Meet a Bartender: Ramon Henderson

Ramon Henderson originally hails from St. Louis, but has been putting it on the rock in Chicago for 14 years. He got his start at the Winds Cafe [now closed], a mom and pop restaurant bar. The owners gave him the opportunity to learn the business and to express his bartending talents. Now, as a bartender for hire, you can find him wherever there's a party in Chicago. He's working on his dream to open a bartending school on Chicago's southside and has already started his Bartend4fun Inc. He recently joined the USBG, which has helped him to expand his repertoire and deep pocket of tricks.

Now, onto the questions...

1) So besides the money what drove to acquire the most admirable of professions, bartending?

While working for Hilton Hotel, I was an Event Planner and use to have fun with all the bartenders from Banquets. In 2003, I made it official with a license, food service certificate, tips, the whole nine! I’m been in the industry for about 20 yrs. I've always been a people person and what better profession to get to know everyone who's someone.

2) When a parched patron is trying to get your attention at a crowded bar what do you recommend?

I'm more than likely going to see you when you walk in so eye contact or an excuse me would be great. I will acknowledge that I will be right with you.

3) What would you consider the dos/don’ts while ordering?

Do smile, Do give feedback, Do share if you are in the industry, Do have an ID at all times, Don't tell me how to make your drink, unless I have to from scratch, Don't try to order drinks after I cut you off or called last call, Don't give bad attitude if you want good service. Don't think you are drinking without an ID, don't say light ice and then say your drink taste funny. There's a chemical balance to how to make drinks and bartending work. It includes ice!

4) Cash or Credit?

I prefer Credit, just don't drink so much and forget what you order for yourself and your friends, but with Cash you know your limits and when you out it's a wrap.

5) What is your favorite drink?

Bacardi Lemon & Sprite with a lime wedge! I call that my chillout moment.

6) As a bartender for hire, what's the fanciest or coolest place you have ever tended bar?

It was my home bar called the Winds Cafe (new name & management) here in Chicago! We had a New Years Eve Party one year and it was the best. We decorated the Cafe and really put a feel good touch to attract customers. If was cool because at a 2am bar with food the really party doesn't begin until everyone is on their way home walking and drink. We kinda locked the doors and partied til 4am.

7) Has anyone ever given you a non-traditional tip or anything cool?

A customer once tipped me a $100 bill and told me to do what I to make he and his girl have a good time. Once the night was over he gave me another $100 bill. I gotten autographs and sports items of all sorts.

8) Do you consider yourself just a bartender? Or would you call yourself, a mixologist, drinker's friends, barkeep, or something totally different?

I consider myself a customer service expert with a wild side and smile to make sure you are having a wonderful while I am making you a cocktail for whatever reason you choose. Some call it mixologist, therapist, drinker's friend, I just call it a bartender doing it for fun!