by 
F Dubya
ANSWERS: 5
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House liquor, the basic liquors (often vodka, scotch, bourbon, gin, tequila, rum, brandy) for use in generic drinks. May also include vermouth, liqueurs, etc., depending on what the establishment pours most often. Usually the least expensive of each type in the establishment, and the one you’ll find in most of your drinks. [source: http://www.accubar.com/Products/glossary.asp]
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"Well" drinks are made from the cheap house liquors on hand. i.e. If you ask for a gin and tonic you will get whatever cheap gin they serve as opposed to a Tanqurey(sp) and tonic.
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The less expensive drinks usually in the racks around the bar, not in the back on the shelf. They're around the sink and lower than the bar height.
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The 'well' is a rack or line of bottles that are easily accessible by the bartender, normally stored beneath the bar in a metal rack. As noted earlier, well drinks tend to be the least expensive of a particular establishment's menu; but this is relative! I've worked in restaurants where the well brands were absolut, johnnie walker, tanqueray, jim beam, etc. I've also worked at places where they were McCormick and Popov! If you have any doubts, then ask your bartender. Well drinks differ from 'call' or 'top shelf' in that if a guest doesn't specify their liquor, the bartender (unless they are exceptional, and 'upsells' or suggests a higher-tier liquor) normally the drink will be made with the well liquors. "I'd like a gin and tonic" vs. "I'd like a Bombay Sapphire and tonic" (with two limes!!) :)
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Some places also call that "rail" being that the bartenders keep that on the rail in front of them within easy reach. The higher priced alcohol is put behind the bar, farther out of reach and is called "call" since you must actually "call" the name of the particular brand you prefer.
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