Memorable Bartender Stories: Tales from the Service Bar
Welcome to a journey through some of the most memorable stories from behind the bar. These tales offer a glimpse into the world of bartending and the unexpected moments that can happen in a bustling bar atmosphere. From an ex-husband altercation to the unique police presence, these stories unravel the fascinating lives of bartenders over the years.
Exhibition of Authority: The Tense Exchange at TGI Fridays
Back in the late 1970s, I was working the service bar at a TGI Fridays in O’ville. This was a different time, one where the bar was the heart of social gatherings, and the line between personal and professional tensions could sometimes blur.
The service bar was separate from the main bar, which was staffed by the top four bartenders, a nod to those busy Saturday nights. One of the bartenders, Pretty Boy Floyd, known affectionately as AB by the crew, had a significant change in his shift schedule. On this particular Saturday night, Floyd was working the service bar, but with his plans to enjoy Sunday brunch, he asked me to cover his shift. At 20 years old, I politely declined, a decision that would come back to haunt me.
Floyd, unwilling to take a 'no' for an answer, went from demanding to loud and unpleasant, a common trait among those heavily under the influence of cocaine. His conduct escalated, and the manager was forced to intervene, escorting Floyd out of the bar. The tension was palpable, but the incident was soon forgotten, allowing the evening to carry on.
Intervention at the Pool Table: A Night to Remember
A few years later, a different kind of incident occurred. This time, it was during a rather unusual situation. I was significantly younger, and I had an ex-wife who had cheated on me. Walking into the bar one night, I was faced with a significant decision. The man who had slept with my ex-wife was playing pool at the bar. In the heat of the moment, I made a split-second decision that would be etched in my memory: I palmed the cue ball, hit it with all my force, and it smacked him on the head.
The impact was immediate. He hit the floor, making funny noises and bleeding. The bartender, an old friend and familiar with my past, quickly stepped in, saying, "I knew you were gonna do something the second you walked in. Get out of here, I’ll tell the cops he fell." I left, and after that, things settled down. The incident was handled discreetly, and no criminal charges were ever filed.
Bar as a Safe Haven: Dealing with Regular Police Interlopers
As a young bartender, the bar environment was filled with various challenges, including dealing with regular police visits. I was always on edge, fearing arrest. However, one night, a unique situation unfolded. The police came into the bar during one of our blues band performances, something that happened quite frequently. They didn't just barge in for a confrontation; they stayed and engaged with the bartender for a while, then moved to the next bar for a repeat performance. To their surprise, they only consumed two drinks each night before moving on.
The bartender, an old friend, explained that the police made a habit of doing this each night, wandering from bar to bar. This unique behavior allowed us to relax, as the officers were too engrossed in their own drink-ordering to cause trouble. This experience highlighted the complex relationship between the police and the bar community, where a regular routine could actually ensure peace and tranquility.
Reflecting on these experiences, it is clear that the world of bartending is full of memorable stories, from the intense to the unexpectedly humorous. Each incident taught us valuable lessons about resilience, discretion, and the importance of human connection in a bustling bar atmosphere.
Whether it's dealing with a coke-addicted bartender, confronting a past love interest, or navigating a regular police presence, these stories offer a unique insight into the lives of bartenders and the variety of challenges they face. The bar is more than just a place to serve drinks; it is a stage where life plays out.