Tone G learned his bartending skills via trial by fire in a hole-in-the-wall bar when he was 20 years old. Now a seasoned pro, he shares a lot of wisdom in this interview. He currently works at several different locations and even freelances. “Close to 15 years in the business. Got an event? I’m ready to roll.”

Why did you decide to get into bartending?
I didn’t. I was sucked in. I became a “club-kidd” my junior year in high school, went out every night to a different club with fake IDs, a crew of 10 or more, drunk every night and was going no where fast, until about 19. I got a job as a bar back at an old folks/juke joint/hole-in-the-wall spot. They showed me the ropes in this business as they corrupted me. Ph*kerz!!

How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?

Wasn’t tough, I was drafted. I was bar backing one night and the bartenders on duty told me to step up. They were probably too drunk and tired to work anymore. Looking back at it, they really did look out for me and gave me a shot at this thing. I was 20 and I was serving drinks to that 40 and up serious drinking crowd. Lots of Scotch, Bourbon and hard talk.

What is your favorite drink to make?

Without a doubt, it’s between the Long Island and B-52 layered. Both drinks give me an opportunity to show off and display my skills. I can tweak the Long Island hundreds of different ways and it gives me an excuse to pick up 4 bottles at once. The B-52 lets me slow things down at the bar and puts all eyes on me as I layer each part. SKILL!!

What is your least favorite drink to make

Frozen Daiquiris! You have to use the blender. If not, its still a little bit messy. And no matter how much liquor you put in it, they always say, “I can’t taste the alcohol.”….GET AWAY FROM MY BAR!

What is your bartender pet peeve?
Jiggers, pour control systems, and people that have never tended bar before, calling the shots. Go into the office and sit down, please.

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?
Classified. But I’ll tell you another one. I started working at a new club. On my third night a bar fight broke out. Most of the staff jumped it. I followed (I was young). Through the confusion, I ended up hitting one of our people square on the jaw. Blood and all. I felt sooooo bad and it was the running joke forever. The guy was an ex-marine so he could take a punch. If fact we are still friends because of it.

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?
I NEVER give away free drinks…..LMFAO!!

What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?
I gave it. I was about 21 and this group of ladies were flirting with me. All of them, well in their 40’s. One of them asked me how old I was. When I told her she screams, “WOOO, cant mess with you, you too young, I could have had you!!” I told her just as loud “Play your cards right and you still can!!” The whole bar hit the floor.

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?
Dean Martin, Tupac, or Keith Richards. They all do music and can hold their liquor. Interesting drunk conversation. Yes Sir!!

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.
The true craft of bartending is being lost. Very few are baptized through fire, like I was. I’ve seen fresh bartenders get run off by customers in tears. “Theres no crying in bartending!” Most today wouldn’t make it a month on weekends only where I came from.

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Bartender Interview: Tone G

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