Mixologist behind bar, but not tending it, unavailable for orders

I'm having these issues with bartenders in my game as well, exactly as others have described.  If the bartender is talking with NPC's or preparing other orders, the 'wait for drink' action will not appear and the bartender only actually delivers the drink about half the time.  If the bartender is having a conversation with an NPC the options to order don't appear until the conversation is over.