When Ordering Is a Joke: Personality Types vs. St. Patrick’s Day Service

Going to a pub, bar, or restaurant is a popular way for any personality type to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Such establishments are quick to capitalize on this holiday with themed menus, decorations, and entertainment.

All of this can generate quite a fun party – and a very busy crowd.

But the serving staff isn’t always “beefed up” enough for the occasion. (Was that a corny joke?) Anyone who’s gone out on St. Patrick’s Day knows that even the best, most hardworking servers often get buried under the avalanche of customers. Food service can be a challenge, and a holiday hubbub can be a lot less fun without tasty things to nibble and quaff. (So you make it easier on the staff by being kind and patient, right? Right.)

Of course, your personality type can affect how you interact with food-service workers. The gift of gab, for example, can boost your luck. (It also helps to have a pot o’ gold.)

Ever wondered about the personality types of Ireland – or any other place? Check out our fun, searchable World Personality Map.

This St. Patrick’s Day, our “special menu” offers a not-so-serious look at some hypothetical approaches to ordering – including how servers might react to them. You know servers talk to each other about their customers, right? That’s yet another reason to be on your best behavior!

We’re not saying that these examples perfectly represent each personality type, but we reserve the right to mix a dash of truth with your serving of humor. Indulge responsibly.

Analyst Personality Types

Architect (INTJ)

Preplans their order in detail before arrival, waits impatiently for service. Points out minor menu mistakes to the server and suggests ways to improve efficiency. Doesn’t understand why this input does not seem to be appreciated.

Server comments: Knew what they wanted, but said a bunch of other stuff too.

Logician (INTP)

Weighs several menu options and then asks the server a series of detailed questions. Still not 100%, so follows the server’s recommendation. Ends up liking what they ordered and concludes that, logically, indecision is a valid methodology.

Server comments: Listened genuinely but took forever to order.

Commander (ENTJ)

Waves the server over from elsewhere in the room to take initial orders. Tells them approximately when to return for the next round of orders. Feels satisfied with the way they took control of the situation to overcome the assumed incompetence of other people.

Server comments: Ordered quickly, but being commanded was…not so great.

Debater (ENTP)

Doesn’t hesitate to speak up any place, any time, to get what they want. Orders their drinks directly from the bartender. Lurks near kitchen door to waylay the first server who comes by, then tells them their food order and where they’re sitting.

Server comments: Already had a drink, so that’s one less thing to carry, but what’s with the ambush?

Diplomat Personality Types

Advocate (INFJ)

Asks the server for time to go over the complete menu, then gets annoyed when they don’t return quickly enough. Treats them nicely because they believe in kindness. Writes a negative online review because they believe in truth.

Server comments: What a sweet customer! I hope they come back.

Mediator (INFP)

Feels sympathy for the overworked servers and tries to be extra nice. Has trouble deciding what to order, rushes the decision, regrets their order. Orders additional things later to get what they really want.

Server comments: Pleasant enough, but make up your mind, already.

Protagonist (ENFJ)

Tips and thanks the server in advance to make sure that they feel appreciated. Encourages everyone in the group to get their order in together to limit the number of return trips for the server.

Server comments: What a considerate customer. Wonder if they’re single?

Campaigner (ENFP)

Identifies the speediest and most animated server in the place upon entry and cheerfully requests to be seated in their section. Treats them like a friend and asks them to come back often.

Server comments: Very friendly customer but requires frequent attention.

Sentinel Personality Types

Logistician (ISTJ)

Orders everything that they want for the whole night all at once, so they’ll never run out, even if the server gets too busy. Gets annoyed when tablemates who didn’t plan as sensibly ask to share their drinks and food.

Server comments: Big order, big tip. Hope they don’t get hammered.

Defender (ISFJ)

Feels disappointed that the server barely notices them but doesn’t want to be a bother on such a busy day. Doesn’t get to order much but still manages to turn what they’ve got into fun instead of a fuss.

Server comments: Easy customer. Wait, which customer?

Executive (ESTJ)

Makes a reservation in advance to ensure good seating. Tells everyone to decide quickly, so they’ll be ready to order when the server comes. Doesn’t hesitate to mention anything that’s even slightly inconsistent or incorrect with the orders.

Server comments: Seems efficient. Also seems picky.

Consul (ESFJ)

Mentions everyone’s specific preferences to the server and kindly asks that they be accommodated. Tells the server what a wonderful job they’re doing and promises to write a good review and leave a big tip if they keep up the good work.

Server comments: Carefully staying on their good side…

Explorer Personality Types

Virtuoso (ISTP)

Orders their food and drinks through an online app. Pays with an online app. Has food delivered to a seat near a window. All to save time and unnecessary interaction with strangers.

Server comments: Barely had to do anything. Thank goodness I got a tip.

Adventurer (ISFP)

Gets a little distracted amid all the menu options and accidentally orders the wrong thing. Too embarrassed to bother the server with a correction, so just deals with it cheerfully.

Server comments: Nice customer, but doesn’t seem very hungry or thirsty.

Entrepreneur (ESTP)

Sits at the bar, so they can order more easily and frequently, and pays per order, so they can leave any time they want. Engages the servers in friendly chat to make a good impression and get better service.

Server comments: Seems friendly. A little distracting, though.

Entertainer (ESFP)

Orders often, asks lots of questions, and compliments the servers. Invites them to hang out during breaks. Tries to spread a cheerful vibe as much as possible.

Server comments: Friendly and fun person. Might be one to keep an eye on.

The Check, Please

We’re just kidding around with some lighthearted possibilities – mostly. Every personality type can find a unique way to navigate the chaos in a busy pub or restaurant. If you’ve got a tried-and-true method that works for you, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below!