Do You Want to Start a Tab?

Carl and Riley open with a bit about prenups and re-nups, then split the episode between one genuinely hard story and one that is pure bar comedy. 

Riley reads a post from a small-town bartender worried that a longtime regular with drinking and gambling problems said things at closing time that sounded like suicidal warning signs, and the two of them work through what a bartender can and cannot realistically do for someone in that spot. 

Carl follows with a bartender whose Monday night party got hijacked by a guy who reacted to a Bad Bunny song by loading the jukebox with thirty sad cowboy songs over two hours, killing the vibe so thoroughly that the birthday regular closed out and left. 

The jukebox conversation turns into a broader argument about whether app-based jukeboxes hand customers too much control, with detours through a fifteen-minute metal song at a Deadwood bar and the Buffalo Wild Wings kids who kept paying to play the same song.

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Carl and Riley open by doing bad math about how long they've owned the wine shop, then get into two stories from r/bartenders. Riley leads with a dive bar bartender who watched a moody regular try to trip a woman on her way to the bathroom, only for her to answer with a thrown glass, a bleeding customer, an early close, and two bans. 

Carl follows with a Florida bartender's rant about guests who ignore enormous signs, shove phone photos of their IDs in his face, and then argue about it, which sends Carl into his own stories about people staring at posted hours and asking if there's a menu while the menu sits in front of them. 

The Stories

Story 1: Stories About Guests You Wish You Didn't Have to Ban
 

A bartender at a hard dive bar with uneven stone floors describes a man who had been moody all night, sticking his foot out to trip a woman heading to the bathroom, then telling her, "Watch your step," after she stumbled and apologized. She came back with "no, I'm sorry" and threw her glass at him, which connected but not squarely. Both got banned, the bar closed early over the broken glass and blood, and somebody called the cops. Riley is firmly on the glass-thrower's side, and Carl mostly agrees while poking at the two-wrongs question, and both admit they would have quietly high-fived her on the way out.

Story 2: No Matter How Big You Make the Signs, Guests Still Don't Read Them
 

A bartender at a Florida dive in a tourist area vents about guests who walk past two door signs and several interior signs, then produce a phone photo of an ID and argue when it gets refused. The excuses run from "the other bar allowed it" to "the cops took it," and the ones who bring visibly underage kids in to play pool ask for a one-time exception. Carl connects it to the wine shop, where people open a door with the posted hours on it and then ask if the coffee shop is open, or ask for a menu that is already sitting in front of them, and he makes the point that letting one person slide means letting everyone slide, with the liquor license as the thing actually on the line.

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Carl and Riley explore the world of restaurant and bar antics, discussing the old-age scam of complaining for freebies and the complexities of tip pooling. They also explore a story about an audacious attempt to demand free meals and reflect on their own experiences with similar situations.

 The episode also delves into the controversial practice of tip pooling between disparate business sections, offering insights into the challenges and fairness of such a system. The lively conversation combines humor, industry insight, and personal anecdotes, promising an engaging listen for those familiar with the service industry.

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Carl and Riley dive into intriguing stories from the service industry, discussing the challenges faced by bartenders and servers. 

From dealing with problematic customers to navigating racial bias and personal values, they explore two intense narratives: a bartender's discomfort serving a known Nazi and a woman confronting racial stereotyping during a restaurant outing. 

The episode highlights the importance of professionalism, management support, and maintaining personal integrity. Join Carl and Riley as they unpack these gripping tales, emphasizing empathy and the mantra: "Don't be a dick."

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Join Carl and Riley as they welcome Anton, the owner of Lone Wolf Kingston, a vintage-style cocktail bar in Hudson Valley. Dive into tales of mixology mishaps, shifting cocktail trends, and unique customer experiences, including the saga of the “worst Negroni ever.”

The trio discusses ethical dilemmas in cocktail crafting, the evolving drinking culture, and the art of leaning into negative reviews with humor. Discover the fine line between creativity and authenticity in the bar scene while gaining insight into crafting an unforgettable, genuine drinking experience.

Lone Wolf Hudson IG - @lonewolfkingston

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Carl and Riley, seasoned bartenders, delve into the unpredictable world of the service industry. They share tales of demanding customers and amusing situations, rating stories from mundane to extraordinary. 

The episode discusses customer etiquette and highlights how establishments handle outside food policies and the irksome habit of customers telling staff to smile. 

With real-life anecdotes and listener-submitted stories, Carl and Riley offer a candid look at the challenges and quirks of working behind the bar, all while enjoying an experimental espresso martini from Aldi.

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Carl and Riley, with their combined 16 years of hospitality experience, dive into amusing and challenging tales from the service industry in this episode. 

They discuss bartending mishaps, including crafting unconventional drinks and customer inquiries about cocktail alcohol content. The duo shares insights on the importance of precise bartending techniques, like chilling martini glasses and providing sanitized straws, while also addressing workplace challenges and disruptions in hospitality standards. 

Get ready for a candid look at the unexpected twists and educational moments behind the bar.

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Riley and Carl delve into challenging issues in the hospitality industry, highlighting women bartenders' experiences with sexism and unwelcome touching. 

They discuss the importance of having supportive colleagues and the growing trend of cashless restaurants, driven by safety and efficiency concerns. 

Carl shares insights from years in the industry, while Riley emphasizes the need for setting boundaries and respecting personal space. They conclude by reflecting on changing industry norms and offer practical advice for navigating these environments safely.

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Join Carl and Riley as they delve into the intriguing world of bartending, exploring wild customer interactions, bartenders' reputations, and the challenges of managing awkward workplace situations. 

This episode tackles misconceptions about dating bartenders, including stereotypes of flirtation and infidelity. Additionally, they address unique managerial dilemmas like handling a coworker's constant flatulence. 

Carl and Riley share insights on navigating relationships and maintaining professionalism in the hospitality industry through candid discussions. Tune in for a blend of humor, reality, and industry tips.

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