Bartenders

I have decided that the majority think they are gods. As a group they really are a most intriguing bunch. Before I go on I should share a bit about my qualifications. I have a hobby which brings me into contact with quite a few bartenders/mixologists and as a result I have become friends with a few of them which by association has brought me into contact with more. So, painting with the broad brush that I am, they really think the world of themselves.

Bartenders do have some reason to think highly of themselves, when they are behind the bar they have a certain aura that allows them to hold themselves in a higher esteem than those on the opposite side—after all they make drinks and people want drinks. As a profession, they are relatively well compensated, especially in a city where many frequent their establishments with regularity. They are then, a necessity.

How they go about their craft is where it gets interesting. Most anyone with some intellect could after a short time learn to make the majority of drinks that they must know. What seems to separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff seems to be in the attitude and personality.

Some take the back seat approach, they sit and wait; they respond to your request and fold back to the shadows, leaving you to your company. This type is not necessarily a bad type but not the most intriguing. Many take a much more proactive approach and probably do so for a couple of reasons. First, by being more engaging they make their job easier—their evenings go by faster. Secondly, it’s a purely fiscal decision; people want to tip more to those they know and like. So why do I say they think they are gods?

Behind the bar they can get away with almost anything. We as patrons are willing to put up with a lot more for the simple reason that we need them. We are, after all not allowed behind the bar. This for them is an incredibly powerful position, they get to say and do whatever they may please. Sometimes this can be amusing, sometimes it’s downright rude. But regardless, we will typically let them go since they are working and we are not.

The change takes place when they step to the other side of the bar. This seems to be a very difficult thing for quite a few of them. They cease to have the upper hand in the dynamic and react as such. They forget that we are not willing to put up with as much and actually might be offended at what was previously, amusing. All I’m saying is that they still think they are untouchable—the truth is far from it.