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Meet the bartender
Josh serves up drinks at the Tiki-inspired Foundations Bar
By Alysha Witwicki
I remember that day I had to open the bar that night. I wasnâ??t feeling good and I vomited after one hour of feeling horrible. I called my coworker to come relieve me and they couldnâ??t get here for another hour. I was stuck in the bathroom the whole time with diarrhea waiting. At least no customers came in while this was happening â?¦
The bar scene in Milwaukee is always the same. Loud music, sticky floors, beer, big crowds, more beer â?¦ I saw the outside of Riverwests Foundation Bar on a freezing February night and figured it would be like every other bar weve seen.
But as I threw open the big wooden door, I knew something about this place was different.
I found myself standing on a tropical beach in the middle of Milwaukee. Who knew that Riverwest had a Tiki bar? Let alone a chic Tiki bar.
The funky and relaxing music was refreshing for a bar setting. I usually have to scream at my friends to have a conversation. I decided to talk to Josh, one of Foundations bartenders, to find out more.
What is your favorite drink to make?
A Zombie. Its a dramatic transformation of pineapple juice, Malibu, Cherry Brandy, Overproof Rum and dark rum.
What do you like most about being a bartender?
This bar has little to zero conflict. Our place attracts good-natured, civilized drinkers.
What is their weirdest thing youve ever seen a drunk customer do?
This is pretty bad, get ready: There was an older gentleman drinking at the bar and he went to the bathroom. He stayed in the stall for 15 minutes talking to himself and some customers were complaining. I was the one appointed to get him out. I told him this place wasnt a phone booth.
Any strange requests?
Ive got two: pickle juice and beer, and milk and beer.
If I wanted to be a bartender, what piece of advice would you give me?
I would say go to as many different bars as you can and check out the dynamic. Go at different times during the day. Youll notice how hard the job can be, depending on the bar. From that, you can see if its what you really want to do.
What was your worst day of work like?
I remember that day I had to open the bar that night. I wasnt feeling good and I vomited after one hour of feeling horrible. I called my coworker to come relieve me and they couldnt get here for another hour. I was stuck in the bathroom the whole time with diarrhea waiting. At least no customers came in while this was happening â?¦
If the bar was packed, what is one thing I could do to make you serve me first?
Knowing what you want always works. Give me eye contact and smile. Also, having cash ready on the bar always helps.
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