For bartenders: Was he interested or was he just being nice

Scene: I am ordering drinks from cute bartender, around my age (mid or late 20s). When he hands me a bunch of glasses I accidentally wrap my hands around his. I am feeling butterflies but assume this is nothing to him.

Later I come up again and ask him what a really nice-looking drink he just served to a couple was. "It's called a cocktail." I laugh at his sarcasm. He asks me if I'm having fun. He and I chat a little about the piano player in the bar, and about how the player doesn't know any modern music. I ask him what music he'd play if he could, and he tells me [band name]. I submit the band name and he makes a thank-you gesture.

Finally I go up and ask for my check. "No," he says, jokingly. I pay and tell him that he's super nice and how often does he work there? He tells me which nights he works there and tells me I should come back.

He's flirting with me right? Is this a normal bartender ploy to be nice to customers and/or get tips and I'm just being dumb? I wanted to make a move but didn't because I was with some very teasing friends and felt extremely self-conscious. When I return next time, should I make a move, and how? Should I return with friends or by myself? If there are any bartenders reading this: have you ever dated a customer and how did it happen?

Submitted November 25, 2021 at 08:44AM

Scene: I am ordering drinks from cute bartender, around my age (mid or late 20s). When he hands me a bunch of glasses I accidentally wrap my hands around his. I am feeling butterflies but assume this is nothing to him.Later I come up again and ask him what a really nice-looking drink he just served to a couple was. "It's called a cocktail." I laugh at his sarcasm. He asks me if I'm having fun. He and I chat a little about the piano player in the bar, and about how the player doesn't know any modern music. I ask him what music he'd play if he could, and he tells me [band name]. I submit the band name and he makes a thank-you gesture.Finally I go up and ask for my check. "No," he says, jokingly. I pay and tell him that he's super nice and how often does he work there? He tells me which nights he works there and tells me I should come back.He's flirting with me right? Is this a normal bartender ploy to be nice to customers and/or get tips and I'm just being dumb? I wanted to make a move but didn't because I was with some very teasing friends and felt extremely self-conscious. When I return next time, should I make a move, and how? Should I return with friends or by myself? If there are any bartenders reading this: have you ever dated a customer and how did it happen?