Bartenders or whatever your title of choice is (mixologist, bar chef, etc.) are an important part of the gay community. They become our confidants, our protector, our cocktail suppliers and, in some cases, our therapists. But most of all, they are our friends and for many people, our chosen family. I cannot stress what vital roles bartenders at LGBTQ+ drinking establishments have personally played in not just my life, but the lives of so many others.
My May Bartender of the Month spotlights a wonderful individual named Ryan Carrere at American Townhouse. This New Orleans born’n’raised guy has been with American Townhouse since they opened over two years ago. He worked with these owners for over ten years formerly at the 700 Club.
Ryan is the consummate bar professional. He knows and takes care of his local clientele, and still dazzles newcomers to the bar with his charming personality and lovely smile. He also can make a great drink. He is quick and efficient, which is a very important skill.
Recently I went to a new bar in the city (not a gay one) that boasts craft cocktails and a great atmosphere. The bar menu looked incredible, the atmosphere was fun, but because of the unfriendliness of the bartender, the place was ruined. I have had nicer people serve me drinks at a Time Saver. I was planning on bringing clients and future groups to this place. Not anymore. Owners, please note that people skills are just as important as cocktail skills when hiring a person to work behind the bar.
But I digress, back to Ryan, who has many assets that make him a valued employee. For instance, he has created some cocktails and shots over his career. He jokes, however, that his best asset behind the bar is a full ice well so as to make cocktails quickly (and to throw at those unruly customers).
I love hearing about the craziest thing a bartender has seen while working and Ryan’s story was pretty funny. “When I was a new bartender at The Pub in 2009 on graveyard shift, a lovely woman came in not seeming too happy. After making her a drink, I moved on to another guest. Not 5 minutes later this woman had taken off her sun dress and was walking around completely naked. I tried everything to stop her and get her to put her clothes back on to no avail. So in true bartender fashion, I wrapped her purse and sun dress up together and stashed them in a safe spot. My thinking was she’d be back in no time. I was wrong and almost two years later she came back in and retrieved her belongings. She informed me she had been going thru something that night and was beyond grateful for me looking out for her goods.”
As I said at the beginning of this article, Ryan is always pleasant and personable with customers. He went over what he loves about being a bartender: “Bartending allows me to meet new people almost every day, especially at Townhouse. We are lucky enough to have repeat clientele from the 700 Club days. We are also fortunate enough that our kitchen brings in previous patrons and new ones as well.”
So, what does Ryna like to drink when he is on the other side of the bar? “I enjoy a good Mojito if I’m feeling froggy, but I tend to keep it simple with a shot of Bacardi Silver.” Well, I for one would definitely like to see him froggy and drinking mojitos. But a little known piece of information Ryan shared with me, is that he prefers to be home reading a good book than going out.
What is his biggest pet peeve? People who forget to close out their tab. Like other bars, at American Townhouse there is normally a 25% gratuity added to all tabs left open, which I totally agree with. Some people say there should not be penalties like that. I honestly do not consider that a penalty. It is what you should be tipping anyway to a bartender. So they are actually helping you be a better person.
You can find Ryan at American Townhouse all year Wednesday-Saturday 6:30-close and seasonally at the Bywater Country Club, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings. American Townhouse is located at 1012 North Rampart Street.
