Behind The Bar: One Restaurant & Bar
Feb 17th
Name of Bar: ONE Restaurant and Bar
Address: 600 Hampshire Street
Name of Bartender: Shannon Jackson, Assistant Manager
Years Served: 7
What do you think makes you a good bartender?
I love the public and meeting new people.
What’s the best part of your job?
Staying busy and seeing new faces.
What is your favorite day to work and why?
Friday or Saturday evening because our patrons are excited about spending an evening with us and the live music is a total bonus.
What’s the house specialty or a popular drink?
One Punch or Love Elixir
Tell us about any odd drink requests:
The public loves our signature drinks so I have never encountered any odd requests.
What have you learned from customers?
Many things, but they sure are happy with the renovations of our historic building.
What’s the crowd like at your bar?
Easy going and excited about being at ONE.
Tell me something about yourself that would surprise the regulars.
I’ve traveled a bit in the past and I used to reside in Chicago, IL.
How has bartending changed over the years?
There is no way you can keep up with all the different kinds of martinis.
What else should we know?
We have an amazing staff that works extremely hard.
Behind the Bar: Coffee Off Broadway
Aug 15th
Jamie Foster – Barista
3 years in business
Coffee Off Broadway
535 Maine St.
Quincy, IL 62301
What do you think makes you a good barista?
I love people!!!
What’s the best part of your job?
Matt!!!
What is your favorite day to work and why?
Mondays when the bridge group comes to play.
What’s the house specialty or a popular drink?
The Mexican Mocha!
Tell us about any odd drink requests:
Not yet.
What have you learned from customers?
They like a smiling, friendly face.
What’s the crowd like at your shop?
Well there is William.
Tell me something about yourself that would surprise the regulars.
I am a historian. Working on my Masters in European History.
How has bartending changed over the years?
The machinery has become more sophisticated.
What else should we know?
If you come in to see once, we more than likely will remember you the second time.
Behind the Bar: Johnny Bang Bang’s
Aug 8th
Megan Goodson – Bartender
4 ½ years in business (Johnny’s since Memorial Day Weekend)
Johnny Bang Bangs
138 N. Front St.
Quincy, IL 62301
217-223-4444
What do you think makes you a good bartender?
A perpetual smile and a great attitude.
What is the best part of your job?
I love being part of the social experience of people interacting and having a memorable time.
What is your favorite day to work and why?
Every day that ends with “Y”.
What’s the house specialty or a popular drink?
Our Fishbowls are a pretty popular commodity. It’s like a big party in a bowl with as many straws as you want.
Tell us about any odd drink requests:
I still can’t wrap my head around people chasing their tequila with a shot of pickle juice.
What have you learned from customers?
If 50 cents stops you from choosing one bar over another, then you should probably stay home and drink.
What’s the crowd like at your bar?
Johnny’s crowd is very electric right now, because we are so new, and every weekend our bands bring in new customers.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise the regulars.
I’m really not a party person at all. I’m introverted and nerdy and read constantly about business and finance.
How has bartending changed over the years?
I believe there are many more professionals in this industry now. People who have a formal education and training in the field of mixology and hospitality as a whole.
What else should we know?
“Don’t take yourself too seriously. No one else does.”
Behind the Bar: Martinis at 515
Jul 19th
Shannon Davis– Assistant Manager
1 year in business
Martinis at 515
515 Maine St.
Quincy, IL 62301
What do you think makes you a good bartender?
Beginners luck? Just kidding. I had some really good training from Chad when I first started this summer and have just kept learning since then.
What’s the best part of your job?
The people, hands down. The people I work with/for are amazing and so much fun! We are always joking about something and goofing around. We love having fun and our customers enjoy it as well.
What is your favorite day to work and why?
Thursdays for sure. We aren’t crazy busy like we are on the weekends, so it gives us a little more time to talk to customers.
What’s the house specialty or a popular drink?
Our bellinis! Thyme Square makes us a fresh fruit puree with whatever fruit is in season at the time and we make martinis with it. The pineapple bellini is one we can always make and it is a best seller for sure!
Tell us about any odd drink requests:
Someone ordered a dirty martini once. It was too strong so they requested blue curacao to be added to it. Needless to say, vodka, dive juice, and citrus liquer doesn’t’ mix very well.
