Sipping And Smiling: How Bar Sign Humor Can Set The Mood

If you want to create a bar that feels as inviting as it is lively, there's no need to consider a full renovation. Something as simple as a new, funny bar sign might be all you need to attract potential customers and set the stage for a fun, lively atmosphere.

From popular culture references to clever puns about drinking beer, funny signs make it clear to passersby that your bar offers a good time, long before they've even stepped into the building.

However, knowing how to set the mood is key to any successful bar sign. Read on to discover how you can use the power of humor to set the mood and entice potential customers.

How Can Bar Sign Humor Set The Mood?

Just as the packaging of branded cans helps sellers cultivate a desired vibe, so too can a clever bar sign. From the written text to the graphic design, these signs give patrons an idea of what to expect when they enter your establishment.

If you want them to expect a fun-filled time rife with the happiness that comes with unforgettable memories, humorous bar signs are a great place to start. Here's how they can benefit you:

You Stand Out Among The Competition

In a world full of the same old bars and restaurants, you need a way to stand out and draw people in. Whether you're looking to pull potential customers away from other local bars or want an eye-catching photo for your Google Maps location, humorous bar signs are one of the best low-budget, high-return investments.

Just imagine you're exploring the downtown strip at night, searching for an appealing pub to patron. There are countless options, but a bar sign saying "Save the earth. It’s the only planet that has beer.", catches your attention.

By putting out a memorable, funny bar sign, anyone who passes by will not only be more likely to choose you over other options, but also more likely to remember your bar long-term via association. It's one of the simplest ways to get noticed more often and be remembered for longer.

Motivates Friends

For many, the bar represents merry nights celebrated with friends and family. By turning your bar sign into something these patrons can get a laugh out of, you're helping to build the sense of community that makes bars so appealing.

For instance, a group of friends that starts laughing at a funny bar sign right before they enter your establishment has already set the mood for a fun night at the bar. A sense of comfort and comradery is built before they even sit down, allowing them to feel comfortable ordering more drinks.

Helps Strangers Break the Ice

No buyer wants to drink alcohol somewhere they feel uncomfortable. Instead, a witty sign can be a way to alleviate tension and provide an instant conversation starter.

Whether it’s a pun about happy hour or a sarcastic warning about bad dance moves, humorous signage helps strangers bond over a shared laugh. They'll be thinking about how good the beer and wine taste, rather than how awkward they feel in a new setting!

Builds Your Brand

The way you present your brand is key to attracting potential customers, and bar signs play a crucial role in both messaging and aesthetics. For example, a casually dressed customer might avoid bar signs that appear too formal.

A well-placed joke or slogan sets expectations for a place that's filled with good people and unforgettable parties. So, if that sounds applicable to your business, maybe it's time to start designing a new sign.

Encourages Social Media Shares

Social media and similar technologies have taken the hospitality industry by storm, dictating who gets seen and who doesn't. In the world of Instagram and TikTok likes, a funny bar sign can create the buzz your bar needs to attract new customers.

Clever wordplay, pop culture references, or unexpected humor can all turn a simple sign into free marketing as customers photograph and post it online.

30 Funny Bar Sign Examples

Whether you own a small home bar or several franchise establishments, here are several fun bar sign expressions, jokes, and slogans that can set the mood:

The Best Drinking Wisdom (Or Lack Thereof)

A good bit of ironic advice could be what that passerby needs to choose your bar. After all, when having a bad day, someone telling you to drink more in the form of a funny joke might be the perfect pick-me-up.

Consider these drinking advice tips for a good laugh:

1. Alcohol: Because no great story started with a salad.
2. Save water, drink more beer.
3. Drinking responsibly means not spilling your beer.
4. Take life with a grain of salt... and a slice of lime and a shot of tequila.
5. In dog beers, I’ve only had one.
6. A balanced diet is a beer in each hand.
7. Vodka is just fun water.
8. Sip happens.
9. Thirsty Thursday: Fridays for overachievers.
10. Whine less, wine more.

