Top Shelf Bartender: Tim Mehling Puts Personal Touch on Drinks

If you could measure a person’s speed, Tim Mehling would probably clock in at about 100 miles an hour behind the bar at  located on 1115 East West Highway.

And he likes it that way.  

Mehling thrives on the energy of working and serving customers at one of Silver Spring’s newest businesses.

“It’s what Silver Spring needed,” he said, adding that Babe’s is different not only because it is a family owned business, but because the owner, Ron Bouchard, puts a personal touch on everything from the menu to the service.  

Bouchard has been known to take the stirring spoon in the kitchen to cook up sauces himself. Also, several burgers on the menu are named after his children.

Mehling puts a personal touch on things behind the bar too.

Over his 12 years as a bartender, he has come up with what he calls carnival shots, fashioned after some foods and other tasty treats. The idea is to give customers something special.

“I love what I do,” Mehling said. “It’s not just a second job or way to make extra money.”

Between serving, he takes the time to strike up conversation too.  It’s never boring with the diversity of people he runs into.

One of the customers he’ll never forget is Senator Joe Lieberman. Mehling was one of the bartenders at an inauguration event at Union Station for President Barack Obama.

“I saw him [Sen. Lieberman] coming down the stairs,” he said. So of course Mehling pulled out a camera. He laughs describing how he leaned over, handed Lieberman a beer and had a picture taken all at the same time.  It was the perfect highlight to his career.

Mehling chuckles again saying, “ he didn’t tip.”

But at Babe’s he has no problems racking up tips or compliments from customers.

“Tim is great,” said Mark Chisholm, one of Tim's customers, who is glad to see a sports bar in Silver Spring.

Babe’s has lots of space, pool tables and plenty of wide screen televisions.

Still, there is more to come. Both Mehling and Bouchard are looking forward to the outdoor “beach” that will open once the weather warms up. It will feature a bar in the parking lot area with sand covering the ground to give customers a summery, fun feeling.

“I think this will bring people together in Silver Spring,” Mehling said, as he rushed back to the bar to take care customers.

Tim’s Carnival Drinks include the upside down pineapple cake, chocolate covered cherry, girl scout cookie, rocket and mexican raspberry trouffle.

You can try making the Girl Scout Cookie at home with Bailey’s Irish Creme, Crème De Mint and Kahlua.  Tim says you should mix the Bailey’s and Crème de Mint in a tin or other container. Then, pour that into a shot glass. Use your finger to make a space on the sides and pour in the Kahluan.  Once you are done, it should taste like a thin mint Girl Scout Cookie.