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Bartender Bangaz

Bartender Bangaz

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!

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  • 20 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 1 hr 27 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • S1 · E43
    Sunday · 1 hr 51 min

    "Surprise Me" Is The WORST Bar Order!

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. In Episode 43 of Bartender Bangaz, Mark the Shark sits down at All and Sundry in NYC with beverage consultant, mixologist, and expert judge on E!’s hit show Cocktail Wars, Melissa Brook!Melissa breaks down her unique journey—from starting out in Hollywood film production (working at Entertainment Tonight, Miramax, and DreamWorks) to stepping behind a dive bar for guest shifts, climbing to fine dining, and ultimately consulting on beverage programs nationwide. In this episode, we cover:Behind the Scenes of E!’s Cocktail Wars: What it's really like on set judging drinks alongside Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, and celebrity guest judges like Seth Green, Lauren Graham, and Bron Strowman. Dive Bars vs. Fine Dining: Transitioning between fast-paced dive bar energy and elevated mixology. The Golden Rules of Bartending: Advice for new bartenders, common mistakes, and how to command respect while managing a bar team. Behind the Bar Etiquette: Why bartenders hate the phrase "surprise me," how to handle "make it strong" orders, and reading the room before ordering a complex cocktail. Industry Trends: Pre-batching, draft cocktails, the rise of elevated free-spirited mocktails, and avoiding toxic garnishes. Follow Bartender Bangaz:Instagram: @BartenderBangazHost: Mark "Mark the Shark"Guest: Melissa Brook

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  • S1 · E42
    October 4 · 1 hr 24 min

    How to Successfully Run a Bar with Zero Experience

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. Welcome back to another episode of Bartender Bangaz! This week, host Mark the Shark is on location at his home base—The Sandbar in Ocean Beach, Fire Island—sitting down with the man who built it all: his boss, Sandbar John! From buying the old "Alligator" bar on Tumbleweed Tuesday with zero industry experience to tearing down drop ceilings full of rodents, dealing with drill-sergeant chefs, and surviving "military-grade" bouncers—John opens up about 20 years of midlife crises, nightmarish kitchen mishaps, and the wild early days of transforming Sandbar into a Fire Island staple. Grab a Henny and a Heineken, sit back, and enjoy the unfiltered truth behind running a legendary beach town bar!

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  • S1 · E41
    September 27 · 1 hr 9 min

    28-Year Bouncer Reveals How To ACTUALLY Skip Any Bar Line!

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. Welcome back to Bartender Bangaz! Host Mark the Shark ("Shark") is live at the Island Mermaid on Fire Island, NY, for a special episode featuring our very first bouncer guest: Long Island legend, Tommy B! With 28 years of security experience under his belt—ranging from late-90s mega-clubs like Maxine’s and Siberia to high-profile events like Michael Rubin’s White Party—Tommy has seen it all. In this episode, we pour out the truth, straight, no chaser, about what it really takes to keep the peace when booze, ego, and late nights.

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  • S1 · E40
    September 20 · 1 hr 27 min

    Why You Should NEVER Order "Rack Liquor"

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. Welcome back to another episode of Bartender Bangaz! This week, host Mark the Shark sits down at Patchogue, Long Island’s newest hotspot—The Side Street Dive—with industry insider Maddie. From starting with zero experience at a local dive bar to grinding through high-end spots, crowded Hamptons night clubs, and high-energy liquor promotions, Maddie shares the real, unvarnished truth about life behind the bar. In this episode, we cover:Maddie's Industry Credentials: How she jumped straight into bartending with no experience, acting as the cook, bouncer, and bartender all in one night. The Side Street Experience: What makes Patchogue's newest spot unique—including singing servers, theatrical cocktail menus, and the iconic Side Street Fries. Red-Flag Drink Orders: The specific "rack liquor" orders that guarantee someone is going to cause trouble. Safety & Nightmares Behind the Bar: Creepy customer encounters, late-night parking lot scares, and protecting family from aggressive bar patrons. Bartending vs. Promo Work: The truth about secret shoppers, free drink spends, and dealing with entitled crowds.

