The Dirtiest Things Behind Every Bar

You may want to think twice about squeezing the citrus, or ordering that spirit double on the rocks.
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We've compiled a list of the ten dirtiest things behind every bar, and unfortunately we're not talking about martinis. Though the cleanliness of each establishment varies from place to place, there are some components behind every bar that are harder to clean, and therefore, easier to neglect. The argument can be made that alcohol is, in fact, a disinfectant, but there are still some things to be aware of when ordering your beverage. But reader, beware: your order may begin to sound something like: "I'd like a martini, stirred with no ice, hold the olives... and can I have a straw?"

Bars have been given a bit more slack when it comes to the customer's awareness of acceptable cleanliness. When there is no food involved, many patrons have lower standards, and have come to expect bars to be less immaculate than restaurants (though there are still health codes, of course). Yet no matter where you go, no matter how upscale the lounge, you may want to think twice about squeezing the citrus, or ordering that spirit double on the rocks; and, should you opt for a dive bar, you just might want to order bottled beer instead of tap.

We've hit the streets, visited a wide range of bars, and spoke to the women and men behind the counters who divulged their pet peeves, observations, and professional issues regarding cleanliness.

We wanted to know, what do bartenders look for when they go to a bar? We found overwhelmingly that most look behind the bar itself. Is it a mess or is it neat and organized? Does it look clean? While waiting to order their drink, they watch another being made and decide from there. One bartender even had these parting words of wisdom, "it's not the bar, it's the bartender."

Dry Mats
They may be used after cleaning utensils, but dry mats are anything but pristine, allowing for the reintroduction of germs to whatever it comes into contact with.Photo Credit: Thinkstock Click Here to See More of the Dirtiest Things Behind Every Bar
Soda Machines
It’s been proven that soda machines, including the dispensers, bags of syrup, and even the tubes carrying the liquids, are a hot bed for bacteria as they often go for long periods of time (we’re talking years) without being cleaned.Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Towels
Hanging out of bartenders’ pockets, or tossed on the counters waiting to pick up any drips and spills, it’s a guarantee that the quicker picker upper behind the bar hasn’t been used just once, which allows it to spread all sorts of unwanted stuff wherever they wipe.Photo Credit: ThinkstockClick Here to See More of the Dirtiest Things Behind Every Bar
Alcohol Bottles
Those bottles of liquor may look gorgeous, all lined up and lit beautifully; however, they are actually sitting behind the bar collecting dust and grime. Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Tap Beer
Rarely cleaned or covered, the beer taps have been proven to contain more bacteria, and even mold in some cases, than the bottled brews.Click Here to See More of the Dirtiest Things Behind Every BarPhoto Credit: Thinkstock

-Amanda Jean Black, The Daily Meal

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