Bartender Bangaz

Joseph Guiffre

Welcome to Bartender Bangaz, the podcast where drinks meet real talk! We pull back the curtain on the exciting, challenging, and often hilarious world of the bartending lifestyle. Whether you're a seasoned bartender, a passionate bar lover, or just curious about nightlife stories, this is your new favorite spot to hang out. What You'll Find On Our Channel: Industry Secrets & Tips: Actionable advice on cocktail making, customer service, and managing the busy bar life. Bartender Lifestyle Interviews: Unfiltered conversations with industry professionals about their careers, challenges, and best/worst shifts. Hilarious Nightlife Stories: The funniest and craziest things that happen when the lights go down and the drinks start flowing. We release new episodes every week! Subscribe now and let's pour a round!

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    DO THIS AT THE BAR AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE SERVED LAST!

    In Episode 17 of Bartender Bangaz, your host Mark the Shark heads to Bay Shore, New York, to hang out at Goldie’s Gems. We’re sitting down with two hometown legends and "OG" bartenders, Johnny and Michelle, who have been there since day one. From the transition from barista to bartender to the "horrifying" mistakes made during a rookie shift, Johnny and Michelle pull back the curtain on the service industry. Learn why you should always be nice to your barista (unless you want decaf!), how a mix-up with pickle juice ruined a batch of green tea shots, and why waving your money at a busy bartender is the fastest way to get ignored. In this episode, we discuss: Barista vs. Bartender: Why coffee customers are actually meaner than bar regulars. The "Dry Martini" Scam: Why Johnny thought it was the hardest drink to make (and the simple reality). Bar Etiquette 101: Why "I'll hook you up at the end" usually means a bad tip. Wild Stories: From the guy who confessed his drug use to deal with his marriage to the "asshole" who ditched his date. The Post-Covid Bar Scene: How microdosing and "Heineken Zero" are changing the way people go out.

    1hr 30min
  2. They said craft cocktails wouldn't work in a 'beer town' Here’s what happened

    15 MAR

    They said craft cocktails wouldn't work in a 'beer town' Here’s what happened

    Welcome to Episode 16 of Bartender Bangaz! 🍹 This week, we’re heading back to Long Beach, NY, to sit down with the powerhouse owner of The Merrow, Amanda—better known to everyone as Pookie. From her early days starting out at Montego Bay to training under industry OGs in the West Village and Brooklyn, Pookie has seen every side of the hospitality world. She opens up about the "push" she needed to leave her work family and open her own spot in her hometown, and why she is uncompromising when it comes to quality—from fresh-pressed organic lime juice to the perfect 20oz Guinness pour. In this episode, we discuss: The Vision Behind The Merrow: Why Pookie focused on high-end cocktails and fresh ingredients in a town known for light beer. Hospitality Horror Stories: The night the basement flooded and she ended up across the street eating mushroom chocolate just to survive the shift. Industry Truths: Why you should NEVER tell a bartender to "smile more" and the importance of calling out non-tippers. Irish Roots: The meaning behind the name "The Merrow" and how Pookie’s husband "donated" the name from his own bar plans. Long Beach’s Secret Holiday: Why "Irish Day" in October is the biggest event of the year at the bar. Whether you’re a hospitality veteran or just love a great cocktail, Pookie’s "zero gel" energy and raw honesty make this an episode you can't miss. Follow Bartender Bangaz: Instagram | TikTok | Spotify | YouTube Visit The Merrow: Long Beach, New York 🌊

    1hr 35min
  3. Bartenders Reveal: The 1 Thing You Should Never Say While Ordering

    8 MAR

    Bartenders Reveal: The 1 Thing You Should Never Say While Ordering

    In this episode of Bartender Bangaz, host Mark "The Shark" sits down with Ruby and Tim, the powerhouse duo behind Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh, NY. From their chance meeting in Long Beach to running one of the most legendary bars on the Island, they’re pouring out the truth straight—no chaser. In this episode, we dive into: The Wild Start: How a friend ripping up Ruby’s resume actually landed her the job. Industry Red Flags: Why ordering a vodka cranberry might be a major warning sign for bartenders. Behind the Scenes Chaos: The reality of managing massive tailgates and the time a bar back had to save a famous musician’s life. The "Unspoken Rule": Why saying "I’m a bartender too" is the #1 pet peeve of the industry. Whether you're a career bartender or just love a good story from behind the wood, Ruby and Tim give an unfiltered look at what it’s really like to grow up and lead in the world of hospitality.

