Originally Posted by bronco67

If I know I'm going to be at a bar for hours with a group, I tip the bartender $20-$40 right up front. When it gets 3 deep at the bar later, he/she will always be looking out for me when I'm trying to get another round. It's not really a decent tip, considering it's stretched out over the entire night, but something about the large sum at the beginning will make them remember you, and make you a priority.