Some view bartenders as simply slingers of booze. Nothing more, nothing less. Most likely these are the same folks who don't know how to tip. And for those who tip poorly, their drinks get weaker and weaker as the night goes on.

We at BOI in fact know that bartenders serve an important purpose as they are vital components to the social life and well-being of so many of our readers. Not only can they serve you your drink, they can act as a concierge with suggestions about other bars, clubs, and restaurants as well as a "broker" to help in your carnal pursuit of that cutie at the other end of the bar. Whether simply pouring a draft beer from the tap or mixing an intricate and delicately balanced cocktail, bartenders have the ability to turn a routine night out on the town into one of the most memorable experiences you'll ever have.

When it's not all fun and games for the patrons before them, bartenders often act as a psychologist, therapist, or social worker, displaying listening skills that should rightly garner them sainthood in some cases. Most importantly to those of us not in the bar at the time, bartenders know when to cut someone off and when to take a person's car keys away and call them taxi.

While this Bartenders Issue features a select few of the community's mixologists, it is indeed dedicated to all the men and women who dutifully serve us our favorite libations. We thank them for their service and raise our glasses and beer bottles in honor of them. Cheers!

JONATHAN MITCHELL
The Generator

How long have you been tending bar?
20 years
Are you from Chicago?
No, I moved here from Springfield, Illinois in 1989
What is your specialty drink?
Come and see me. I'll make you one.
Which brand of vodka do you recommend for vodka on the rocks?
Chopin
What's been your favorite tip?
An older gentleman came into the club one night. He seemed sad and nobody was paying him any attention so I struck up a conversation with him. He finished his drink, thanked me and left. Twenty minutes later he came back and gave me $300 "for being so sweet". Mother always said it pays to be nice.
What is the strangest drink request you've heard?
It wasn't the drink; it was the manner in which they asked it be stirred.....
Who is your favorite Chicago drag personality?
Are you trying to get me killed?
What irritates you as a bartender?
Poor home training
Who is your favorite bartender and where do they work at?
Yolanda Thompson at The Generator. She's a walking encyclopedia of drink recipes.
What's your favorite after-work food?
For me it's all about a waffle
Do you prefer piercings or tattoos?
Tattoos. They don't chip your teeth.

DAVIDE SIKORA
Cocktail

How did you get started as a bartender?
At a Cuban restaurant making hundreds of mojitos a night about four
years ago.
Are you a native Chicagoan?
Yes maam. I grew up in Portage Park on the northwest side of the city.
What is your specialty drink?
It's called a Rocket Pop because it tastes just like a red, white and blue popsicles. I use Stoli Raz to make it.
Which brand of vodka do you recommend for vodka on the rocks?
My favorite vodka is Jay-Z's vodka, Armandale, but most bars and clubs don't carry it. Alternatively, I suggest Belvedere
Any strange tips you've gotten over the years?
A friend of mine sometimes tips me in gas cards!
Who is your favorite Chicago drag personality?
Lisa Lexus
What irritates you as a bartender?
People who pay with credit cards. It just slows me down and if I slow down then people don't get their drinks fast enough. I'm against that one Visa commercial where everything gets slower when people pay with cash! LIES!
Where's your favorite place to eat after work?
Pie Hole of course. They make great pizza and are open super late and in the same building as my job! Can't beat that.
Do you typically wear boxers, briefs or do you go commando?
I usually wear briefs but just recently found the pleasures of a jock strap and have been wearing those.

VASILI TCHAKANAKIS
Spin Nightclub

How many years have you been tending bar?
11 years and all of them at Spin.
Are you a native Chicagoan?
I grew up in the burbs, Aurora, although I have lived in the city for the past 15 years.
What is your specialty shot?
Bug Juice. It's green. That's all I can tell you.
Which brand of vodka do you recommend for a screwdriver?
Stoli
Which brand of vodka do you recommend for a vodka on the rocks?
Grey Goose
What's your recommended hangover remedy?
Hair of the Dog
What was the strangest tip that you've received?
Twizzlers. Thanks Jeremy.
What is the strangest drink request you've heard?
Tequila and Mountain Dew. Are you kidding me?
Who is your favorite Chicago drag personality?
Teri Yaki. I've known her forever.
What irritates you as a bartender?
People who take too long to order.
Who is your favorite bartender and where do they work at?
Bridgette from Berlin
Where is your favorite place to go for a cocktail?
Berlin
Where's your favorite after work place to eat?
The taco place next to Berlin.
Do you prefer piercings or tattoos?
Piercings.
Do you typically wear boxers, briefs or or do you go commando?
Briefs.