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  • S1 · E39
    September 13 · 1 hr 8 min

    Why Bartenders Secretly Hate Apple Pay & Snapping Customers.

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. This week on Bartender Bangaz, Mark the Shark heads to Mio Posto in Merrick, NY, to sit down with 17-year bar veteran Jillian! Jillian takes us through her journey from starting as a hostess to becoming a fixture behind the bar at one of Long Island's hot spots. We break down everything from viral menu favorites to the real side of working in hospitality. In this episode, we cover:Mio Posto Staples: The viral Gorgonzola, Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Spring Rolls, Shrimp Luciano, and signature vodka sauce. Shot Breakdown: How to properly pour and drink the "Baby Beer" shot (Licor 43 + heavy cream). Bar Etiquette: Customer pet peeves including snapping, waving, phone charging requests, and Apple Pay hold-ups. Behind the Scenes: The importance of supporting your barback and managing paper tickets during rush hour. Industry Shifts: How customer expectations, Yelp reviews, and social media have changed bartending over the years.

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  • S1 · E38
    September 6 · 1 hr 30 min

    Why You Should NEVER Scope Ice With Glass

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. Ever wondered what it’s really like to transition from Michelin-star fine dining to the high-volume chaos of a beach town bar? In this episode of Bartender Bangers, host Mark the Shark sits down with veteran bartender Pat at Courtside Sports Lounge in Babylon Village, NY! Pat breaks down his wild journey through the hospitality industry—from faking his way through early kitchen line gigs to mastering mixology at New York City's world-famous Eleven Madison Park (EMP) and NoMad Hotel. Get an inside look at what it takes to survive the Hamptons high-season, manage the summer rush at Dive in Ocean Beach, Fire Island, and build a successful bartending career on Long Island. In this video, we cover: • Fine Dining vs. High-Volume Bartending: How high-end techniques from EMP and NoMad translate to fast-paced sports bars. • Crucial Bartending Rules & Rookie Mistakes: Why you should NEVER scoop ice with a glass, proper station hygiene, and mastering the coaster drop. • Fire Island Nightlife & Logistics: The truth about running a bar in Ocean Beach, dealing with "Angry August" crowds, and local Long Island bar culture. • Industry Pet Peeves & Celebrity Encounters: Crazy stories involving Apple Pay struggles, bar customer etiquette, and serving stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Shaq, and Andre 3000. Whether you’re an aspiring mixologist, a restaurant industry insider, or just love behind-the-scenes nightlife stories, this podcast episode is packed with expert advice and hilarious bar tales. 📍 Location Featured: Courtside Sports Lounge – Babylon Village, New York TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Intro & Welcome to Courtside in Babylon Village 01:18 – How to Master Kitchen Mise en Place 02:39 – How to Fake It 'Til You Make It as a Line Cook 05:00 – High-Volume Bartending Hardships & Heatstroke Stories 10:40 – Working at Michelin-Star Restaurants: Eleven Madison Park & NoMad 14:40 – High-Stakes Hamptons: EMP Summer House Cocktail Prep 21:55 – COVID Restaurant Struggles & Transitioning to Blackbird 24:30 – What Makes Courtside Babylon’s Best Elevated Sports Lounge? 28:15 – Batching Cocktails & Old Fashions on Tap 32:30 – Managing Dive Bar Chaos in Ocean Beach, Fire Island 38:58 – Top Bartending Rookie Mistakes & Bar Etiquette Advice 43:40 – How to Build Real Connections with Bar Regulars 46:35 – Long Island Bartenders League Competition & Charity Events 56:30 – Ocean Beach vs. Babylon Village: Long Island Nightlife Face-Off 01:04:00 – Cocktail Precision vs. Speed & Proper Garnish Etiquette 01:08:30 – Biggest Bartender Pet Peeves: Apple Pay, Snapping & Calling Names 01:13:00 – Crazy Bar Firing Stories & Handling Difficult Guests 01:18:48 – VIP Celebrity Sightings: Shaq, Gwyneth Paltrow, & Chef Daniel Humm #Bartending #BartenderLife #Mixology #LongIsland #FireIsland #ElevenMadisonP

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  • S1 · E37
    August 30 · 1 hr 18 min

    Why Personality Beats Speed Behind the Bar.