Creative Ways To Sass Your Patrons

If you operate a bar with a little bit of attitude, these signs are the perfect way to attract likeminded guests:

1. Drinking to forget? Please pay in advance.
2. There might be better things in life than alcohol, but it compensates for not getting them.
3. No working during drinking hours.
4. If we wanted to be therapists, we wouldn’t be called bartenders.
5. Enjoy beer as cold as your ex’s heart.
6. “Trust me. You can dance.” – Cocktails
7. Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
8. Sorry! no Wi-Fi password, try talking to someone.
9. Alcohol: Because it looks like you need more than coffee.
10. It’s not drinking alone if your dog is home.

Reduced Labor Costs

As a business owner, you know that skilled staff members are the key to your success but also one of your biggest expenses. Luckily, self-serve bars minimize the need for additional staff and allow existing staff to focus on tasks other than serving drinks. With fewer things to manage, you can allocate staff and resources more efficiently without compromising service quality.

Fun with Drinking Puns

Uncommon puns can grab the attention of passersby like nothing else. Here are some examples of original puns inspired by drinking and popular culture:

1. An experience lager than life.
2. Come make pour decisions with us!
3. Take a pitcher, it’ll last longer.
4. You can’t sip with us.
5. Our drinks are neat, even if you’re not.
6. Hops 'til you drop.
7. Start working on your six-pack!
8. Sip me baby one more time.
9. Shaken, not stirred—just like your last relationship.
10. Tequila might not be the answer, but it’s worth a shot.

Tips For Creating Your Own Funny Bar Sign

More than just a good joke, an effective funny bar sign is as thoughtful as it is spontaneous. Making people smile isn't always easy, so here are our top tips:

Know Your Audience

Knowing your patrons is as important as knowing your brand. Those who regularly partake in craft cocktail lounges may be more likely to enjoy witty wordplay, while local dive bar regulars are more likely to embrace edgy and sarcastic humor. Consider your bar's brand and personality, then align your new sign to match the existing vibe.

Prioritize Memorability

Signs are only as memorable as they are easy to read and retain. Short, punchy phrases work best—bonus points if they rhyme or use alliteration. Tapping into well-known movies, TV shows, or memes can also enhance people's ability to recall your sign. For example, a sign saying, “You can’t sip with us.” will catch the eye of anyone who's seen Mean Girls.

Incorporate Wordplay

Google popular drinking expressions and clever ways to twist words associated with the bar experience. While taking an extra half hour to research might seem annoying, a successful pun will always be far more memorable than thoughtless alternatives. You might also consider your location, the current weather, and the season for a more relevant sign.

Consider Social Media

In today's digital landscape, social media can be one of the most effective forms of marketing for your business. Funny bar signs deliver on this front, creating a humorous visual that can be captured again and again. Use bold fonts, creative chalk art, or neon signs to make your message stand out and increase the chances of virality.

Don't Be Afraid to Change it Up

Jokes are more funny the first time you hear them. Keep customers engaged by updating your sign regularly. A rotating selection of witty messages relevant to the current date and time keeps people looking forward to their next visit.

Foster The Ideal Ambience With Commercial Draft Beer Systems

Aside from appealing signs, other technologies can also help you set the mood for a fun, carefree night at the bar. For instance, automated draft beer systems streamline operations, improving service and adding to the casual vibe you're trying to build. Customers who stroll in after noticing your witty bar sign can immediately start pouring their own drinks, spending less time waiting and more time making memories with friends.

Whether you plan on opening a themed establishment or revamping an existing one, the GS Draft System Solutions team is ready to help. We take pride in our work and can design a custom system that blends seamlessly with your bar's unique sign. We're happy to address any inquiries about our extensive product options and services, which are all created to help your business run above the industry standard.

Explore our comprehensive installation options by calling us at (949) 421-3882. You can also email us at sales@gsdraft.com. We look forward to your message!