“Unlocking the Secret Code: How Bartenders Signal Each Other About Irresistible Customers”
Ever been out with friends, shouting over the blaring music, and wondering how anyone can possibly hear anything, let alone order a drink? I mean, communication in a bustling bar can feel like trying to have a conversation in a rock concert, right? But here’s a fun little nugget for you: bartenders, those unsung heroes behind the bar, have their own secret language—a clever code that helps them navigate the chaos of a packed night. Picture this: while you’re struggling to make yourself heard, they’re using shorthand like “86” to signal something’s run out or “200” to announce a waiting customer. Trust me, it’s way more sophisticated than you might think! Join me as we dive into the quirky world of bartender codes and discover how they manage to keep the drinks flowing and the vibe alive amidst the clamor! LEARN MORE
A standard night out usually involves not being able to hear your mates – or yourself think.
It often makes you wonder how difficult it must be for bar staff to communicate with one another during a very busy night, but it turns out that some bartenders have come up with a very clever ‘code’ which helps them get through a manic shift behind the bar.
For important messages, there’s a handy shortcut code, either to let others know about when something’s run out (86) or if there’s a customer waiting (200).
Bartenders have a secret way of communicating with one another while working (Getty Stock Image)
There’s even a code for letting your colleague know that there’s a very attractive customer at the bar, as that’s always important during a busy shift.
A thread on Reddit saw bartenders flock to the comments to discuss which shorthand terms they use.
One person revealed: “A while ago I was told of a ‘bartenders code’ which consisted of various numbers that were used to represent things on the bar either secretly or quickly between staff.
“Things like ’86’, meaning to be a ran out of product, ‘200’ meaning a customer waiting, ’50’ meaning to catch, and ‘700’ to refer to an attractive customer.
“It seems like a pretty fun and useful thing to get my staff doing, and I was wondering if anyone knew any more or had a different/more comprehensive list of expressions?”
Another user jumped in to say that they used a slightly different code for good-looking customers, saying ‘699’ meant ‘hottie at the bar’.
While ‘700’ stood for ‘probably hottest girl in the building is at the bar’.
Incidentally, they said they also used ‘Barry White’ as slang for ‘going for a s****’.
Another said they used ‘300’ to identify an ‘attractive lady’, but said ‘300 high’ if they could see… a ‘big ol’ pair of boobies’.
The code was shared by bartenders on Reddit (Getty Stock Image)
Others said they had an entire scale to rank attractiveness, explaining: “First number is face on a scale of 0-9, second number is either 0 or 1 (would or wouldn’t) and last number is body. So 719 is pretty damn good and a 303 looks like your grandfather.”
However, not everyone uses coded language to discuss how attractive a customer at the bar is, with some offering up nicer examples of using a secret code.
Some said there were ways of letting staff know it was time for a round of shots, with one person saying their manager always asked for a ‘quick word please’.
Another commented: “Actually, ‘staff meeting’ behind the bar means shots. I’m the GM at a sports bar and nightclub and I call for staff meetings on busy nights when it looks like my staff is about to lose it.
“Everyone normally pours themselves a quick shot or I pour all the shots and we air cheers and keep on plugging away at the crowd of drunken idiots.”
