Bartender Bangaz

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Welcome back to Bartender Bangers! This week, Mark heads to Sunnyside, Queens, to sit down with the "Bombshell of Sunnyside," Nichelle, at the iconic Maggie Mae’s bar. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Nichelle shares her journey from starting as an underage cocktail server to working in some of New York’s most famous gentlemen's clubs and rooftops. We dive deep into what it’s really like behind the bar, the transition from nursing school to nightlife, and why Maggie Mae’s is home to one of the top 20 pints of Guinness in New York City. In this episode, we discuss: Industry Origins: How a lie about her age led to a 20-year career. The Maggie Mae’s Vibe: Why this Sunnyside staple is the perfect neighborhood lounge—and why they don't mind if you bring your own pizza. Bartending Advice: Why you should always get a credit card for an open tab and how to "fake it til you make it". Customer Pet Peeves: From "it's my birthday" freebie requests to people who won't look at the beer list. The Perfect Pour: The mission behind serving a top-tier Guinness.

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In this episode of Bartender Bangaz, we’re pulling up a stool at Phil's Only in Syosset to sit down with the one and only Anthony. Known to millions as the "Pizza Ambassador," Anthony’s journey is anything but ordinary. He takes us from his humble beginnings as a "baby dishwasher" to becoming a viral sensation on social media by doing something most restaurants would never dare: reenacting his wildest customer horror stories. Anthony opens up about his "raw and authentic" approach to social media, explaining why he stopped showing his food and started showing his personality—a move that brought in millions of views and a whole new generation of customers. We dive into the "Angry Grandma" pizza, the importance of "staying hungry" in business, and how his viral success is fueling Long Island Pizza Strong, a massive community effort that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for families in need.

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In this episode of Bartender Bangers, host Mark "The Shark" takes a trip to the Sayville Athletic Club in New York to sit down with his longtime friend and seasoned bartender, Bella. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Bella shares her journey from her early days busing on Fire Island at age 15 to her "retirement spot" at the "SAC". Episode Highlights: Behind the Bar Wisdom: Bella discusses the "fake it til you make it" nature of the industry and offers advice for newcomers, emphasizing the importance of having a plan and finding a mentor. The "Living Room" Vibe: A look at what makes the Sayville Athletic Club unique, from its fresh-cut fries and hand-shaved ribeye to its reputation as an extension of the community's living room. Drink Orders & Pet Peeves: Bella reveals her favorite drink to make (a "mean" margarita), the weirdest order she's received (the "Irish Trash Can"), and why making old fashioneds can be a logistical nightmare. Wild Stories: From a drunk patron attempting a "getaway" in an electric wheelchair to a creepy encounter with a banned regular, Bella dives into the high-energy and sometimes bizarre reality of life behind the pine. Shift Drinks: The duo "clinks glasses" with a classic shift drink—the car bomb—while discussing the authentic, sometimes chaotic energy of the local surf and sports community that calls the SAC home. Join us for an episode filled with laughter, "straight, no chaser" truth, and the real stories that live behind the bar.

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In this week's episode of Bartender Bangers, Mark the Shark leaves New York behind to cross the river into Hoboken, New Jersey! We are taking over The River Street Garage, the very first Jersey bar featured on the podcast, to sit down with two of the best in the business: V and Kylie. In this episode, we dive into: The Hoboken Vibe: Why this bar is the ultimate "high energy" destination with live bands, DJs, pool tables, and even indoor cornhole. Bartender Origins: From learning the ropes at a bowling alley bar to 18 years of experience starting at a small-town "Country Griddle," V and Kylie share how they ended up in the heart of Hoboken. Bar Secrets & Hot Takes: Why ordering an Espresso Martini after 10 PM will get you a "crazy look." The truth about tipping on a "free" water and why it matters. Why ready-to-drink "cocktails in a can" are a major hot take. The Commute is Real: Hear about the staff who travel over an hour just to be part of the River Street Garage family. Whether you're a local looking for your next Friday night spot or a fellow bartender who knows the struggle of "bottling up emotions" behind a smile, this episode is straight truth—no chaser. Visit The River Street Garage: 📍 80 River St, Hoboken, NJ 07030 Follow them on Instagram for more reels and high-vibe energy! Follow Bartender Bangers: Instagram: @BartenderBangaz

