If someone is on the bar's payroll, they are your new best friend, even if they don't know it yet. A small bar community means that you've just re-entered high school and they are the Heathers, and you want to be a Heather, don't you? Once they take you under their wing you'll learn who to avoid, who is sleeping with who, and whether or not that kindly older fellow who keeps giving you the eye has enough money to back up his advances. Aim to show up on a slower night when there's a chance a bored bartender will take notice of your sparkling personality and introduce you around. This is vital if you go to the bar alone, because they become your protection from the unwanted advances of lecherous customers (and employees).