Here’s the lowdown on the best bartenders who are pouring all the greatest drinks in town. All of them are very different in demeanor, but mix the best around.
The bartender bunch, the bartender bunch. Here’s the way they all became the bartender bunch.
Anthony/HODO
Anthony has been slinging drinks for the last eight years. He has bartended at Playmakers, The Hub and has been at the HoDo for a little over a year. His quick wit, love of music, laughter and ninjas keep us coming back for more. Next time you’re at the HoDo throwing a few back, try an “Antito Mojito” or one of his popular shots, the “A-Bomb.” What drink is going to be hot this summer? According to Anthony, “Summer drinks mean fresh and clean, so teas, mojitos, and cocktails containing fresh citrus, cucumber, mint, pomegranate and blueberries.”Also, make sure you ask him about the time he dressed up as a ninja with smoke machines behind the bar…Actually, there are a lot more stories he can tell you but you have to ask him in person.
Alisha/The Bar
Alisha is one bad-a$# bartender that’ll have you saying, “Oh, la la.” She tends at one of Fargo’s newest adult playgrounds – The BAR. Her six years of experience combined with her off-the-charts sass and wit are sure to keep you coming back for more. She also has some of the edgiest jokes in town, “Why are men smarter in bed?…because they’re plugged into a genius.” A few must knows about Alisha: her go-to drink is Rumpies, her summer-time drink suggestion is “The Perfect Summer” and, though she may be edgy, she’s firm in her belief that actions speak louder than words.
Cas/O’leary’s
When Cas was younger he was a very introverted person and didn’t want a job working directly with people. But nowadays working with customers is his favorite part of the job. Cas has worked at the West Fargo and Moorhead O’Leary’s for a total of ten solid years. He’s got a wicked good pick-up technique he uses on the ladies: “I approach a girl and say ‘hi’ but when she tries to say ‘hi’ back I interrupt her and say, ‘excuse me,’ pull out my asthma inhaler, take a hit of it and then say, ‘Sorry, you just took my breath away.’” Go in and try Cas’ favorite drink, the Crown 7, or ask him to tell the story about the half naked woman and the mop closet.
Spike/Rick’s Bar
Spike is the pro on our list with over 27 years of bartending experience. What’s even more impressive is that all those years have been racked up at Rick’s. Spike has a joke or two for any of his customers: “A three legged dog walks into a bar and says, ‘I’m looking for the man who shot my paw.’” He recommends that everybody try the Chuck Norris and Kamikaze shots. Heck, everybody likes those anyway. Looking for a good summer drink? According to Spike, you have to try the seasonal beer and fruity drinks like Sex on the Beach. Or do you want a good story? Ask Spike to tell you about the time that Robin Zander from Cheap Trick came into Rick’s.
Alicha/JT Cigarro
Alicha started bartending when she hit the ripe old age of 21 and has been serving drinks for over 11 years. Alicha has lived in 11 different cities in six different states. She has been in Fargo for three years now and absolutely loves it. This summer she recommends you try the King Solly Grape Flavored Vodka with a splash of OJ. When it comes to her life Alicha has a quote that rings true to her, “Let the best of your past be the worst of your future.” Guys, sorry to tell you but you don’t have a chance stealing her heart because it’s already owned by her twin ten year old daughters.
Shane/The Hub & Sickies Garage
Shane is one of the bartenders at Fargo’s newest and hottest bar, Sickies Garage. With ten years of tending experience at various bars around town, Shane’s dry sense of humor has made him a local favorite. The Texas native has been in Fargo for 15 years and has some great advice to bestow. Favorite pick-up line? “Just say hi. That’s it. It’s simple, effective and ice breaking.” Good first date advice? “Lie your ass off! JK. Honesty is the best policy.” Good, simple advice from one of the best bartenders around. When you visit Shane ask for a pootie tang. We promise it’s not what you think.
Cassie/Dempsey’s
With only two years of bartending experience, Cassie is the newcomer to our Bar-Tend Bunch. She graduated from Fargo North in 2004 and went to MSUM for mass communications but loves her job as a bartender. “I love the crazy, fast atmosphere I get to work in. When I look down the bartop and it’s lined with people who need drinks, that’s what excites me. It can be overwhelming, but you just have to keep it together and keep moving to make that mad cash.” Though fairly new to bartending, it’s clear that Cassie has what it takes. Oh, and a word of warning to guys: she hates all pick-up lines so don’t bother trying any.
Lindsay/The Northern
Lindsay has bartended across the Midwest for ten years. She has served in Denver, Colorado and has been at The Northern for almost three and a half years now. She’s heard every kind of pick-up line from, “Did it hurt when you fell from Heaven?” to “come over here and feel something really cool.” So guys, try to be more original the next time you go to see her. During her years of bartending there’s not much she hasn’t seen. She’s been spit on, had glasses chucked at her head and, on occasion, even smacked people with a shaker. Lindsay gives one good reason to come watch her serve, “Everyday behind the bar is a dance party, in my case, a no pants dance party.
Sean/Duffy’s
Sean started his bartending career at Old Chicago but has been working at Duffy’s for the last four and a half years. He’s lived in Fargo- Moorhead his entire life and has never felt any desire to move. Like all good bartenders, Sean is quick with a joke: “Have you heard the one about the one night a man walks up to his wife with a duck under his arm and says, ‘This is the pig I’ve been sleeping with.’ His wife says, ‘That’s a duck you idiot!’ The man replies, ‘I know, that’s who I was talking to.’” When you visit Sean watch out because he likes to push the big gingers – a double shot of Jameson and ginger with a lemon and lime. This summer he recommends the classic Summer Shandy or a Jeremiah Weed and lemonade.