    1hr 34min
  4. Why You Should NEVER Ask a Bartender for a Free Birthday Drink

    1 MAR

    Why You Should NEVER Ask a Bartender for a Free Birthday Drink

    Welcome back to Bartender Bangers! This week, Mark heads to Sunnyside, Queens, to sit down with the "Bombshell of Sunnyside," Nichelle, at the iconic Maggie Mae’s bar. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Nichelle shares her journey from starting as an underage cocktail server to working in some of New York’s most famous gentlemen's clubs and rooftops. We dive deep into what it’s really like behind the bar, the transition from nursing school to nightlife, and why Maggie Mae’s is home to one of the top 20 pints of Guinness in New York City. In this episode, we discuss: Industry Origins: How a lie about her age led to a 20-year career. The Maggie Mae’s Vibe: Why this Sunnyside staple is the perfect neighborhood lounge—and why they don't mind if you bring your own pizza. Bartending Advice: Why you should always get a credit card for an open tab and how to "fake it til you make it". Customer Pet Peeves: From "it's my birthday" freebie requests to people who won't look at the beer list. The Perfect Pour: The mission behind serving a top-tier Guinness.

    1hr 7min
  5. How Reenacting Customer Horror Stories Became This Business Owner's Therapy

    22 FEB

    How Reenacting Customer Horror Stories Became This Business Owner's Therapy

    In this episode of Bartender Bangaz, we’re pulling up a stool at Phil's Only in Syosset to sit down with the one and only Anthony. Known to millions as the "Pizza Ambassador," Anthony’s journey is anything but ordinary. He takes us from his humble beginnings as a "baby dishwasher" to becoming a viral sensation on social media by doing something most restaurants would never dare: reenacting his wildest customer horror stories. Anthony opens up about his "raw and authentic" approach to social media, explaining why he stopped showing his food and started showing his personality—a move that brought in millions of views and a whole new generation of customers. We dive into the "Angry Grandma" pizza, the importance of "staying hungry" in business, and how his viral success is fueling Long Island Pizza Strong, a massive community effort that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for families in need.

    1hr 16min
  6. The Unspoken Rules of the Bar: How to Not Annoy Your Bartender

    15 FEB

    The Unspoken Rules of the Bar: How to Not Annoy Your Bartender

    In this episode of Bartender Bangers, host Mark "The Shark" takes a trip to the Sayville Athletic Club in New York to sit down with his longtime friend and seasoned bartender, Bella. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Bella shares her journey from her early days busing on Fire Island at age 15 to her "retirement spot" at the "SAC". Episode Highlights: Behind the Bar Wisdom: Bella discusses the "fake it til you make it" nature of the industry and offers advice for newcomers, emphasizing the importance of having a plan and finding a mentor. The "Living Room" Vibe: A look at what makes the Sayville Athletic Club unique, from its fresh-cut fries and hand-shaved ribeye to its reputation as an extension of the community's living room. Drink Orders & Pet Peeves: Bella reveals her favorite drink to make (a "mean" margarita), the weirdest order she's received (the "Irish Trash Can"), and why making old fashioneds can be a logistical nightmare. Wild Stories: From a drunk patron attempting a "getaway" in an electric wheelchair to a creepy encounter with a banned regular, Bella dives into the high-energy and sometimes bizarre reality of life behind the pine. Shift Drinks: The duo "clinks glasses" with a classic shift drink—the car bomb—while discussing the authentic, sometimes chaotic energy of the local surf and sports community that calls the SAC home. Join us for an episode filled with laughter, "straight, no chaser" truth, and the real stories that live behind the bar.

    1hr 4min
  7. We Asked Hoboken Bartenders Their Biggest Pet Peeve... And It’s Brutal.

