I love that bar is what it’s all about
September 5th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
well i dont drink,so i dont want to be a drinker in future .life is hell after ur r drink
September 8th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Part of it is laziness. The other part is the comfort zone. People don’t like leaving their comfort zone, and once they find one, they stick like glue.
September 8th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Definitely the price of the drinks is the main factor for me!
September 8th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
thank you for the post
September 11th, 2009 at 3:07 am
It is nice information for drinker by the i am not drinker and i do not want go in bar nice information..
September 11th, 2009 at 7:11 am
I think the information is useful for non-drinkers too.
September 11th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
Thank you for the post
September 12th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
As a “regular”, I am aware that the atmosphere may change with the crowd. A drink can always be perfected and have had more affordable at home. I find myself most comfortable, with a “good” bartender, next door, if possible!
September 12th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
I like the women at certain places. Some places have trashy, some have better. I think the crowd really matters the most. If there are a lot of loud and crazy obnoxious people, I won’t frequent there. Put me in a hole in the wall with the same people night after night and good lookin’ women– I’m good to go and will be a repeat offender.
September 13th, 2009 at 1:36 am
Everyone loves a good view while you enjoy a pint or two but they key is laid back people you can talk to
September 14th, 2009 at 10:52 am
for me its the bartender , if she finds my face familiar and is open to random conversation, also knows how i like my drinks then im there once a week at least, the crowd and atmosphere isnt to much of a factor i can have fun anywhere and with anyone
September 15th, 2009 at 8:21 am
“It’s the CROWD”… I Repeat.. “It’s the CROWD”
September 15th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Cool bartender + cool crowd > All
September 17th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
it is nice information for drinker by the i am not drinker and i do not want go in bar nice information..
September 18th, 2009 at 3:07 am
it’s a great and emotional touching story. and i am feeling emotional.
sonam
September 18th, 2009 at 9:34 am
It is nice information for drinker by the i am not drinker.
September 18th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
although i am not a drinker but then to I really like this blog it is really going to be helpful for me
September 18th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
For me its the atmosphere and the bartender(s). Going to the same place where you can relax, enjoy the food, where the bartenders are friendly, and where you might meet a friend or two out of the blue… you can’t beat it!
September 20th, 2009 at 2:50 am
I do like this info. … i can imagine while i’re reading dis blog i saw the pictures … it seems i’m in the bar … well , i’m not such a drinking guy but if i can choose the place to hang out , i’m looking for the nice crowd with the beautiful environment also … if there’s da bar as i recommended , i’ll go it for routine …
September 22nd, 2009 at 7:25 am
I think I like the last one best.
September 22nd, 2009 at 7:26 am
I think I like the last one best.=))
September 24th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
i just add it to my favorite… thanks
September 25th, 2009 at 8:45 am
My reason for choosing a neighborhood bar is much more practical; I need a place I can get in with a wheelchair and that has tables where I can park myself while I work on my inebriation.
September 27th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Very nice info, thank you very much!
September 28th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Hey, keep it up!
September 29th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
My local spot, which I used to frequent, was bought out a few months back. A new name was created, all the old staff was fired, and new staff brought in at minimum wage. Time to find a new place. For me proximity is a huge factor, as I generally walk/bike as much as possible. But I’ll gladly travel for the right spot.
As a side note, there sure is a lot of spam comments on the site!
September 30th, 2009 at 11:54 am
i love to just go to a local bar too i dont like whole crazy scene i just like to hang out at a lounge type of place
October 4th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
The crowd is definitely the main point for me. Location as well to a certain extend: if public transportation isn’t available, it’s hard to get there regularly.
Bartenders are important of course but I find there is a really high turnover in some bars so it’s hard to be chummy.
October 6th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Interesting article. I definatly go back to the same bar b/c of the atomospher and the people. I especially love it if they have live bands. I just like very relaxed places.
October 8th, 2009 at 2:34 am
You write very well.I hope this can be an inspiration to visitors on the blog it.Thanks!
