Get to Know A Local Bartender: Chris Rush of Popeye's Pub

Name: Chris Rush

Bar: , Cortlandt Manor, NY

Age: 37

Hometown: Cortlandt Manor

PACTH: What do you think is the best thing about the city?

CHRIS: Although in the last couple of decades it has been getting more and more urban, the Cortlandt Manor area is just rural enough.

PATCH: What’s your bar’s most popular drink?

CHRIS: Jager.  Or Wild Turkey.  And PBR.  We're a beer and shots bar.  We're pretty pissed the hipsters downtown are all into PBR now, but we aren't letting them take it from us.  We have a few signature drinks too. The Blue 52 Bomber, which tastes like hot death and few people can handle a third, if a second.

PATCH: What’s your craziest bar story?

CHRIS: You really can't print those.  Popeye's is the kind of bar where things that only happen at other bars at 4:00 a.m. can happen here at 4 in the afternoon.  I've seen people kicking the ceiling during shows, and acts of… uh, explicit nature.  We used to break a lot of stuff for fun, but we're trying to discourage that now.  We've had our fights, but, for our reputation, surprisingly few...Beyond that you'll have to come see for yourself, or use your imagination.

PATCH: What’s the best thing about your bar?

CHRIS: The atmosphere. The people that hang out at, "The Eye" as we affectionately call it, are like a family.  Slightly dysfunctional, but a tight knit group. It doesn't take much. Come in, be cool, meet some people and you're quickly accepted. We don't judge people for superficial reasons.  We really have the best music scene in the area also.  Bands from around the world, local, independent, national, international acts all come through here and have a great time, and always thank us on the way out.  I've had legends in the music scene come here and shake my hand and thank me for a good time.  That's pretty awesome.

PATCH: What is your personal favorite drink?

CHRIS: I drink shots of Wild Turkey.  I've never had it but I hear my Long Island Ice Tea is really good.

PATCH: Any advice for customers on getting your attention on a busy night?

CHRIS: I don't know if it works as well with the newer bar tenders, but if you yell out, "Nurse" that gets my attention.  Or just yell out my name.  Gotta be loud though, it's a loud bar when it's busy.  I also have an uncanny knack for hearing the sound of an empty bottle when it gets put down.

PATCH: In your opinion, what attributes does it take to make a great bartender? 

CHRIS: You have to be quick, you have to be able to listen, and you need to perform.  Being behind the bar you wear a lot of hats.  You're in charge but you also need to entertain and advise your customers.