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. Pour yourself a drink and step inside the world-famous Ice Palace in Cherry Grove, Fire Island! This week, Mark the Shark sits down with Bar Manager Ken to unpack what it takes to run the world's longest-running LGBTQ disco, operating continuously since 1970. Ken shares his unique path from corporate management into the heart of Fire Island’s legendary nightlife scene. From wild celebrity encounters—like Liza Minnelli chilling on a walk-in pickle bucket and Lady Gaga lighting up the venue right before megastardom—to the raw realities of high-volume seasonal bartending, this episode is packed with industry gold. Key Highlights:Fire Island History: The evolution and legacy of Cherry Grove’s premier nightlife destination. Unfiltered Celebrity Tales: Behind-the-scenes moments with Liza Minnelli, Lady Gaga, and Carol Channing. Bar Operations & Trends: The shift from cash to POS systems, handling high volume, and the rise of RTD canned cocktails. Pro Tips for Bartenders: Managing staff, preventing seasonal burnout, and why host personality always trumps pour speed. Guest Etiquette: The ultimate bartender pet peeves and how to order properly when the bar is ten-deep. Follow & SubscribePodcast: Bartender BangersHost: Mark the SharkFeatured Venue: The Ice Palace / The Grove Hotel (Cherry Grove, NY) Hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and drop a comment with your favorite Fire Island memory!

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  • S1 · E36
    August 24 · 1 hr 25 min

    5 Ways Customers Instantly Annoy Your Bartender!

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. Every drink has a story, and every shift has a moment that sticks with you! Welcome back to another episode of Bartender Bangaz with your host, Mark "The Shark"! 🦈🍸This week, Mark is hanging out on the deck with coworker, veteran bartender, and Long Island native, Angel Moon! From starting out handling multi-role shifts at JJ Coopers in Long Beach to pouring drinks at college spots, chains, and iconic venues like The Villager and McGrath’s, Angel has seen it all. She’s dropping unfiltered truths on staying too long at bad-fit jobs, handling workplace drama, and the infamous story of how she got fired from Chili’s over a $6 order of chips and guacamole! Plus, we dive into the wild side of nightlife—from crazy shift encounters (like acid offers behind the bar) to customer pet peeves like string ordering and constant demands for phone chargers. Stick around as we do an on-air taste test of X-Tini canned espresso martinis and break down what it really takes to survive the hospitality grind. Grab a drink, hit that SUBSCRIBE button, and let’s pour out the truth straight—no chaser! 🍻⏱️ CHAPTERS (TIMESTAMPS)00:00 - Intro & Hanging on the Deck with Angel Moon 03:15 - Starting at JJ Coopers & Early Long Island Hospitality Grind 10:40 - College Bars, Chains & Finding the Right Bar Fit 18:25 - Fired Over $6 Chips & Guac at Chili's! 25:10 - Unfiltered Nightlife Secrets: Drugs, Drama & Shift Stories 34:00 - Biggest Bartender Pet Peeves (String Ordering & Phone Chargers) 42:15 - X-Tini Canned Espresso Martini On-Air Taste Test 51:30 - Life Lessons, Thick Skin & Final Advice for Bartenders

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  • S1 · E35
    August 9 · 58 min