MATTHEW ("Matador") AMADOR
Mary's Attic @ Hamburger Mary's

How many years have you been bartending?
As a job? About a year and a half. In my apartment? Since 2000.
Are you a native Chicagoan?
Nope. Moved to the burbs (Evanston) from San Diego in 1998 and then came to Chi-Town proper in 2002.
What is your specialty drink?
During the Oscars I made a Dreamgirl Martini with SKYY Orange Vodka, Godiva White Liquer, White Creme de Cacao, Chocolate syrup drizzled in the glass, all topped off with a cherry! "...your Dreamgirls, boys, will make you happy!"
What's your recommended hangover remedy?
One more drink, baby! Bloody Mary, anyone?
What is the strangest drink request you've heard?
Someone once asked for an authentic Michelada (the drink the Miller Chill is based on)... Draft beer, worcestershire sauce, tabasco & lime juice.
Who is your favorite Chicago drag personality?
I love them all, but only Ms. Foozie has added me on MySpace.
Who is your favorite bartender and where do they work at?
Sarah at FireFly, hands down.
Where is your favorite place to go for a cocktail?
I always take out-of-towners to the Signature Lounge at the top of the Hancock!
What's your favorite after-work food?
Chicago's Pizza! That place has saved me from the munchies so many times I consider it a church!
Do you prefer piercings or tattoos?
There's something about a tattoo that just gets me hard!
Boxers, briefs or do you go commando?
It honestly depends on the pants I'm wearing, or if I'm planning on going bottomless later in the night. ;) Usually boxer briefs.

RAMIRO
Chesterfield Club

How long have you been tending bar?
8 years.
Where are you from?
I moved here to Chicago from Morelia , Michaocan (in Mexico) in 1996.
What is your specialty drink?
I have one that's called "The Pigeon" with a lot of tequila in it. There are other ingredients but I can't tell you what they are. It's a drink that belongs to me only.
Which brand of vodka do you recommend for vodka on the rocks?
Regus vodka.
What was the biggest tip you ever received?
The most surprising tip I've ever received was $100. I was bartending in a bar in Mexico and the tip was from a very important businessman.
What is the strangest drink request you've heard?
La cucaracha or "the cockroach" in English.
Who is your favorite Chicago drag personality?
Yes, her name is She-Diamond.
What irritates you as a bartender?
What irritates me most is rude people.
Where's your favorite place to eat after work?
La Condesa Mexican restaurant.
Do you prefer piercings or tattoos?
Tattoos
Do you typically wear boxers, briefs or do you go commando?
None of the above. I like to wear thongs!

ED DAVIS
Sidetrack

How long have you been tending bar?
15 years
Are you a native Chicagoan?
Yes, from the Scottsdale / Ford City neighborhood on the southwest side of the city.
What is your specialty drink?
It's the Krush with Ketel One Vodka
Which brand of vodka do you recommend for a screwdriver?
Any brand that's under 5 bucks.
Which brand of vodka do you recommend for vodka on the rocks?
Ketel One
What's the biggest tip you've received?
$400. A customer was celebrating and bought six bottles of Dom.
What is the strangest drink request you've heard?
Merlot & Red Bull
Who is your favorite Chicago drag personality?
Miss Foozie
What irritates you as a bartender?
Anyone on a cell phone (or whatever) standing in a service area or while ordering a drink.
Who is your favorite bartender and where do they work at?
Stuart Geggie at Big Chick's
Where is your favorite place to go for a cocktail?
North End
Where's your favorite place to eat after work?
Wiener Circle
Do you prefer piercings or tattoos?
Tats
Do you typically wear boxers,
briefs or do you go commando?
Commando or briefs.

LARRY SOBOLESKI
Roscoe's Tavern & Cafe

What's your history as a bartender?
I picked up bartending while I was still in college, around 1989. In Chicago, I've tended bar at Manhole and GLEE Club at Crobar (aaah, the good 'ol days) and have been at Roscoe's for ten years.
Where are you from?
I'm a Jersey boy. I moved to Chicago in 1991 after graduating from Cornell.
What is your specialty drink?
I'm best with martinis, because I shake them overhand to within an inch of their lives! Two of my vodka creations are the blue Raspberry Sno-cone and the Blushing Peach.
What is the strangest drink request you've heard?
Once this Goth guy ordered a Jagermeister and Sambuca tonic with olives. I think he was just going for shock value.
Who is your favorite Chicago drag personality?
Frida Lay -- She works hard for the money.
What irritates you as a bartender?
The inconsiderate customer: He immediately needs to catch the bartender's attention during Saturday night's rush, and when it's his turn for service, he's screaming into his cell. When his drink comes, he's forgotten to order for his buddies. After the round has been served, his cash is still in his pocket, crumpled up in little balls which he tosses onto the bar, and it may or may not cover the total. Who is your favorite bartender and where do they work at?
It's a toss-up between Archer at Sidetrack and Karyn at The Closet.
What's your favorite after work meal?
The chicken piccata dinner at Melrose Diner.
Boxers, briefs or do you go commando?
Typically, a nice, contoured, low-rise brief, like C-IN2.