When musician Jenn Dean shared her confusing experience at an Applebee’s bar, commenters quickly pointed out that the sealed, free bottle of water she received from the bartender was likely a subtle safety warning. This is a huge reminder that bar staff are often looking out for patrons even when you don’t realize it.
Jenn, known on social media as @jenndeanmusic, posted a viral video on Instagram (which has since been deleted) detailing the strange interaction she had after simply asking for water at the bar, according to BroBible. She noticed that when she made the request, the male bartender handed her a sealed bottle of water, but the guy sitting right next to her received a standard glass of water.
This difference in service immediately made her wonder what was going on. She didn’t ask for a bottle of water, the bottle was sealed, and the bartender didn’t even charge her for it. It turns out, this was almost certainly a deliberate signal. Multiple commenters jumped in to explain that the sealed bottled water was a safety precaution. The bartender was likely trying to let Jenn know that someone nearby posed a potential threat, and by giving her a sealed drink, he ensured her water couldn’t be tampered with.
The bartender made a really smart move, and the internet loves them for it
As one person pointed out, “He gave you a sealed container he doesn’t trust someone near you but doesn’t have anything solid enough to kick them out for.” One commenter who used to work security provided great context, noting that they can’t necessarily throw people out just because they have a “weird vibe.” The fact that the man next to her received a regular glass just emphasized that the warning was directed specifically at Jenn.
This type of action is part of a larger network of safety codes used by bars and restaurants to help customers in uncomfortable or dangerous situations. The most well-known is the “angel shot,” which was inspired by the U.K.’s “Ask for Angela” campaign. When a customer orders an “angel shot,” they aren’t actually asking for a drink. They’re signaling that they need help, and different variations of the order indicate the level of intervention required.
Similarly, if you order it “neat,” that means you need an escort to your car. Ordering it “on ice” means the staff should call a ride for you. If you order it “with lime,” that’s the most serious signal, meaning the staff needs to call the police immediately.
Ultimately, the bartender’s actions were a quiet act of vigilance, maybe unlike the one who snooped on your phone. As another person commented, “My first thought was, he knew a creep was nearby, and with a bottle you could close it and no one could slip anything in it. that’s how my paranoid brain works lol.” While not that far, we covered a recent story where a man forcefully grabbed a woman’s High Noon drink. It sounds like this bartender was operating with that same helpful, safety-first paranoia.
Published: Dec 17, 2025 04:00 pm