When Are You Considered a Regular?
by Ryan Vlastelica
Where he presides:Vodka
Favorite drink:Les Infants Terrible, Chinatown
I love regulars. They're like family, a community. There really is no such thing as a bad regular in this bar. You build relationships with these people, like you would with anyone you see two or three times a week. That's about how often it takes to be considered a regular.
SAM
Where he presides: The Pony Bar, Midtown
Favorite drink:Heaven Hill with a beer back
I consider someone a regular when I'm comfortable throwing them some sassy remarks. I'm not great with names, but I've always been great at remembering people's drinks, though I can't do that here because of our wonderfully rotating taps. I like to keep the pack small, so I rarely hang out with regulars outside the bar, though I'm definitely Facebook friends with a ton of them. I'd be lying if I said I've never hung out with any, or haven't in the last month. I've been to a housewarming or two, and I've definitely tied one on with a couple folks.
AIDAN
Where he presides: Hibernia, Hell's Kitchen
Favorite drink: Jagerbombs and Guinness
We have an extremely regular bar here, about 80 percent, since our bar is relatively new and most customers are friends and friends of friends. We see them at least once a week, while the hardcore regulars are here as much as the furniture. It's a given that we know all their drinks, plus variations and shots and what they absolutely won't drink. I see them all enough during the working week that on my days off I drink in New Jersey by myself, but it's nice to have a drink and some relaxed conversation with them on my downtime.
NICOLE
Where she presides: Sofrito, Sutton Place
Favorite drink:Ketel and soda
An individual has to come in at least once a week for me to really consider them a regular, but when I do I know his or her name and definitely what they order and how they order it. Sometimes customers can be a bit more high maintenance when they know you, and they’re not necessarily better tippers than non-regulars. Actually, I guess regulars are 20 percenters at least, which is better than your average person, because they know they have to see you again and like you and want great service.
MARIA
Where she presides: Old Carriage Inn, Park Slope
Favorite drink:Jack Daniels
Good regulars come every day and tip. Bad regulars come every day and don't tip. Bad regulars sit around for hours and pass gas. Like this guy, at the end of the bar? Nice enough guy, but after six Guinnesses, he's blowing the place up. Horrible! If you come by and you see the door of the bar open? You know he's here. We have to air it out, I'm serious.
