Keegan O'Neill
Keegan O’Neill of Rock Bottom
Keegan O’Neill is a pro at multitasking. He has no problem throwing out a perfect pour, manning the service bar, talking to his regulars and being interviewed at the same time. On Tap wanted to know more about his rock band lifestyle and the massive commute to Giants Stadium each Sunday.
On Tap: How did you get into bartending?
Keegan O’Neill: TGIFridays, actually. One of my best friends was bartending and I was a server. He didn’t show up one day. And the manager says, “get behind the bar.” I had formal training after that. But, yeah, I got my start because my friend didn’t show up one day.
OT: Have you acquired any useless knowledge from working Rock Bottom’s trivia nights?
KO: No knowledge is useless. Especially when you are a bartender. So many people want to argue with you about stupid facts. I love the iPhone because now I can shut them down with the answers in my hand.
OT: What is your favorite beer on tap?
KO: I love the Raccoon Red. Our beers were standardized with all the other Rock Bottoms across the country recently. The recipe from the Bethesda location was selected to be the Red for all our restaurants nationwide.
OT: Where would you be found when you are not working?
KO: On Sundays, if it’s a home game for the NY Giants, I will be at the stadium. I have tickets for all their home games and make the trip each time. Otherwise, I’m most likely with my band.
OT: Do you play at any venues nearby?
KO: Yep, we play hard rock at places like State Theatre, Rams Heads, and the 9:30 club.
Catch Keegan most weekday nights behind the bar at Rock Bottom.
Rock Bottom Bethesda: 7900 Norfolk Ave. Bethesda, MD; 301-652-1311; www.rockbottom.com.
Rob Johnson
Rob Johnson of Sticky Rice
Rob Johnson started at Sticky Rice about 3 years ago. Born and raised in New York, he now considers DC his home. A self-professed bookworm and music lover, he’s full of useless knowledge that makes him all kinds of popular when it comes to Trivial Pursuit.
On Tap: Can you describe the regular crowd at Sticky Rice?
Rob Johnson: It changes. When we first opened it was drastically different. Today, there are people coming from all over for a fun dinner. After 11 p.m., it’s more of a dance-y, “I’m here to celebrate my weekend” sort of crowd.
OT: What is your favorite shift?
RJ: Friday night. It’s a guaranteed good time. Regardless of what is happening, I know the DJ is going to be fun. My co-workers are going to be fun. I wouldn’t be here as long as I have if I didn’t enjoy coming to work.
OT: What is your favorite item on the Sticky Rice menu?
RJ: The Shrimp and Grits are delicious. It’s a brunch staple. Goes great with “The Mayor”. It’s a mason jar with a shot of Jamison, a PBR and bloody mary mix.
OT: Well it’s something different! What’s your favorite beer here?
RJ: Asahi. It’s easy to drink and simple. It’s sort of the Bud Light of Japanese beers.
OT: As someone who has lived all over the East Coast, what has kept you in DC?
RJ: I consider DC home now. Every 4-8 years it cycles through new blood and new ideas. It took me a while to get it: it’s not just a political machine. After you scratch the surface, there is this awesome art scene, and a very cool native population who has such pride in their hometown.
Catch Rob behind the bar Friday and Sunday nights at Sticky Rice.
Sticky Rice DC: 1224 H St. NE, DC; 202-397-7655; www.stickyricedc.com.
Shannon Howe
Shannon Howe of Auld Shebeen
Most people pulling a stool up to Shannon Howe’s bar ask, “How are you?” before they even order a drink. This friendly bartender has been with Auld Shebeen for six years, and she’s just as comfortable roaming the halls of Party City as she is behind the bar. On Tap sat down to learn more.
On Tap: What was your first bartending job?
Shannon Howe: I was trying to pay for books in college, so I started working at BrewThru. I went to school in Ohio. When the customers weren’t at the window, I would chit chat with people in the bar. The day after I turned 21 I was put behind the bar.
OT: If only DC had BrewThrus!
SH: I know! It’s so convenient!
OT: What is the best part about working here?
SH: It’s like family here. A lot of the customers that come here, even when I am not working they ask me to sit down and talk with them. It’s comfortable.
OT: What is your favorite shift?
SH: Wednesday. It’s just me behind the bar, and it’s not too busy so I can talk to people and hang out. A lot of the other service staff around here come in to see me. Lots of good gossip from the other bartenders.
OT: We assume the Tuesday trivia nights bring in some pretty devoted fans…
SH: Oh yes, there are regular teams that are very, very serious. There are some major rivalries. Sometimes we have to separate the teams! I probably know more about what’s going on in the world because of our trivia nights. Our guy uses a lot of current events.
OT: What are you most looking forward to about Winter?
SH: I love Winter. I’m a big snowboarder and I love the holidays. I do all the decorations here, so I can’t wait for Christmas-time.
Catch Shannon behind the bar Tuesday through Friday nights at Auld Shebeen.
Auld Shebeen: 3971 Chain Bridge Rd. Fairfax, VA; 703-293-9600; www.theauldshebeenva.com.
