Food & drinkIntermediate
Ordering at a bar in English
How to ask what's on tap and order a non-alcoholic drink at a bar.
Full script
Lin
Hi, what do you have on tap?
Them
We've got a lager, an IPA, and a local stout.
Lin
Hmm, do you have anything non-alcoholic?
Them
Sure! I can make you a mocktail.
Lin
Sounds great. Not too sweet, please.
Them
You got it. Want to start a tab?
Lin
No thanks, I'll just pay now.
Them
Here you go. Cheers!
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Ask first
✓ What do you have on tap?Ask about draft beer
on tap = draft beer; lager / IPA / stout = beer types
You can still order
✓ Do you have anything non-alcoholic?Ask for alcohol-free drinks
mocktail = non-alcoholic cocktail
Taste
✓ Not too sweet, please.Polite taste request
light ice = less ice; no ice = no ice
No tab
✓ I'll just pay now.Pay right away
start a tab = pay at the end
Quick answers
Ask first: what to say in English
Say “What do you have on tap?” — ask about draft beer. on tap = draft beer; lager / IPA / stout = beer types.
You can still order: what to say in English
Say “Do you have anything non-alcoholic?” — ask for alcohol-free drinks. mocktail = non-alcoholic cocktail.
Taste: what to say in English
Say “Not too sweet, please.” — polite taste request. light ice = less ice; no ice = no ice.
No tab: what to say in English
Say “I'll just pay now.” — pay right away. start a tab = pay at the end.