Unforgettable Tales from a Bartender’s Perspective

Bartending can be a challenging yet rewarding job, filled with diverse and often humorous experiences. In this article, we delve into two of the most memorable and intriguing incidents from my 13-year bartending career. These stories highlight the unpredictable nature of the job and the unique dynamics one encounters on the job.

Three Years of Hazing

One of my most memorable experiences as a bartender occurred in my very first job. I was working in a beach town where all the bartenders knew each other from various local bars. One of the most notorious bartenders in the area, whom all the other bartenders knew by reputation, walked in one day and ordered her vodka on the rocks. She was having a bad day and had already consumed a considerable amount of alcohol. She took a sip of her drink and immediately threw it in my face, exclaiming in anger, "This drink sucks, barback." Not even dignifying me with the title of bartender, she did this right in front of our managers, fellow bartenders, and her entourage.

Despite the surprising outburst, my initial happiness turned to confusion and sadness. One of her friends tried to comfort me, explaining that it was a way of "breaking me in" - essentially a form of hazing. The point was to not take it personally. A few years later, the same bartender got hired at a bar where I was already working. She playfully teased me about it, acknowledging I had become well-established there. Interestingly, we ended up becoming friends, and she even invited me out with her group of friends. Even after we stopped working together, we would still give each other friendly hugs and chat.

This experience was the most “WTF” moment in my bartending career. While I have seen people threaten to beat us up for no reason or walk up and throw up on the bar or the floor, those incidents were not isolated and were often due to alcohol-induced reactions. However, witnessing such an unexpected and potentially hurtful display from someone who seemed so influential and respected in the community was truly perplexing.

A Public Display of a Lovers’ Spat

Another memorable incident took place near the end of my bartending career. On one occasion, a woman began berating her “boyfriend” in front of everyone. Typically, such behavior could be ignored, but it was even more troubling that she accused her boyfriend of sleeping with another woman. Things took a sharp turn when it was revealed that her boyfriend was also married—a fact that she had conveniently overlooked.

The situation escalated quickly. She was shouting about how her boyfriend had betrayed her, while he calmly tried to explain the situation. The wife's hurt and anger were palpable, and it was evident that this public spat was not brought on by a lack of alcohol or a simple disagreement. Her behavior reflected a deeply personal and emotional conflict.

While such public displays of affection or anger can be common, the context of a married man involved complicated the situation. It highlighted the sensitive and sometimes explosive dynamics that can arise in such situations.

Lessons from the Anecdotes

These incidents serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the job and the need for empathy and understanding. Bartenders often witness a range of behaviors, some of which can be disconcerting or even shocking. While events like these might make for a good story, they also serve as a valuable reminder of the emotional toll that can be taken on those involved.

For aspiring bartenders, these stories highlight the importance of remaining patient, understanding, and professional, even in challenging situations. And for those who know future bartenders, it's a reminder to be a little less judgmental and a bit more supportive, understanding that behind the humorous stories and the noise of the bar, lies a complex and evolving human experience.

Whether it's the hazing incident or the lovers' spat, these are just a few of the many tale’s I have experienced as a bartender. They serve as a testament to the uniqueness of the job and the remarkable people that bartending can bring together.