    The Brutal Reality of Working in Kitchens for 30 Years

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. Every drink has a story, and behind every great bar is a legendary kitchen! Welcome back to another episode of Bartender Bangaz with your host, Mark "The Shark"! 🦈🍸 This week, Mark is sitting down with his longtime friend and culinary powerhouse, Joe Rago! A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA), Joe spent over 30 years in the trenches running high-volume, fine-dining, and elite restaurant kitchens across New York City. From surviving line-cook chaos to what really goes on behind kitchen doors in NYC, Chef Joe pours out the truth straight—no chaser! 🥃🍳 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE: • Culinary School vs. NYC Kitchen Reality: Is a CIA degree actually worth it? • 30 Years on the Line: Secrets to surviving three decades in the NYC restaurant industry. • Kitchen vs. Bar: The real dynamic between chefs, bartenders, and line staff. • High-Pressure Moments: Crazy stories, kitchen fails, and keeping cool under fire. • How NYC dining has evolved over 30 years. Grab a drink, hit that SUBSCRIBE button, and let’s get into the heat of the kitchen! 🍻 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ⏱️ CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro & Catching Up with Chef Joe Rago 02:15 - Graduating from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) 08:40 - First NYC Kitchen Shift: The Ultimate Reality Check 15:30 - The Evolution of NYC Restaurants Over 30 Years 24:10 - Front of House vs. Back of House: Ending the War 35:00 - The Secret to Surviving 3 Decades in Hospitality 48:20 - Favorite Meals, Biggest Mistakes & Final Words -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📲 FOLLOW BARTENDER BANGAZ: • YouTube: @BartenderBangaz • Instagram: @BartenderBangaz • TikTok: @BartenderBangaz • Apple Podcasts & Spotify: Bartender Bangaz #BartenderBangaz #NYCChef #CulinaryInstituteOfAmerica #HospitalityIndustry #BarLife

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  • S1 · E34
    July 27 · 2 hr 7 min

    50 Years in Hospitality: Why 90% of New Bars Fail

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. Every drink has a story, every shift has a moment that sticks with you, and this week on Bartender Bangaz, Mark the Shark is keeping it local in his hometown of Ocean Beach, Fire Island! We’re sitting down on the couch at The Island Mermaid with owner, local legend, and hospitality veteran Scott Hirsch to celebrate his 50th summer in Ocean Beach! From starting out at 16 making pizzas 17 hours a day at Town Pizza, to building one of the most iconic waterfront destinations on Western Fire Island, Scott shares the unfiltered truth about what it takes to survive and thrive for over three decades in the restaurant business. In this episode, we dive deep into: The 4 Legs of the Chair: Scott’s core philosophy on Location, Culture, Consistency, and Value. Fire Island History & Changes: How hospitality shifted away from the "captive audience mentality" over the last 50 years. Standing Out: The stories behind 600 lb. bar-top mermaids, cedar planks, and quarry marble dessert slabs. Industry Shake-Ups: How Ozempic, phone-first food critics, and modern payment methods are changing guest checks and dining rooms. The Great Rocket Fuel Debate: The real origin story of Fire Island's legendary cocktail and the building where it was born. Grab a drink, settle in, and get the truth straight—no chaser.

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  • S1 · E33
    July 20 · 1 hr 40 min

    “THE BILLY EXPERIENCE”: THE SECRET HOSPITALITY TRICK TO GET BETTER TIPS

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. Every drink has a story, and every shift has a moment that sticks with you. Welcome back to another episode of Bartender Bangaz, where we pour out the truth straight, no chaser! This week, we are bringing it back to the beautiful Fire Island, from Housers—the legendary staple of the island and the official home of the famous "Zippy" drink. In this episode, Mark sits down with the man, the myth, the legend: Billy. By day, he’s a dedicated high school teacher helping kids navigate life, but by night, he’s delivering what locals and tourists know as the unforgettable "Billy Experience." Billy drops massive gems on what it truly means to build real relationships behind the bar, why corporate training ( TGI Fridays!) actually gives you the best foundation, and the psychology of turning a customer's bad day completely around.

