When I worked in a bar
We were taught to always be mentally numbering the order in which we should serve punters, according to how they'd be there. It wasn't hard to put them into a memorable order. Also, the regulars knew that, if it was a bit busy, they could just wait patiently and we'd get them their usual as soon as we could, and take it over to their table.

If I get to the bar, and get served before someone who's obviously been there longer than me, I always ask the barperson to serve them first. Generally I'll get a curt grunt of thanks at most, but at Koko a few weeks back, this girl had been waiting for ages, been pushed in front of loads, and was incredibly grateful that I'd gotten her served first. It's always nice when people appreciate you.
(The Empress it seems you CAN polish a turd!, Fri 2 May 2008, 11:44, Reply)