What have you learned from customers?
Quincyans really do enjoy a beautiful establishment to come sit back, relax, and have a top notch drink with friends.
What’s the crowd like at your bar?
Everyone is real outgoing and fun. Always laughing and having a good time, which tells me that I must be doing a good job bartending.
Tell me something about yourself that would surprise the regulars.
I actually really enjoy fishing. My dad has taken my brother and I every chance he has gotten. And to this day, its still one of my favorite pastimes.
How has bartending changed over the years?
I’m rather new to the bartending scene, considering I’m only 22, but I believe the flair is something that’s new and pretty cool to see.
Behind the Bar: Martinis at 515
Jul 5th
Chad Davis– Manager
1 year in business
Martinis at 515
515 Maine St.
Quincy, IL 62301
What do you think makes you a good bartender?
Knowledge of cocktails, attention to detail, and customer service.
What’s the best part of your job?
Interaction with the customers as well as the great people I work for and with.
What is your favorite day to work and why?
Saturday, busy busy busy!!!
What’s the house specialty or a popular drink?
The dirty martini or our Manhattan. In the summer fresh fruit bellinis.
Tell us about any odd drink requests:
One evening we had a gentleman ask about a pear martini at least 30 times!
What have you learned from customers?
Not everyone enjoys bourbon as much as I do!
What’s the crowd like at your bar?
Our crowds usually come in waves after work, then before and after dinner. The late crowd is usually younger people.
Tell me something about yourself that would surprise the regulars.
I was in the Army stationed in Germany and Saudi Arabia. I’m a big trivia buff and have tried out for Jeopardy.
How has bartending changed over the years?
In my experience people have shifted from simple 2 ingredient cocktails (rum & coke or whiskey & soda) to more traditional drinks (martinis, Manhattans, and old fashions).
Behind the Bar: Applebees
Jun 7th
Applebees Neighborhood Bar and Grill
217-228-8451
Name of Bartender: Lucie Britt
Number of years: Two months, but this is my second stint working here.
What do you think makes you a good bartender?
My personality and ability to interact with the guests.
What’s the best part of your job?
The team I work with. They are great people.
What is your favorite day to work and why?
Wednesday night because it is kids night. They eat free and it is a family type atmosphere. We have balloons, and face painting.
What’s the house specialty or a popular drink?
Our prefect Margarita.
Tell us about any odd drink requests.
Beer with tomato juice or other flavoring.
What have you learned from the customers? We have signature drinks that are not found at other business establishments. Like Applebee Teenie, White Peach Sangarita, Frozen spiked lemonades.
What’s the crowd like at your bar?
We have several regulars. We are trying new things like half price appetizers after 9 p.m., Karaoke on Tuesday, and Ladies day on Thursday with specials.
Tell me something about yourself that would surprise the regulars.
I played basketball in high school.
How has bartending over the years?
Daily specials and imported beer.
What else should we know?
I am getting married next month and I have a 5-month-old daughter.
Our hours are Sun-Thurs. 11 a.m.-midnight, Fri-Sat. 11 a.m.-1. a.m.-the entire establishment. We have karaoke on Tuesday, children eat free on Wednesday, Ladies have specials on Thursday, and everyday after 9 p.m. half-price appetizers. Mon-Fri 11-4 all you can eat soup with vegetable salad, and bread. We have been here in Quincy for 15 years.
Behind the Bar: Kutters
May 20th
Kutters Bar & Grill
236 N. Front Street, Down by the River
Phone number: 223-5888, 223-Kutt
Name of Bartender: Tina Durk
Years served: 15 years, with 4 of that at Kutters
What do you think makes you a good bartender?
I pay attention to the customers. I am friendly and I smile a lot.
What’s the best part of your job?
I love dealing with the public and our diverse customers.
What is your favorite day to work and why?
Thursday night $1 beer
What’s the house specialty or popular drink?
Our margaritas. We have a lemon shake-up just like you get at the fair, but with alcohol.
Tell us about any odd drink requests?
Odd shots that require more than one type of liquor.
What have you learned from customers?
Learn about events in the area, Poker Runs, benefits. I learn what a customer likes.
What’s the crowd like at your bar? Great, good customers, we have all generations, very diverse.
Tell me something about yourself that would surprise the regulars.
