Let’s face it–being a bartender in New Orleans is like being on a rollercoaster. You have your climbs and your plummets, and during busy times like Mardi Gras and Southern Decadence, it feels like you are doing loops and spirals. But no matter what, by the end of the experience you come off saying “What A Ride!”
I feel like bartenders who are successful in our city, know how to handle the ride, the ups and downs, but always leaning into the thrill of it all. My newest Bartender of the Month is the Corner Pocket’s David Bartholomew, a fun-loving free spirit who definitely enjoys his job.
He’s originally from Metairie, but we all consider Jefferson Parish a part of New Orleans, so h’s all NOLA in my book. He has worked at the Corner Pocket on and off for a little over ten years. He also tended bar at Oz and the noted Italian restaurant Avo on Magazine Street.
David is a wonder behind the bar and, at the Corner Pocket, he needs the extra skill of serving drinks while dancers move around above him on the bar. Serving cocktails through men’s legs is a definite skill set.
He also makes delicious libations adding several of his own creations over the years. One being the “Harley Quinn,” which he made for a friend who liked that character. The shot consists of layers of cherry syrup, blue Curacao, and vanilla vodka. Another one is the“Mock-mocktail” which uses Chambord, DiSaronno, cherry juice or syrup, and Sprite or Club Soda. The idea behind this one is that the sweetness of the liqueurs tones down the liquor forward taste.
David says one of his best assets behind the bar is his ability to connect with guests.“My favorite part of the job is making the guests feel welcome and letting them know I’m available to serve, talk, or have fun.” He is always organized which is another good trait to have behind a bar. He likes order, efficiency, and rules, but can handle and, actually likes, a little chaos now and then. The chaos reminds him that everything doesn’t have to be perfect all the time.
The Corner Pocket is known for being slightly risqué so having him pinpoint one of the craziest/funniest things he has seen at the bar was challenging. But he goes on to explain, “It was a slow night when a man walked in and ordered a whisky neat. He asked for a few quarters in his change, took his drink to the back and started playing pool alone. About 30 minutes later he was shirtless and pantless wearing a thong and flip flops! I guess he took it off fast because I didn’t notice him undressing. He didn’t order anything else, just told me he was out to have a good time. He left soon after, but after closing up I noticed he left his pants and shirt folded on one of the stools with his phone and wallet in the pants. I found his hotel key in one of his pockets so I and a friend of mine returned his belongings to him at the hotel he was staying at.”
Now that is good customer service. Being a bartender who looks out for his customers is not just being a good human, but truly the best asset one can have behind the bar.
David discusses his love of being a bartender and what it’s like being part of the Corner Pocket family. “I like being a bartender because the job is mostly fun. There are times when the demand for service is high and we may not get breaks, but picking up the pace is part of the business. I like moving fast and serving our guests, but I like it when it’s slower too. That way I get to talk to and learn from the people that come to visit. I like the Corner Pocket because the people are interesting. I never know who is going to come in and talk to me. Even the regular visitors are enjoyable. I have a few guests I know I’ll see and I look forward to seeing them.”
He says he doesn’t really go out too much anymore. He has become more of a drip; his words not mine. He stays busy so that helps but when he did go out for drinks, he was quite fond of Hendrick’s Gin and tonic water with a lime. Aside from that he is always up for a good Old Fashioned. His favorite cocktail to make is a Margarita, and he especially likes a challenge when the customers modify them to their taste.
His pet peeve is funny. “Okay everyone, listen up! I’ve got two kids at home making messes all day long. I don’t need y’all spilling your drinks all over the place.”
When I asked David about something that other people may not know about him, he said, “I’ve always loved people and animals. I’ve always found it easy to make connections with people and animals which is probably why I enjoy bartending. I also love Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math! I like logical and critical thinking and solving problems. I enjoy learning new things all the time and learning new skills. I like to work with my hands and be the mastermind behind my projects. I taught my son math that was years ahead of his grade level and he excels in his course at school. I love teaching him and my daughter, and practicing with them what they’ve learned.” He recently graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of New Orleans. As far as community service, he volunteered at an animal shelter with his mother and sister in Metairie.
If you would like to have David serve you a cocktail, you can find him at the Corner Pocket on Tuesday nights for a while as well as some of the Friday and Saturday shifts.
