The hospitality industry in NOLA is filled with many friendly individuals, and some of the most welcoming and hospitable people you will encounter work behind the bar.
Bartenders in New Orleans represent a unique category of professionals. They are characterized by their professionalism, good humor, and amiable nature, often complemented by a touch of sass. My Bartender of the Month for July exemplifies all these traits. Brett Pfeifer became a member of the Crossing NOLA team last November and has proven to be a valuable addition.
Born in Metairie and an alumnus of Louisiana State University, Brett has always resided in or near NOLA, making him truly “Naturally N’awlins.” He has previously bartended at some of the city’s premier establishments, including Republic NOLA, Whiskey Blue (W Hotel), Maison Frenchmen, Hi-Ho Lounge, and J&J’s Sports Lounge.
Brett possesses numerous skills that contribute to his effectiveness as a bartender. He is capable of preparing any cocktail requested with speed and efficiency. His ideal combination of quickness, situational awareness, and strong work ethic creates a perfect synergy that enhances his performance. It is evident that he is passionate about his work. Being behind the bar feels instinctive to him. He shared with me, “I enjoy being a bartender because it is a straightforward job with excellent earning potential. I appreciate Crossing because it is a beautiful bar located just off Bourbon Street, offering comparatively great prices, making it an ideal spot for service industry workers in the vicinity. The regular patrons are fantastic, and my boss is incredibly accommodating.”
Despite being an outstanding mixologist, Brett’s personal preferences when enjoying cocktails are quite uncomplicated. “I am a ‘Beer and a shot’ type of person. Whatever comes closest to Sierra Nevada and Tullamore Dew works perfectly for me.”
When asked about the most outrageous experience he has had while working behind the bar, Brett recounted a rather extraordinary tale. “On a Saturday night in 2007, I was employed at Republic New Orleans alongside my favorite co-worker at the time, Anna Barbara. For a couple of years, we managed the downstairs bar near the restrooms on Saturday nights. One particularly busy Saturday night, a large pipe above our central register burst, showering us with water. The unfortunate positioning of the pipe required us to frequently navigate under the deluge to serve our patrons. We were soaked. Initially, I was informed that the water was a clean, inflowing source. It was only at the end of the night that we discovered it might have been sewage from the second floor. Thankfully, we were quite intoxicated by that point.”
Brett’s greatest annoyance is any behavior from customers that significantly hinders his efficiency, such as when someone begins to place an order and then has to consult each of their friends individually about their preferences. Another frequent grievance among many bartenders is those patrons who overly complicate their orders – the more elaborate the drink order, the more bothersome the customer becomes. Lastly, the expectation of tipping bartenders is a given, yet it is often overlooked. If you are unable to tip your bartenders, it is advisable to remain at home.
An interesting fact about Brett that most people are unaware of is that he is also an attorney and a notary. Although he is currently voluntarily inactive, he still performs notarizations, typically while bartending.
You can find Brett at the Crossing on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 6:45 p.m. until approximately 1 a.m., and on Monday nights at J&J’s Sports Lounge from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. The Crossing is situated at 439 Dauphine Street.
