For someone that allegedly ran a bar, you really seem to be missing the point on the bar area vs. seated area. Pretty sure that move pisses off every service person I've ever met.
The table was tiny, it was out of the main restaurant, I was being proactive walking up to the bar. She is waiting on others sitting at the bar, had every intention of giving her a nice tip and going my way. I did not want to have to get a bill and wait for some dingbat to bring my check, well within my rights as a customer and if you could have seen the set up you wouldn't post that.
I do understand what you are getting at, maybe I didn't do things right. I actually did open the exchange with "Sorry, I guess I was supposed to wait for someone?" She could have asked me to sit down or tell me someone would be right with me. I asked permission to buy the beer, she didn't have to pour it if there was a problem.