The Daily Wildcat caught up with bartender Stacie Rodriguez at Rusty’s Family Restaurant and Sports Grille to get the inside look of its bar scene.
Daily Wildcat: How long have you been bartending?
Rodriguez: Almost eight years.
When and where did you start bartending?
Here, actually, but I do a lot of private parties, birthday parties, weddings. But for here I have been bartending for about four years.
What made you decide to work here?
I have been here for 11 years. One day someone told me to come check out this place, [they said,] “I think you would like it.” I had been in the business before, so the day I applied I never left. I have been here ever since.
What’s your favorite drink to make? Why?
Maybe a Fun Dip. One of our old bartenders that used to be here taught us how to make it. It’s a few different types of vodka, some fancy mix but we rim the glass with like a Pixy Stix and so it tastes like a Fun Dip.
What’s your least favorite drink to make? Why?
My not so favorite drink to make—but it’s super popular—is the Michelada. When we make ours, we use a little bit of a Bloody Mary mix, some Clamato, salt and pepper, olive juice, fresh lemon and lime—a long list. It’s very time consuming, and I make them with love so that’s what happens.
Do you have any strategies that you use in order to get your drinks or food out faster?
Yes and no, we typically do bottle and draft beers first and then make the mixed drinks after because we typically make those with a little bit more love because just pouring out beer is not too hard.
Do you have any memorable or favorite customers?
Oh dear. Do you know how long I have been here? This place is like a “Cheers” bar, we have so many regulars. We have seen people’s children grow up, we’ve been a part of weddings and funerals and birthday parties and graduations. It’s hard to say.
What sets this bar apart from other bars?
If you have ever had an experience here, like I said, it’s like a “Cheers” bar. You can come in here in your pajamas or you can come in here in a suit and you feel comfortable either way, regardless of the atmosphere and what’s going on. And the owners—Anita, she’s the owner—she’s so amazing and such a hard worker. And you can see her all dressed up or in her pajamas and she is working just as hard as any other day.
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