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Faking It 'Til You Make It: Madison’s Wildest Bartender Stories! 🍹✨ "Every drink has a story, and every shift has a moment that sticks with you." This week on Bartender Bangers, we’re coming to you live from The Leaky Lifeboat in Seaford, NY! Mark "The Shark" sits down with Madison, a powerhouse in the Long Island bar scene who has seen everything from high-fashion runways to the high-volume chaos of Montauk summers. Madison opens up about her unconventional start—from working for fashion legends like Betsey Johnson and Tommy Hilfiger to literally lying on her resume to land her first serving gig. Since then, she’s navigated the "mixology" boom in Babylon, survived the "lifestyle" shifts of Montauk, and landed right here at the Lifeboat. What’s inside this episode: The "Fake It" Strategy: How Madison pivoted from fashion to the bar and learned the ropes on the fly. Montauk Madness: Why the staff at Memory Motel kept water guns behind the bar to handle "annoying" tourists and couples making out at the rail. Bartender Red Flags: Why she secretly judges your Long Island Iced Tea and why "White Russians" are a nightmare during a rush. The Rookie Mistake: The scary moment she realized she had over-served a customer on "Ketel Rocks" and how it changed her perspective on the job. Industry Wisdom: Madison’s #1 rule for new bartenders: "Don't s*** where you eat." The Shift Drink: Finishing strong with a smooth shot of Jameson. Drop a comment below: What’s the most annoying drink you’ve ever ordered (or made)? 🍸👇 Support the Show: ✅ Subscribe for more "no chaser" stories from behind the bar! #BartenderBangers #TheLeakyLifeboat #LongIsland #BartenderLife #ServiceIndustry Stories #Montauk #SeafordNY #BartendingAdvice #Jameson #BetseyJohnson

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In this episode of Bartender Bangaz, we’re out in Long Beach, New York, sitting down with a local legend: Gavin from Minnesota’s. If you’ve grabbed a drink in Long Beach over the last decade, there’s a good chance Gavin was the one pouring it. In this episode, we dive into: The 14-Year-Old Barback: How Gavin got his start with a blue cardboard working paper and a $90 tip-out on his first day. The "Retired" Bartender: Why Gavin tried to leave the industry at 23, only to be pulled back in by a wild, 10-hour Christmas party. Bartending Superpowers: The "unspoken rule" of drinking on shift and how bartenders manage to stay standing after a round of Jager bombs. The 21st Birthday Disaster: Gavin recounts the infamous "Irish Day" where he funneled a full bottle of Jameson and a half-bottle of Fireball before noon. Long Beach Culture: Why this "private island" is the tightest-knit community on Long Island and how "Irish Day" in October became the biggest party of the year. Whether you're a fellow bartender or just someone who loves a good "last call" truth, you don't want to miss these stories from the West End.

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What is it actually like to work at Gossip Gentleman's Club and Lounge on Long Island? Join Bartender Bangaz as we interview Jezabel, a veteran of the game who knows exactly what it takes to thrive in the nightlife industry. Jezabel breaks down what it’s really like working in one of LI's premier nightlife spots—from managing high-energy crowds to the art of the hustle and the importance of building a loyal clientele. Whether you're in the industry or just love a look behind the curtain, this conversation is packed with gems. Follow us on Socials: Instagram: @BartenderBangaz TikTok: @BartenderBangaz

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Welcome back to Bartender Bangaz, the podcast where we shake it up, pour it out, and drink it back. This week, we are thrilled to welcome our first female guest, Meg Kent. As the reigning Miss Island of Fire and a 13-year veteran of the Long Island bar scene, Meg has seen it all.

In "Sashes and Shot Glasses," Meg shares her evolution in the industry, starting from a "sink or swim" first night at age 16 to becoming a beloved fixture at Ocean Beach’s "Houses" and Grafton Street Irish Pub.

Pour yourself a drink and join us for an hour of raw, hilarious, and authentic stories from one of Long Island’s finest.

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This week on Bartender Bangaz, we’re pouring out the truth with Mitch, the owner and chef behind Spycoast Patchogue. Mitch brings a unique perspective to the show as someone who has seen the industry from every angle—starting as a bar back in Montauk to eventually owning and kitchen-managing his own high-energy restaurant.

We get into the "chaos and clinking glasses" of the Long Island nightlife scene. Mitch breaks down the creation of Spycoast’s signature "Chicken Pizza" and the "Pink Panther" gin cocktail, plus he shares his unfiltered thoughts on the drinks he’d love to ban from his bar (looking at you, Green Tea shots!).

Tune in for the craziness, the chaos, and the real stories that live behind the bar.

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"Behind the laughter and the chaos... that’s where the real stories live."

This week on Bartender Bangaz, we’re joined by Big Rich from the Brightwaters Inn. A true "Renaissance Man," Rich balances life as a teacher, firefighter, and coach with a legendary reputation in the service industry.

Rich takes us back to the high-octane days of NYC's "East Coast Saloons," where he spent ten years performing skits on top of bars and leading sing-alongs in a suit. From the "Miracle Saber" blizzard of '96 to the "Hazmat" bathroom story that defined what it means to be a good owner, this episode is a masterclass in industry resilience and hospitality.

Whether you’re a regular at BWI or a former city commuter who remembers "The Mayor" from Second Avenue, this episode is poured straight, no chaser.