The first time I walked into a crowded bar I thought I had to work for a drink. Short, skinny and not particularly loud, I jockeyed for a spot. I hovered near the bar hatch and leaned over the counter, anything for a glance. One friend wanted a whiskey. Neat or on the rocks? Both. Another wanted an Old-Fashioned, which meant nothing to me. I ordered two. Reaching for my wallet, I realized I had no idea what to tip. I was a terrible patron.

Over the years I slowly learned better, but the questions never really went away: How should I tip? What’s the best way to order a drink? How can I get the bartender’s attention without being obnoxious?

In interviews, 15 current and former bartenders outlined the common etiquette shared by dives, biergartens, speakeasies and everything in between. By tending to good bar culture, they said, you’ll have more fun, win the favor of your favorite bartenders and avoid gaining a bad reputation.

“Bartenders are the captain of the ship,” said Gaz Regan, the author of “The Joy of Mixology.” “Listen to them, or you’re out of there.”