How long have you been bar-
tending?
I started in 2002 at the old Crocodile.
What do you love most about your job?
The friendships I’ve made with some of these people over the last decade and a half are really special. It keeps me around.
What qualities make a good bar-tender?
Humor for sure, and I guess a rather subdued demeanor works pretty well.
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Strangest thing you’ve ever witnessed while working?
Most recently, it’s the fella that dropped his pants in the middle of the restaurant and drank hot sauce straight from the bottle. I was so thrilled he was wearing underwear!
Anything you can’t drink anymore after bartending for so long? Current drink of choice?
Some-what regrettably, I can drink anything. But beer is really all I ever want, sometimes with a side of tequila.
Favorite drink to make, or the drink you make best?
It’s all the same to me. I do like the aesthetics of a crisp martini, though.
Biggest pet peeve?
Folks that don’t acknowledge my presence—although they’re seemingly here to get some sort of service—is hard for me. If I walk to your table and no one even turns their head my direction, much less says hello, this whole interaction is going to be a struggle.
Worst thing anyone has said to you while you’re working behind the bar? Worst come-on?
Aside from the occasional expletive from unhappy humans I refuse to serve, Saint John’s is generally a pretty civilized place. People are scared of me, they don’t hit on me.
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Favorite place to drink?
I live right between Nacho Borracho and Montana, so they win.
What do you do when you’re not slinging drinks?
I work a side job so I can afford to live in this town.
You can find Amber at Saint John’s Bar & Eatery (719 E Pike St) on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights.
