Tampa Bartender’s Viral Rant Calls Out Annoying Customer Habits: “It’s 2025 — Why Are You Asking for a Charger?”
TAMPA, FLORIDA — Working behind a bar isn’t always as fun as it looks, and one Tampa bartender has taken to TikTok to share the habits that drive her and other bartenders up the wall.
In a now-viral post, Cassandra Michelle (@cassandramichelle__), who works at a Tampa dive bar, listed her top customer pet peeves — and let’s just say, most bar-goers are probably guilty of at least one.
Her video, which has already racked up more than 31,000 views, mixes humor with unfiltered honesty about what bartenders face during late-night shifts.
Bartender’s Biggest Complaints About Customers
In her clip, Cassandra prefaces her rant by saying, “These are things that bother me as a bartender that probably aren’t that deep — but they piss me off.”
At the top of her list? Ordering drinks using the wrong hand gesture. She says customers who hold up the “rock on” sign instead of simply two fingers can instantly irritate her. “Bartenders, I know you get it,” she adds with a laugh.
Another major irritation is customers who pay with Apple Pay without unlocking their phone first. “That one’s annoying,” she says. “Then I have to walk back over so you can Face ID it or put in your passcode.”
But her biggest frustration comes from people who order drinks backward — saying “cran vodka” instead of “vodka cranberry.”
“Oh my God. This one gets me going every time,” she says. “Like, soda water tequila? I can’t comprehend it.”
And if you’ve ever asked your bartender to charge your phone behind the bar, Cassandra has a message for you: don’t.
“Obviously, the charging of anything kinda bothers me because you can go on Amazon and spend $15 on a portable charger,” she says. “I’m not your babysitter. I’m your bartender.”
When Nature Calls — and Customers Don’t Move
Her final gripe might be one every service worker can relate to: customers who won’t move when staff need to use the restroom.
“Not getting out of my way when I need to go to the bathroom — like, Susie, move. I need to pee!” she says, explaining that holding it in during long shifts is an uncomfortable reality for bartenders who don’t get breaks.
Cassandra’s frank delivery has struck a chord with bartenders across TikTok, many of whom left comments agreeing that her points were “100% valid.”
@cassandramichelle__ Things that piss me off as a bartender that probably don’t make sense. 😂 am I wrong for this? #bartenderlifebelike
Bar Etiquette Experts Back Her Up
Industry veterans say Cassandra’s frustrations reflect common issues in the service industry — ones that customers can easily avoid with a bit of awareness.
Laura Thompson, a Brooklyn-based bar manager, told Edible Brooklyn that bartenders aren’t just entertainers — they’re working professionals providing a service under pressure.
“Bars are meant to be social and fun,” Thompson said. “Your bartender might chat with you, but remember they’re working. Be patient and respectful.”
Experts also highlight some key bar etiquette rules that customers often overlook:
- Don’t snap, whistle, or tap your glass to get attention — eye contact works best.
- Avoid blocking bar access or crowding areas where bartenders need to pass.
- Keep phones and personal items off the counter, especially if space is limited.
Even seemingly small actions, like asking for a phone charge, can interfere with a bartender’s workflow and create unnecessary stress during busy hours.
Online Reaction: “She’s Saying What We’re All Thinking”
Viewers flooded Cassandra’s comment section, many admitting guilt while agreeing she’s right.
“It’s 2025 — why are you asking your bartender for a charger?” one top comment read.
Another wrote, “The ordering a drink backwards sets me off — I thought it was just me!”
Some even shared their own bartender experiences, including customers who split tabs unnecessarily or forget their own orders mid-shift.
“Group of people all ordering the same drink multiple times together and checking out separately… just take turns paying,” one user said.
The Takeaway: Be Kind to Your Bartender
While Cassandra’s rant is lighthearted, it sheds light on the challenges of customer-facing jobs — where patience and professionalism often mask exhaustion.
Her closing reminder is simple: “Bartenders are people too. Respect the person pouring your drink — it’ll make everyone’s night better.”
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