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  • S1 · E32
    July 13 · 1 hr 10 min

    Making friends on the internet

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. Welcome back to another episode of Bartender Bangers with your host, Mark the Shark! 🦈 This week, we are coming to you live from McGrath’s in Farmingdale, New York. Joining us at the bar is a very special guest: content creator, viral sensation, and internet friend of the show, Frankie Francis—better known as The Gaming Mixologist! 🎮🍸 Frankie breaks down his 16+ years in the service industry, sharing everything from his roots barbacking in Boston's North End to working fine dining, dive bars, cruise ships, and hotel lounges. We dive deep into how his unique video-game-inspired cocktails went completely viral, the secret behind making heavy-volume drink videos (do bartenders use fake alcohol? 🤔), and why he would rather serve a table full of "Karens" over a bachelorette party any day of the week. Oh, and you don't want to miss the absolutely insane, never-before-told "Flying Dildo" story that completely wrecked his bar during a lunch shift. Pour yourself a drink and let's get into the truth, straight—no chaser. 👉 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more Bartender Bangers!

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  • S1 · E31
    July 5 · 1 hr 48 min

    What Keeps a Bar Owner Awake at 3 AM?

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. Every shift has a moment that sticks with you—good, bad, or completely insane.Welcome back to another episode of Bartender Bangers with your host, Mark the Shark! This week, we are keeping it local and diving deep into the beautiful, chaotic world of Ocean Beach, Fire Island, New York. Mark sits down with his lifelong brother and hospitality veteran, Justin, the part-owner of one of the dopest new spots on the island: The Last Resort (and its legendary sister joint, The Corner Spot). Justin has spent over two decades on Fire Island, starting from the absolute bottom. In this unfiltered, laugh-out-loud episode, he breaks down what it’s really like to survive the brutal, fast-paced service industry where a 12-week season means high stakes, crazy kitchens, and intense hazing. 🔍 Inside This Episode:The Day 2 Firing: How Justin got kicked out of a local bakery at 14 years old for giving his best friend a 27-cent discount. The "Psychos" in the Kitchen: Why you need thick skin to survive being a dishwasher, busser, and bar back on a seasonal island. The Portal Effect: How the Fire Island ferry changes people's minds the second they step off the boat. The Mug Club & Local Culture: How The Last Resort balances crazy tourist prices while taking care of the locals who keep the island alive. The Winter Desolation: What it’s like being one of only 20 people living in Ocean Beach during the freezing, desolate winter months. Owner Realities: The hardest parts of running a bar—from bad weather apps keeping you awake at night to dealing with literal bathroom disasters. "It’s burgers and fries at the end of the day. You're going to make a mistake. Just keep moving on." If you've ever worked in a restaurant, visited Fire Island, or just love a wild industry story told straight with no chaser, this is the episode for you! Drop a comment below: What's the craziest thing you've ever witnessed a customer do at a beach bar? 👇📌 #BartenderBangers #FireIsland #OceanBeach #ServiceIndustry #BartenderStories #RestaurantLife #TheLastResort #Podcast

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  • S1 · E30
    June 22 · 1 hr 22 min

    Why Rainy Days Create The Most Dangerous Drinkers

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. What’s up everybody! Welcome back to another legendary episode of Bartender Bangaz! 🌊✨ This week, your host Mark the Shark is back on Fire Island, New York, broadcasting live from The Hideaway in Ocean Beach! We are sitting down with two service industry brothers who keep the engine running: Head Executive Chef Zach Rudd and Head Bartender Andre Deegan. From staff houses burning down on the 4th of July to dealing with the infamous "land of the roving 18-tops," Zach and Andre hold absolutely nothing back. We dive deep into the brutal physical demands of the kitchen versus the mental exhaustion of dealing with "less than stable" customers face-to-face. If you've ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes at a high-volume beachfront bar and grill, this is the unfiltered look you've been waiting for. 🔥 In This Episode: The Industry Origin Stories: How Zach grew up sleeping on back bars watching cartoons and why Andre was forced to bartend at 18 with zero training. Craziest Food & Drink Modifications: Customers ordering pickles and lettuce on a plate, martinis in wine glasses, and the ultimate sin—a hamburger with no burger. The 151 Medical Emergency: Andre reveals his terrifying allergy to rum and how a single shot almost ended it all. The Hideaway Secrets: What makes their craft cocktail and ramen program stand out from every other typical beach bar spot. Rainy Day Deofciples: Why rainy days turn regular beachgoers into dangerous, chaotic troublemaker drinkers. Late Night Vibes: Sneaking away to the "pit" and hosting massive, high-energy Taylor Swift sing-along sessions. Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit that notification bell so you never miss an episode of Bartender Bangaz! 🛎️ 📍 Visit The Hideaway: Location: Ocean Beach, Fire Island, NY Must-Try Menu Items: Shrimp-stuffed bay clams, Firecracker clams, Chef Jared’s legendary Michelin-level pastas, and full-time scratch-made Ramen! Happy Hour: Monday through Friday ($8 drinks, $6 High Noons/Sun Cruisers, and dollar clams/shrimp)! #BartenderBangaz #FireIsland #TheHideaway #OceanBeach #RestaurantLife #BartenderStories #ChefLife #ServiceIndustry Unfiltered

