• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • All Articles
  • Arts & Culture
  • Health
  • News
    • News
    • Announcements
    • Obituaries
    • The Official Dish
  • Opinions
  • Horoscopes
  • PODCAST
  • Subscribe

Ambush Magazine

The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™

  • Read All Articles
  • Print Archive
  • Old Archived Site
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Bartender Spotlight: October 2021

October 29, 2021 By Tony Leggio

Football season is here, and there is nothing I like more than going to see a game at one of the many LGBT bars in the French Quarter.  And one of my favorite bars to watch the Saints play is Crossing NOLA.  It also happens to be where my Bartender of the Month for October works.  Nick Schlumbrecht enhances my Saints viewing experience whether they win or lose.  It also helps that they give out free shots every time the Saints score a touchdown.  I have to admit for the Packers and Patriots games I got a little toasty.  

A bar may be the draw for patrons, but I believe it is the bartenders that make their visit worthwhile and keep them returning.  And that is what Nick does, keeps customers entertained. He has been working at the Crossing since only May 2021, but he is no novice to the industry.  This born-and-raised New Orleanian was a bartender and manager at Good Friends for six years and the Bourbon Pub for two.  After a brief sojourn from the city, he returned and is back behind the bar. 

Nick Schlumbrecht at Crossing (Photo: Tony Leggio)

People always believe that in gay bars the entertainment is only on the stage, TV screens, or the DJ booth.  While they are strong draws, your bartenders have to be equally as interesting.  No one likes a dull bartender; they have to be engaging and fun.  Nick is all of that and much more. He is, in fact, a powerhouse behind the bar. 

Creating craft cocktails is artistry and Nick is a master at his craft.  He moves effortlessly delivering cocktails to a crowded bar all the while maintaining a festive atmosphere for his clientele.  His personable demeanor and sharp wit make him very popular with the locals.  One of his strongest talents is his ability to connect with people.  He will see a regular walk into the bar and acknowledge them immediately even if he is busy.  His knack for remembering people’s cocktail of choice is also very endearing.  A great memory is a valuable asset for a bartender. 

Advertisement

He also puts people at ease, making them feel right at home.  One of his favorite cocktails he likes to experiment with is a Bloody Mary.  He loves creating new unique takes on an old classic.  When he goes out drinking, however, he is a straight-up whiskey boy with Jameson as his  choice. 

Advertisement

He had an incredible reply when I asked him what he likes about being a bartender.  “The perq of bartending is always meeting 100 new people a day and, for that short time there, you get to make an impact on them in some way, whether it’s a break from the day, a laugh, a night out partying or just an ear to listen. I especially like being at Crossing because this bar really gives a safe space for every type to feel wanted.”

As COVID is still ever present in our lives, Nick explained how he dealt with the pandemic.  “It forced me to take a break from bartending and focus on my skills of managing,“ he says.  “But it proved to me what I am good at and what I love doing which is being part of this community.” 

Make it a point to check Nick out at Crossing NOLA located at 439 Dauphine Street.

Advertisement

Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Bartender of the Month, News, Profiles & Spotlights

Related Posts

From New Orleans with Hate, Bianca Del Rio on Her Career
Lady Beast and Vinsantos (Photo Credit Colton Clifford Photography)
LadyBEAST and Vinsantos present an ode to New Orleans cabaret. June 6-9
Party Down June 4, 2019

Primary Sidebar

Connect & Join the Conversation

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Recent Print Editions

  • Volume 38 Issue 17
  • Volume 38 Issue 16
  • Volume 38 Issue 15
  • Volume 38 Issue 14
  • Volume 38 Issue 13
  • Volume 38 Issue 12
  • Volume 38 Issue 11
  • Volume 38 Issue 10
  • Volume 38 Issue 05
  • Volume 38 Issue 04

Recent Articles

  • The Rockford Files: Grammar Yahtzee – Why Syntax Is Sexy
  • Get Ready for a Fabulous Drag Brunch at The Origin Hotel Baton Rouge Downtown!
  • Trodding the Boards June 6, 2025
  • American Scare: An Interview with Robert W. Fieseler
  • The 2025 Official Gay Easter Parade raises over $14,000 for Food for Friends!

Experience Gay New Orleans

  • Gay New Orleans
  • Gay Mardi Gras
  • Gay Easter Parade
  • New Orleans Pride
  • Gay Appreciation Awards
  • Southern Decadence
  • Gay Halloween

Categories

  • A Community within Communities
  • Announcements
  • Arts & Culture
  • Bartender of the Month
  • Book Review
  • Business
  • Chop Chop
  • Commentary
  • Drag Queen Profile
  • Featured
  • Film Review
  • Financial
  • Geo Doing Geo Things
  • Health
  • Horoscopes
  • Interviews
  • Interviews from Key West
  • Letter to the Editor
  • Moments in Queer New Orleans History
  • Museum Spotlights
  • Music
  • Musings by Catherine
  • New to New Orleans
  • News
  • Obituaries
  • Opinions
  • Pride Spotlight
  • Profiles & Spotlights
  • Sports
  • The Here and the Now
  • The Official Dish
  • The Real Cheese
  • The Rockford Files
  • Trodding the Boards
  • Uncategorized
  • Under The Gaydar

Footer

Ambush Magazine Logo

Ambush Magazine is New Orleans' and the Gulf Coast's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer entertainment, news, and travel guide since 1982.

Publisher TJ Acosta
Editor-In-Chief Reed Wendorf
Founding Publisher/Editor Rip Naquin-Delain
Senior Editor Brian Sands
Distribution George Bevan Jr

Email info@ambushpublishing.com
Phone (504) 522-8049

Recent Posts

  • The Rockford Files: Grammar Yahtzee – Why Syntax Is Sexy
  • Get Ready for a Fabulous Drag Brunch at The Origin Hotel Baton Rouge Downtown!
  • Trodding the Boards June 6, 2025
  • American Scare: An Interview with Robert W. Fieseler
  • The 2025 Official Gay Easter Parade raises over $14,000 for Food for Friends!

Proud Member

Gulf South LGBT Chamber Logo

Let’s Get Social

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2025 · Ambush Publishing LLC All Rights Reserved · Website Built by Reed Wendorf · Log in