Bartenders are some of the most artistic people in the city. I believe that being an artist lends itself to being a good bartender. That is why so many actors or singers start out as bartenders. Most good bartenders have flair and charisma. That is definitely true of my bartender for the month of October – Seth Williams.
Seth works at Crossing NOLA and is an amazing addition to their already stellar line-up of bartenders. He moved to NOLA from St. Petersburg, FL, in October of 2020 after falling in love with the city and the community. He’s been working at the bar almost since first moving here, so he’s been there for four years with just a short little break.
Professionalism and hospitality are two of Seth’s greatest traits as well as speed and accuracy behind the bar; having a killer smile also helps. Seth credits his attention to detail for ensuring that every drink he makes is consistent and to the highest standard. He can handle a crowded bar with ease and still banter with clients making them feel welcome and at ease.
And his cocktail-making skills are superb. One of his many delicious libations he has created is a concoction of equal parts vodka, gin, and St. Germain with a squeeze of lemon and a splash of simple syrup. It can be served as a martini or on the rocks. It’s his go-to when people say, “just make me something good”
Speaking of cocktails, Seth’s most common go-to drink is vodka and Sprite, and it’s a well-known fact that he likes fireball a little too much. The signature cocktail at Crossing is the Cog Sucker which is a vodka-based strawberry limeade type of drink. He loves making them because people really enjoy drinking them and because he gets his little straw sample to taste for quality. It’s a little treat each time.
“I enjoy bartending because of all the different people I get to meet. That’s what I love so much about Crossing – the people. We have such a great local community that continues to build each other up and support one another. Even when I’m not working I enjoy socializing there,” is how Seth explains his passion for bartending and working at the Crossing.
I find that most people who work in the bars in our gay community view it like a family, even across all the bars. They all seem interconnected and that makes a great network of wonderful people in the LGBTQ+ community of the Crescent City.
Two questions I always love to ask are “What is the craziest/funniest thing you have seen as a bartender?” and “What is your biggest pet peeve with customers?” Seth says, ”Choosing one crazy thing is hard; especially in New Orleans, that is a long list. One of the funniest things I’ve seen was a guy who confidently ordered a ‘flaming shot’ but didn’t realize it was still on fire when he tried to drink it. Luckily, we caught him in time and had a good laugh about it afterward!”
“My biggest pet peeve is when people wave or snap to get my attention. I always try to give great service and acknowledge everyone, so it’s frustrating when someone feels they need to do that instead of being patient.” So be aware of these annoying habits, so you can be a better customer.
Coming back full circle about artists and bartenders: a little factoid about Seth is that he enjoys painting. It may take him a while to finish a painting, but it’s relaxing and calms his mind. So make sure you go out to Crossing NOLA and try one of their Cog Suckers from Seth!