    8 FEB

    We Asked Hoboken Bartenders Their Biggest Pet Peeve... And It’s Brutal.

    In this week's episode of Bartender Bangers, Mark the Shark leaves New York behind to cross the river into Hoboken, New Jersey! We are taking over The River Street Garage, the very first Jersey bar featured on the podcast, to sit down with two of the best in the business: V and Kylie. In this episode, we dive into: The Hoboken Vibe: Why this bar is the ultimate "high energy" destination with live bands, DJs, pool tables, and even indoor cornhole. Bartender Origins: From learning the ropes at a bowling alley bar to 18 years of experience starting at a small-town "Country Griddle," V and Kylie share how they ended up in the heart of Hoboken. Bar Secrets & Hot Takes: Why ordering an Espresso Martini after 10 PM will get you a "crazy look." The truth about tipping on a "free" water and why it matters. Why ready-to-drink "cocktails in a can" are a major hot take. The Commute is Real: Hear about the staff who travel over an hour just to be part of the River Street Garage family. Whether you're a local looking for your next Friday night spot or a fellow bartender who knows the struggle of "bottling up emotions" behind a smile, this episode is straight truth—no chaser. Visit The River Street Garage: 📍 80 River St, Hoboken, NJ 07030 Follow them on Instagram for more reels and high-vibe energy! Follow Bartender Bangers: Instagram: @BartenderBangaz

    1hr 31min
  8. The Unspoken Rules of Being a Good Customer

    1 FEB

    The Unspoken Rules of Being a Good Customer

    Faking It 'Til You Make It: Madison’s Wildest Bartender Stories! 🍹✨ "Every drink has a story, and every shift has a moment that sticks with you." This week on Bartender Bangers, we’re coming to you live from The Leaky Lifeboat in Seaford, NY! Mark "The Shark" sits down with Madison, a powerhouse in the Long Island bar scene who has seen everything from high-fashion runways to the high-volume chaos of Montauk summers. Madison opens up about her unconventional start—from working for fashion legends like Betsey Johnson and Tommy Hilfiger to literally lying on her resume to land her first serving gig. Since then, she’s navigated the "mixology" boom in Babylon, survived the "lifestyle" shifts of Montauk, and landed right here at the Lifeboat. What’s inside this episode: The "Fake It" Strategy: How Madison pivoted from fashion to the bar and learned the ropes on the fly. Montauk Madness: Why the staff at Memory Motel kept water guns behind the bar to handle "annoying" tourists and couples making out at the rail. Bartender Red Flags: Why she secretly judges your Long Island Iced Tea and why "White Russians" are a nightmare during a rush. The Rookie Mistake: The scary moment she realized she had over-served a customer on "Ketel Rocks" and how it changed her perspective on the job. Industry Wisdom: Madison’s #1 rule for new bartenders: "Don't s*** where you eat." The Shift Drink: Finishing strong with a smooth shot of Jameson. Drop a comment below: What’s the most annoying drink you’ve ever ordered (or made)? 🍸👇 Support the Show: ✅ Subscribe for more "no chaser" stories from behind the bar! #BartenderBangers #TheLeakyLifeboat #LongIsland #BartenderLife #ServiceIndustry Stories #Montauk #SeafordNY #BartendingAdvice #Jameson #BetseyJohnson

    1hr 10min
See All (17)

About

Welcome to Bartender Bangaz, the podcast where drinks meet real talk! We pull back the curtain on the exciting, challenging, and often hilarious world of the bartending lifestyle. Whether you're a seasoned bartender, a passionate bar lover, or just curious about nightlife stories, this is your new favorite spot to hang out. What You'll Find On Our Channel: Industry Secrets & Tips: Actionable advice on cocktail making, customer service, and managing the busy bar life. Bartender Lifestyle Interviews: Unfiltered conversations with industry professionals about their careers, challenges, and best/worst shifts. Hilarious Nightlife Stories: The funniest and craziest things that happen when the lights go down and the drinks start flowing. We release new episodes every week! Subscribe now and let's pour a round!

Information

  • Creator
    Joseph Guiffre
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © New Image Media LLC
  • Show Website
    Bartender Bangaz

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