I haven't been 21 for long, but in the (almost) two months that I've been of legal age, I've started to notice things about "bar culture", for lack of a better phrase. Whether you frequent the bars on a regular basis or not, check out 7 of my observations about how things do and don't work.
1. Girls on their 21st birthday
This seems like an appropriate place to start since it's how my first bar experience began. I would be lying if I said I remembered the entire night of my own birthday, but I have since seen other girls out celebrating their birthday, and it seems to be the same old song and dance. A cuter outfit than one would normally wear to the bars, a sash to let everyone know that it is your night, a vodka water lime, and a picture at Brother's just about sums it up.
2. Girls in jean jackets
Pretty much any girl that isn't turning 21 is likely to be found in a jean, or maybe leather, jacket. A large majority of the girls I see out on an ordinary night are sporting their jean jacket, black jeans, and black booties (myself included). It's definitely the most socially acceptable bar outfit right now...I wonder what the neck one will be?
3. Dancing at bars
This is something about bar culture that I find to be very interesting. Up until I was able to go out to the bars, I didn't really know that some bars are able to be danced at, and some most certainly are not. Thankfully, my older friends have warned me about when I should and shouldn't bust a move unless I want to get a weird look. If it were up to me, every bar would be a dancing bar because, even though I'm no good, I sure do love to dance like an idiot.
4. Dress code
This is something that isn't of importance at every bar you come across, but I find it interesting that some bars have some degree of a dress code. I have even heard of people getting turned away from a bar because they aren't dressed up to that bar's standards. I suppose I understand the intent behind this, but if I owned a bar, I wouldn't care if my customer was in sweats as long as he/she was going to buy a couple drinks.
5. Going out late
Alright, here I am getting up on my soapbox for a hot second. This is something about bar culture that I strongly disagree with. Why in the world do we all go out at 11:00 p.m. and not get home until 2:00 or 3:00 a.m.? My theory is, we as a society should all agree to go out at like 8:00 p.m. in order to be home by 11:00 or midnight and still get a good night's sleep. Honestly, who's with me?
6. Mr. Brightside
This is just a part of bar culture that I don't think will ever go away. I think the memorization of this song will be passed down through generations. What always gets me whenever this song comes on is everyone starts singing it as if it is "their" song and are cool for knowing every word. Don't get me wrong, I will sing the song loud and proud, but in the back of my head I always chuckle as I realize every other person around me is doing the exact same.
7. Getting the bartender's attention
This is an aspect of bar culture that can be a little bit of a pain at times. On a busy night, you have to first shimmy your way up to the bar top and then patiently stare down the bartender with a debit card in hand in hopes that you get their attention. I will admit, being a girl might give you a slight advantage, but it can be difficult nonetheless. Side note, how in the world do bartender's not lose their minds on nights when they are insanely busy?
I am sure there will continue to be things that I observe and notice about bar culture, but this seemed like a solid start. Feel free to share any bar societal standards that you've noticed.
