Chelsea Towns of Matchbox
It hasn’t taken long for Chelsea Towns to establish herself as a mainstay at Matchbox Chinatown. This Frederick native has a constant smile on her face and a friendliness that is evident to everyone.
On Tap: When didyou start working at Matchbox?
Chelsea Towns: I have been working at Matchbox for three years. It was just in November though when they moved me up to the bar.
OT: How does working behind the bar compare to serving?
CT: Behind the bar, it is a lot more relaxed, customers are more chill. You do need to get used to being in front of the customers all the time. We’re always on display!
OT: What is your favorite food item on the menu?
CT: My favorite pizza is the Fire and Smoke: spicy chipotle pepper puree and smoked gouda, red peppers, and onions. I eat it all the time.
OT: If you could only visit one bar for a full month, other than Matchbox, what would it be?
CT: RFD, if they have Bell’s Two Hearted Ale. They had it a lot the last two weeks.
OT: Where can you be found when you aren’t working?
CT: It would probably be the same answer. 12:30 is last call here so we get out of work before some of the other bars close. We get to catch the tail end of the Chinatown hours.
OT: What is your favorite shift?
CT: Besides the additional Sunday brunch, Saturday morning because of the regulars who are so much fun to hang out with.
Catch Chelsea Friday and Saturday nights at Matchbox.
Matchbox Chinatown: 713 H St. NW, DC; 202-289-4441; matchboxchinatown.com.
Greg Beylickjian of Clyde’s
Raised as an army brat, Greg Beylickjian lived all over before his family settled in the area. With over 15 years of bartending experience, he enjoys joking around with the guys at Clyde’s, being busy and clocking out.
On Tap: How did you get into bartending?
Greg Beylickjian: I worked as a busboy in school. After graduating from Maryland, I took the LSATs but I just wasn’t committed to it. I enjoyed partying too much. And bartending became a full time gig. It took the parents a little time to accept it. Once they did, it was smooth sailing from there.
OT: What is the best part about working here?
GB: I love the fact that when I leave work, it’s over. You clock out and your day is done. It’s a great company to work for. They trust you here. They treat you like adults. A lot of restaurant owners don’t do that.
OT: Any crazed fans trickling in from the Verizon Center?
GB: Any time a traveling fan club comes through, it gets pretty rowdy. The Canadians, the Philly or NY groups; they fill this place. And then Taylor Swift and Britney come through. You get to experience a lot of people trying to relive their youth.
OT: What is your favorite drink on the menu?
GB: Jack Daniels and Miller Lite baby.
OT: Where would you be found when you aren’t working?
GB: I don’t know how to fish but I like to go out and fish. No one bothers me. And I like visiting empty bars where I can find a barstool easily. But, I don’t like my bar to be empty. I like my bar full!
Catch Greg Thursday-Sunday nights at Clyde’s.
Clyde’s of Gallery Place: 707 7th St. NW, DC; 202-349-3700; www.clydes.com.
Ryan Pope of Argonaut
Ryan Pope worked his way up to some of the best flair bartending competitions in the world. These days, he’s happily manning the laidback bar at Argonaut on H Street, surrounded by his friends and regulars.
On Tap: How did you get into bartending?
Ryan Pope: That guy actually (points to his friend). We were playing darts, I was hustling him for money. I was in college and needed to earn some money. He told me to come to Lonestar Steakhouse and that I’d start the next day. That was over 12 years ago. Funny thing: I got him a job here.
OT: So it’s come full circle! When did you start bartending at Argonaut?
RP: In January. I moved to the city in October from Northern Virginia.
OT: There was a pretty serious fire here not too long ago.
RP: Yeah, we had the one year anniversary party this summer. It was a huge success. We had firemen as guest bartenders and raised a bunch of money for the DC Firefighter Burn Foundation. The fire brought about some great improvements though. The neighborhood really rallied around this place.
OT: Can you describe the regular crowd?
RP: Well, we have a lot of Hill people. It’s definitely more of a neighborhood bar feel as opposed to the ones down the street. It was one of the first bars on this street, way back in 2005.
OT: Where would you be found when you aren’t working?
RP: In my Steeler mancave. Or at the poker table. I’m an avid poker player.
Catch Ryan Wednesday-Sunday nights at Argonaut.
Argonaut: 1433 H St. NE, DC; 202-250-3660; www.argonaut.com.
