Do You Want to Start a Tab?

Carl and Riley talk with Jon Mateer, a seasoned bartender and top-10 finalist in the USBG Presents World Class Sponsored by Diageo bartender competition. Jon shares his experience preparing for the competition, including crafting creative cocktails, navigating speed rounds, and pairing drinks with food. He offers insights and tips for future competitors and reflects on his journey

Carl and Riley recount their adventure at a brewery pool party and a dive bar visit before diving into a special discussion with returning guest Billy, a competitor in the US World Class Bartender competition by Diageo. Billy shares his journey from creative drink submissions to intense live rounds in Denver, dropping tips on menu design and competition strategy. They also discuss

Carl and Riley, seasoned bartenders, delve into hilarious and cringeworthy stories from the service industry. They share a Reddit post about a manager facing a rare customer complaint over a simple mistake and another about pretentious bar patrons. Discussions include the mental shortcut of Hanlon's razor and customers' inappropriate use of the term “alphas.” They analyze these

Carl and Riley delve into another wild week in the bartending world, featuring sting operations, underage drinking traps, and the curious fate of Crown Royal bags. Carl shares his close encounters with overzealous IDs, while Riley questions the value and fascination behind those iconic liquor bags. This candid discussion scrutinizes new vs. veteran bartender practices, offering ins

Carl and Riley explore the quirks of the service industry in this episode of "Do You Want to Start a Tab?" They share a touching story from Reddit about a bartender finding joy in a retired customer's simple joke. Later, a voicemail seemingly mirrors the plot of the movie Cocktail, prompting a humorous discussion. Tune in for anecdotes, reflections on service life, and a shoutout t

Carl and Riley dive into the wild world of hospitality with stories of entitled guests and dubious employers. First, they recount a clash over a reserved chair on a cruise ship, where a "Karen" meets her match. Next, they discuss the risks and pitfalls of a questionable bartending job offer in California, examining if $25 cash per hour without tips is worth it. They also ponder the

Carl and Riley dive into the highs and lows of the hospitality industry with relatable tales from bartenders and servers. From a new bartender misunderstanding the term "86" to the challenges of dating while working unconventional hours, they share laughs and insights on navigating life behind the bar. Listen as they explore the nuances of industry jargon, the importance of communi

This episode kicks off with their experience mixing cocktails and leads to a story from Reddit about a bigoted encounter at a gay bar. They discuss the intricacies of tipping etiquette, reflecting on a controversial situation in which a couple was banned for consistently failing to tip. Through humor and real-world insights, Carl and Riley aim to educate and entertain listeners abo

Carl and Riley delve into the absurdity of service industry pricing as they recount a frustrating night out. Discover their humorous take on a shocking $44 tab for two Knob Creek Old Fashioneds and how a young bartender's inexperience led to a conversation on regional drink pricing. They also discuss navigating bar orders, overpriced cocktails, and asking the right questions. Tune

Carl and Riley discuss two stories from the hospitality industry. They explore a tale of a customer who calls the police on himself after being denied a drink at a bar, resulting in a DUI. They also delve into the importance of communicating with bartenders and servers when a drink or dish doesn't meet expectations. We emphasize the need for respectful dialogue and the benefits of