I am convinced that every facet of human existence is alive in a bar. Every facet of human drama is shown each and every night within its confined spaces. A bar is humankind, whole and incomplete within their triumphs and defeats. And we, as the bartenders of the world, have to soberly see it all (unless the boss is gone or allows us to get a good buzz through the whole mess). Every bar/restaurant is a mini-soap opera complete with every type of character you can imagine (some even have the evil twin). And every bar has its regulars. A regular is basically someone who feels comfortable getting drunk in your bar every day. Many regulars are cool but some you just tolerate and move on down the bar to talk to the tourists. Sometimes you just want to pour drinks in silence or turn up the tunes and plow through the day.

One thing that has always blown me away is how quickly people open up after a few drinks and spill their life story all over you like they were on day TV. I’ve met a few people who could’ve done a week on Montel by themselves. Be careful what you say to your bartenders folks—it could end up on a blog somewhere.