I am not a big drinker. I have worked on a dock.
How has bartending changed over the years?
The shots: not one liquor anymore people are adding juice, Red Bull, people just make shots up.
What else should we know?
Kutters is a great place to hang out, come once and you will come back. Everyone gets along we are pretty harmonious here.
Our hours are 11 a.m.-1 a.m. every day and the kitchen 11 a.m.-10 p.m. every day.
Behind the Bar: State Street Bar & Grill
Apr 28th
Leanne Schmidt
3 years at State Street, 10 years total
1638 State
Quincy, IL
What do you think makes you a good bartender?
Experience, attention to detail, knowing the different drinks
What is the best part of your job?
You get to meet different people
What is your favorite day to work and why?
Friday it is the busiest day of the week.
What’s the house specialty or a popular drink?
State Street Mofo, a shot with a secret ingredient.
Tell us about any odd drink requests:
Cement Mixer-Baileys and Lime Juice
What have you learned from customers?
Everything that I didn’t learn in college.
What’s the crowd like at your bar?
The 80-year old regulars during the week, and the 20-30 year olds for karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise the regulars.
I have Bachelors in Sociology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
How has bartending changed over the years?
Keeping up with the drink changes. Generations of people order different kinds of drinks.
What else should we know?
It, bartending, is not as easy as it looks. You have to know the right balance for the mixture of the drink.
We are open Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 a.m.-1 a.m., and Sunday 7 a.m.-9 p.m..
Kitchen open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner.
Behind the Bar: O’Griff’s Irish Pub, Grill and Brewhouse
Feb 7th
O’Griff’s Irish Pub, Grill and Brewhouse
415 Hampshire, Quincy, Ill.
(217) 224-2002
Ashley Doane: Bartender/Server 1 1⁄2 years
What do you think makes you a good bartender?
I love meeting and talking to new people. You also get to do something different almost everyday.
What’s the best part of your job?
The people! It’s great to have a job where I get to have fun with customers and the other employees.
What is your favorite day to work and why?
I love working the weekends, because of the fast pace. But I get to bartend alone every Monday and I love that it, because it gives me a chance to give the customers more individual attention.
What’s the house specialty or a popular drink?
The Dizzy Buddha, it’s $7 and has a little bit of everything in it.
Tell us about any odd drink requests:
Some people drink their beer with olives and I’d never heard of that before working here.
What have you learned from customers?
I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is that everyone is here for the same reason, whether it’s dinner or a party, everyone just wants to have fun here.
What’s the crowd like at your bar?
It’s a really laid back crowd. Everyone is always super friendly and we get a lot of people that keep coming back. I really love all the customers here.
Tell me something about yourself that would surprise the regulars.
I think people would be surprised to know that I have another job as a massage therapist.
How has bartending changed over the years?
I think the drinks just keep changing. People want different things all the time.
What else should we know?
We brew our own beers here. On Thursday nights we have an Irish band and all our homebrews are on special for $2 a pint.
Behind the Bar: Riverside Smoke House Grill
Dec 14th
Kirsten Yargus– Bartender; 2 years
Riverside Smoke House Grill
305 Lewis Street • Canton, Mo • (573) 288-3986
What do you think makes you a good bartender?
I like to create a fun, vibrant atmosphere at the bar. I love to have fun and joke with our customers.
What’s the best part of your job?
The customers always make my nights fun and interesting. No two nights are ever the same.
What is your favorite day to work and why?
Saturday nights, because we get a good fun crowd. When we have karaoke it’s a lot of fun and we all get into it. Also Halloween is always fun.
What’s the house specialty or a popular drink?
The Horny Monkey is a crowd favorite along with our Sweet Mama’s Punch
Tell us about any odd drink requests:
Vodka, with a rim of mayonnaise, topped with whipped topping. Gotta love 21st birthdays
What have you learned from customers?
They love to get to know me and usually become regulars.
What’s the crowd like at your bar?
We usually have a fun environment it is very friendly, down to earth. We are like a big family and people feel very welcomed by the atmosphere.
Tell me something about yourself that would surprise the regulars.
I’m a bartender and I don’t drink
How has bartending changed over the years?
Drinks have gotten more complicated
What else should we know?
If you want a laid back place to drink and make friends, Riverside Smokehouse is the place for you.