"neat" vs. "straight", vs. "on the rocks"

[NeoTexan]

I just hand one of these to the waitress.

CARD.jpg

[jburlowski]

I was at my local bar the other night and order WT101 neat and the bartender who I thought was knowledgeable said I don't know what that means.

I have found that (truly) knowledgeable bartenders are a rapidly vanishing species.

[ratcheer]

Is a side kicker sacrilege here?

Not the side kicker, but the Diet Coke is. At least, to me.

Tim

[ratcheer]

I have found that (truly) knowledgeable bartenders are a rapidly vanishing species.

Sad, but true. However, if you order a chocolate raspberry "martini", they will be all over it. Just don't expect them to understand anything about traditional bar methods.

Tim

[OscarV]

Sad, but true. However, if you order a chocolate raspberry "martini", they will be all over it.

Like you said Tim, sad but true.
Ya hafta laugh.

[cowdery]

"Neat" is the best order and if that draws a blank look, say "just whiskey in a glass." Language barriers notwithstanding, that usually works. If the place seems hopeless, I drink beer.

[onmytrack]

Never had any trouble when ordering "neat", however based on the varied response to this question, I suggest a pocket flask of your favorite and just ask for a glass.

Jim

[jburlowski]

Never had any trouble when ordering "neat", however based on the varied response to this question, I suggest a pocket flask of your favorite and just ask for a glass.

Jim

...or a brown paper bag.

[Hondo]

"Neat" is the best order and if that draws a blank look, say "just whiskey in a glass." Language barriers notwithstanding, that usually works. If the place seems hopeless, I drink beer.

Tried this just last week... she served my VOB in a shot glass. Well... at least it didnt have ice in it!