October 12th, 2009 at 4:17 am
i say that what makes a bar to my bar is the quality of the drink (apparently some bars water down many drinks) and whether i can sit with a friend and talk or that i need to just bring a notepad with me
———————————————————————————–
law articles
October 15th, 2009 at 6:30 am
the bar tender game its really big fun for me.
October 16th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
I like the staff. Some can be real uncaring of customers.
October 18th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
usually the crowd and the barmaid
October 20th, 2009 at 3:40 am
hang out with friends at the most recognized bar is the best enjoyment you could ever have!!
October 29th, 2009 at 2:14 am
I am not a drinker even though I like the post. Very informative and interesting subject.
November 4th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
the happy hour specials are what draw me to my local bars as well as whose bartending. I visit a lot of bars where my friends bartend at.
November 5th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Just wanted to say great job with the blog, today is my first visit here and I’ve enjoyed reading your posts
November 5th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Each glass a story of their own brought to life by the people enjoying a sip or two by the bar. It’s all about the drinks, for no matter how joyful the crowd is, without the spirit of the liquid they’re celebrating, a watering hole will never be.
November 13th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Recently, I have been searching for a new bar because I am an avid cigar smoker and most in the city have become non smoking. I have moved out to the outskirts of the city limits because there are a FEW (very few) bars that allow cigars.
November 14th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Yes defiantly crowd. Just getting familiar with others draws me back to the same bar.
November 15th, 2009 at 10:30 am
First of all, I want to say I’m not regular of a bar person and I inquiry this too. When I have the same opinion that it is the mass, how make you dig up the mass there in the first place?
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Wow good stuff maynard! Buckweat
November 24th, 2009 at 9:37 am
do like this info. … i can imagine while i’re reading dis blog i saw the pictures … it seems i’m in the ba thanks for sharing
November 25th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
I would say its the setting & the crowd. But most important is good finger foods.
November 28th, 2009 at 3:37 am
a very interesting story. I never got a beautiful thing for 3 years at the bar my subscription. But last week, I visited a new bar and very impressive to me. I am very happy with it
November 30th, 2009 at 12:50 am
For me it’s definitely the atmosphere, being able to feel comfortable sitting in the same place for hours if so I wish
November 30th, 2009 at 12:51 am
I’m not much of a bar person, but I like it to be close to my house so I can go with my friends without much trouble.
December 1st, 2009 at 1:04 pm
very nice and cool post … thanks for sharing..
December 4th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
For me it all has to do with the vibe of the crowd. Also when they make stiff drinks always seems to help out too
Tomorrow Something New Blog
December 8th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Good post!
Keep up the good work:)
December 12th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Great info. I think the overall atmosphere is what does it for me as well as the quality of the German beer they carry. Having spent four years in Germany I became a bit of a beer critic.
Roy Paeth
Chicago First Time Home Buyer
December 18th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
My kind of bar is one that knows how to control the idiots who get out of control when they have had too many yager bombs. I prefer the sports bar atmosphere over the clubs or bars that feature local bands and of course the female staff has to be easy on the eyes.
January 3rd, 2010 at 6:53 pm
Thanks My Friend
January 3rd, 2010 at 11:50 pm
dancing
January 4th, 2010 at 9:55 am
Definately the location, decor, atmosphere and the chill nature of the bar.
January 31st, 2010 at 3:42 pm
awe yes, my favorite topic. lets drink up! glad to be part of this community
February 1st, 2010 at 12:09 pm
I guess monotony is the best answer here. People stick to what they usually do, change being something they don’t want to do. So yeah, monotony.
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Undoubtedly the location, the selection of beers on tap, the happy hour pricing, the bar’s popularity among my group of friends, and the atmosphere all contribute to my becoming the next “Norm” at Pieinthesky in Brentwood, TN.
February 7th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
I prefer the sports bar atmosphere over the clubs or bars that feature local bands and of course the female staff has to be easy on the eyes.Zaytoz.Com – Çakma örümcek Webmaster Forumu 2011 Seo Yar??mas? Great info. I think the overall atmosphere is what does it for me as well as the quality of the German beer they carry.
February 7th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Like you said yes this week about the re valentine’s day
February 8th, 2010 at 9:42 am
this seems great i will be really like to have drink there