Let’s face it, RVA likes its hooch. But most of all, we like it served right. A talented bartender can sling drinks, remember tallies and orchestrate a gaggle of partygoers with ease.
Fortunately, Richmond has Megan Stimpson, a favorite mixologist at Bank and Vault. Night after night Stimpson shows off her chops and proves the ability to truly multitask, all while keeping a clean bar and a spirited roomful of customers. On top of it all, she also makes a signature elixir, a concoction called Apples to Apples (try to work the secret recipe out of her if you can).
We tracked Stimpson down to learn more about her gig and what it’s like from her side of the bar.
Vitals:
Name: Megan Stimpson
Title: Bartender at Bank and Vault
Length of Employment: June 2010 to present
Lowdown:
So, tell us about your gig – why is it so darn great?
People basically pay me to get them intoxicated; how could that not be fun?
And how did you land such a handy-dandy job?
I started bartending right when I turned 21 just by chance of filling in at a sports bar where I was working as a waitress and slowly learned the ropes, then eventually worked in restaurants and clubs around the area. I found my current job because of a posting I saw online that they were hiring, to which I immediately e-mailed a manager and applied.
Take us through a day—or in your case, a night—in the life of someone in your position?
I usually head in to work early afternoon to set up the bar and get ready for happy hour. Once that begins, I make sure all my regulars have all their drinks and catch up on the goings on with them. Depending on what day it is, I'm there either until 11 p.m. or 2 a.m., slinging drinks and hearing sometimes crazy conversations people have while intoxicated.
What are some of the perks you enjoy that are associated with this gig?
The people I've met while working have been some of the biggest perks, from coworkers to customers. I even have one great regular that gave me tickets to one of the Flying Squirrels final home games. Just being a part of Richmond nightlife is a perk in itself, especially with some of the colorful characters in the local bar scene.
Tell Richmond.com readers about a time that you asked yourself – seriously, am I really getting paid for this?
Anyone who knows me knows that I love music and I love to sing. I think the first time I really asked myself that was when I got to go up with a band performing at a bar I used to work at and to sing a song, then hop back behind the bar. I enjoyed the fact that I got to not only keep my customers happy with drinks, but hopefully gave them some entertainment as well and was getting paid to do so!
What's the drink you dread making the most?
Mojitos, I absolutely despise them. I understand they're delicious to a lot of people, but if I'm busy and have to stop to muddle mint for someone’s mojito, it can be thoroughly frustrating.
What's the best way to get your attention at the bar?
Contrary to popular belief, snapping your fingers, waving money, tapping the bar, leaning across the bar, and yelling "excuse me" or "hey bartender" are NOT ways to get my attention. It's actually the quickest way to annoy me. The thing to keep in mind is that if a bartender is weeded, we’re doing our best to get to you quickly. Your first order is what gets our attention, if you're understanding of the fact I'm busy, and nice about it, it's going to get you further then someone who's rude. I'd be lying if I said a good tip doesn't factor in, though.
Do you dig this gig enough to recommend it to others, and if so, what would you tell them about taking on a job like yours?
Absolutely! Bartending isn't for everyone but, personally, I love it. The thing to know with any service industry job is that at some point you have to develop a thick skin. You unfortunately at some point will run into a rude person along the way. Getting into bartending usually takes working your way up unless you catch a lucky break and a place will hire you with no experience and train you.
What advice would you give the average knucklehead looking to escape their cubicle in favor of working a gig like yours or some other position that they truly enjoy?
If you're miserable at a job, you should never stay in it—eventually it'll bleed into your work no matter what your profession. It's better to say you've tried something new then to regret the job you're in, so just go for it.
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