John Mueller
Walrus Oyster & Ale House
152 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD
301-567-6100
Walrusoysterandale.com

How did you get started in the bartending business?

I started as an amateur bartender at the age of 17 with Smirnoff and Rikaloff, graduated to keg beers in college, studied hangovers numerous times and at 21 I got promoted to the big leagues where I actually learned how to bartend.

What is your biggest bartending pet peeve?

When someone asks for a lot of ice with really nice scotch — makes me want to yell; biggest peeve is when a large group comes in just to get hammered and have a good time and I get to watch.

What is the cleverest line someone has ever tried on you in order to get a free drink?

I will show you my “tat tats” for a shot. I will not confirm or deny that she got that free shot.

What is the best/worst pick up line you have ever heard?

Setting the scene, 10 minutes before the last call, the gentleman had been there for all of happy hour, by pure luck a beautiful woman comes in, sits on the opposite side of the bar with a book in her hand. At this point the gentleman sees her, gets and up walks over to her and the first words out of his mouth are “I have a Ph.D.” She left immediately….alone.

Tell us about one of your most interesting experiences with a customer(s).

This was a really hard question because I have met many interesting people, from Jay Gruden, professionals, sports individuals and congressman. But one lady from years back takes the cake. I was helping close down the restaurant, a lady comes in late – around 9:55 pm; we were closing at 10. She wants to order a patron margarita and a kids meal. I allow her to get the kids meal despite her age. She eats her meal and drinks her drink. About 10:15 she asks for her bill, which I bring to her. She glances at the bill and sharply yells at me. I said isn’t that what you ordered? She said, “Yes, but the kids meal comes with a free drink!”

If you could sit down and have a drink with anyone in the world, past or present, who would that be?

Even though he is not a real character, I would love to sit down with Barney Stinson from “How I Met Your Mother”. It would be legendary.

Written by: Chester Simpson
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