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  • S1 · E29
    June 13 · 1 hr 41 min

    Why Customer Service Is A Dead Art In Modern Hospitality

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. Every drink has a story, and every shift has a moment that sticks with you—good, bad, or completely insane. This week on Bartender Bangaz, host Mark "The Shark" is bringing it back to Melville, Long Island, to sit down with a true nightlife legend and one of New York’s biggest promoters, Brian Rosenberg! As the owner of Gossip and founder of Brian Rosenberg Productions, Brian looks back on an incredible 42-year career, sharing wild, unfiltered stories from the frontlines of the 1980s disco scene, legendary Manhattan mega-clubs, and everything in between. In this episode, we dive into: Bon Jovi & Madonna: The unbelievable early days when Jon Bon Jovi actually opened for Brian’s touring rock band, and how Brian bounced back to book Madonna just a few months after launching his promotion company. Studio 54 & The King of Brooklyn: Taking over promotions for the "bridge and tunnel" crowd at Studio 54 after Ian Schrager and Steve Rubell were arrested, and what it was really like handing out 4x6 flyers on 86th Street. The Evolution of VIP Culture: How the nightlife crowd shifted from old-school wise guys sitting back like Scarface ordering champagne to the modern generation wanting to "make it rain" and dance on couches for social media attention. DJ Rules & Club Shenanigans: Why a legendary DJ cracked a Madonna record over his knee, how to properly tip your DJ for requests, and the hilarious secret behind a five-star restaurant serving chopped-up Chicago deep-dish pizza. The Gossip Standard: Brian’s strict rules for hospitality, why genuine customer service is a lost art, and how the introduction of Uber and Lyft changed the nightlife industry forever. Whether you're a classic New York club enthusiast or looking for a masterclass in promotion and old-school hospitality, you do not want to miss these legendary stories!

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  • S1 · E28
    June 8 · 1 hr 32 min

    The Dumbest Thing A Customer Has Ever Said For A Free Drink

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. Ever wonder what it’s actually like to survive a summer season slinging drinks on Fire Island? 🌊👀 In Episode 28 of Bartender Bangaz, Mark the Shark catches up with Brenna, a legendary former bartender from the world-famous Schooner Inn in Ocean Bay Park! From her early days navigating chaotic college bars to managing high-anxiety shifts during the madness of Memorial Day Weekend, Brenna is pulling back the curtain on beach bar life. 🔥 Inside this episode: • The ultimate debate: Fire Island's iconic "Rocket Fuel" vs. the bartender-approved "Zippy" 🍹 • The reality of living in a cramped summer share house with 8 girls and 1 broken fridge. • Surviving insane coastal storms: Kayaking down flooded streets and wearing "tin foil shoes." • Why your local friends are actually the hardest customers to clear from your bar. Whether you're a Fire Island regular, a hospitality veteran, or just love wild service industry stories, this uncensored deep dive is for you. Hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a comment with your favorite Fire Island memory, and slam the like button!

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  • S1 · E27
    May 31 · 56 min

    Why Big Ed Believes Online Review Trolls Are Killing The Service Industry.

