Mango Mike’s Cool Caribbean Cafe
4580 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA
Phone: 703-370-3800
mangomikes.com

Andres is serving a Parrot Cooler.

How did you get started in the Bartending business?

I was working as an oyster shucker behind the bar at the old "Eastport Raw Bar"during the 80's. I knew many of the regular customers since I was right there instead of in the kitchen.  One night the bar got super busy and I started helping out with drinks.  I really liked making drinks and inventing cocktails so I gradually made the switch and have been a full time bartender since.

What is your bartender pet peeve?

I find it silly that sometimes people ask for cocktails with "No Ice" -  they don't realize that we put the same amount of alcohol in the drink and without the ice it just makes the drink taste weak, since we have to fill up the glass with more mixer.  These people don't really get it!
 
What's the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

Girls are always asking for free drinks. I do my best to hook them up with shooters if I think they are cute. I guess that is it, if you're good looking and nice you have a good chance at getting something free from me. On the flip side, if you're mean or stuck up, forget about it.  The bar is a social place, be nice to everyone, not just me, help me make my bar fun.
 
What's the most memorable pickup line you've heard?

I've heard ‘em all, they never work.  If you want to pick up someone, introduce yourself, and offer to buy them a drink.  From what I've seen, this strategy has the best success rate.

Can you tell us an interesting story?

I've got thousands of interesting stories, I've seen a lot in my 25 years in this business. I don't think the really crazy ones can be printed in this publication.  I once saw a lady's hair catch on fire while sitting at the bar.  She didn't know it was on fire as we ran around the bar and basically tackled her and put out the flames with bar rags.  She had no idea what was going on and was a little surprised when 3 male bartenders took her down and started hitting her head with bar rags.  It was a pretty funny scene….I guess you had to be there.
 

Behind the Bar by © Chester Simpson.com
 
Who would you want to have a drink with and why?
Jerry Jones. I've been following his Cowboys for 20+ yrs and it would be cool to have a cocktail with him. I'm sure he's got a few good stories.

 

Andres is Behind the Bar Monday-Friday 4 pm – 2 am and during Sunday Brunch!