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. Every drink has a story, and this week, we’re pouring the truth straight—no chaser! 🥃✨We are officially kicking off our summer series and taking the podcast out to the iconic Hamptons! In this episode of Bartender Bangazs, host Mark the Shark sits down at The Whale's Tale in Southampton with one of the mastermind owners, Sosh Andriano, along with reality TV legend Big Ed from 90 Day Fiancé! Sosh breaks down his wild introduction to the restaurant industry at 8 years old (involving a 120-degree shark suit and a lot of ice bin chaos) , pulling off a massive half-million-dollar restaurant build in just 7 weeks , and how the entire hospitality business has completely shifted toward media and entertainment since the pandemic. Plus, Big Ed pulls back the curtain on why he packed up and moved out to Long Island to live in Sosh’s basement —and why Sosh's wife threw both of them out of the house after a wild trip back from the city! From sleeping with bunnies to shooting their brand-new show pilot "Big Ed in the Basement" , launching Big Ed Malbec wine , and debating the great canned cocktail phenomenon —this episode is absolute, unadulterated chaos. You don’t want to miss this one. Hit that subscribe button, crack a drink, and come hang out in the Hamptons with us! 🌊☀️

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  • S1 · E26
    May 26 · 1 hr 46 min

    The Real Reason People Secretly Get Trapped in the Bar Industry Forever

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. What happens when you drop the filter and talk about what really goes down behind the bar? In this special crossover episode, the worlds of Sips & Secrets and Bartender Bangaz collide with special guest Leticia Duarte!We dive straight into the psychology of the service industry—from the instant gratification of serving regulars to the dangerous trap of industry complacency. Leticia and the crew get incredibly real about why they miss the absolute chaos of peak rush hours , the dynamic of managing rowdy beach-town crowds , and the ultimate restaurant pet peeve: customers who claim they "know the owner" just to score a freebie. Plus, don't miss the insane story of a sketchy late-night hit-and-run that accidentally launched an 8-year bartending career. Grab a drink, settle in, and get ready for some unhinged industry truths!

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  • S1 · E25
    May 17 · 1 hr 21 min

    Why Your Bartender Secretly Hates You

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. Every drink has a story, and every shift has a moment that sticks with you—good, bad, or completely insane." This week on Bartender Bangaz, Mark "The Shark" is saddling up at the Dark Horse Tavern in Bayshore, NY! We’re going behind the laughter and the chaos with owner Joe and veteran bartender Tommy to hear the truth about the industry, straight and no chaser. In this episode, we're diving into: The "O-Bomb" Addiction: Why this signature Bayshore shot is delicious but dangerous—ever had 15 in a night? The "Unclaimed" Fridge: The hilarious reality of what happens to the energy drinks and "fat sandwiches" left behind after the day shift. The 9.2 Score: How they earned a monster rating from the Wing Scout and why the Golden Garlic wings are a "must-try." Customer Pet Peeves: Why whistling, snapping, or tapping your card is the fastest way to get served LAST. The "Fake" Red Bull Secret: Why the gun is actually better than the can. Bar Secrets: Why you should NEVER lie on your resume and how bartenders are actually the neighborhood therapists. "Behind the clinking of the glasses, that’s where the real stories live." Smash that subscribe button and pull up a chair! Visit the Dark Horse Tavern: 📍 Bayshore, New York

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  • S1 · E24
    May 10 · 1 hr 27 min

    This is why we talk about you behind the bar!

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. In this episode of Bartender Bangaz, we’re getting into the stuff most owners are too scared to say. The team from Whiskey Down joins us to break down the most annoying, entitled, and flat-out ridiculous customer behavior they’ve encountered since opening their doors. We’re not just talking about bad tips—we’re talking about the lack of respect for the craft and the "main character syndrome" that ruins the vibe for everyone else. If you’ve ever wanted to jump over the bar and give a customer a reality check, this episode is your therapy. What we’re venting about: The Entitlement Trap: Why having money doesn't give you a pass to be a jerk. Whiskey Down Rules: How to actually act in a high-end establishment. The Anatomy of a Bad Guest: Spotting the "problem table" before they even sit down. Protecting the Vibe: Why firing a customer is sometimes the best business move.

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