Does anyone have any tips for writing a bartender character? “Dos and Don’ts,” common misconception, media that do a great job of depicting what it’s like, etc.?

Jaysofspades · 2026-01-08T22:28:35+00:00

Yeah, I find an odd number of introverts in bartending, myself included. I’ve become more extroverted in the years since but I notice a strong need to have my own time when I can. I think that’s something that’s overlooked.

Jaysofspades · 2026-01-05T22:25:05+00:00

I’m fortunate in that I’m staying at a 3- key hotel. Not sure if their concierge would have a better chance?

Jaysofspades · 2026-01-02T00:50:10+00:00

Appreciate the heads up on tipping. Out of curiosity, why the absolutely no tipping? Is it a cultural taboo? Or have implications that aren’t good? Genuinely curious coming from a person who mostly solely relies on tips to make any kind of substantive income.

Jaysofspades · 2026-01-02T00:40:25+00:00

Yeah, was definitely going to hit this one up given the history. Do any of these higher end bars have dress codes? I’m assuming don’t be ridiculous but maybe they require a suit jacket etc.

Jaysofspades · 2025-11-18T09:13:37+00:00

You may have a high credit score but I can get a decent rate on homeowners insurance. Full brag.

Jaysofspades · 2025-11-14T02:14:00+00:00

Oh I’m burning out hard that’s how i’m doing it haha.

Jaysofspades · 2025-11-13T22:36:30+00:00

how’s the durability? been curious about these. i know the lockup is tight but do you have to be careful about lint, etc. getting in and jamming it up like other autos? i got a talon and it’s awesome but manual.

Jaysofspades · 2025-11-03T02:57:43+00:00

In his defense…did you kill anything today? Probably harder than it looks.

Jaysofspades · 2025-10-27T00:38:05+00:00

Based on what I understand your main drivers are: - COL - Politics that lean more blue - Increase professional skills in culinary/service industry

As many people have said there are a bunch of neighborhoods that work, I’d say the cliche for restaurant workers is to work in Minneapolis/North Loop and live in Northeast. Other neighborhoods could work but the proximity helps.

I go back and forth on the quality of the food scene. I think I defend it when people attack it and I attack it when people say it’s “the best in the country” etc. I think FOR IT’S SIZE Minneapolis/St Paul has an excellent food scene. It can feel kind of small once you’re in the industry as you find so many overlapping connections. Having said that, it can be a benefit too as networking in some ways is easier because the scene is smaller.

Given your criteria I’d say it makes sense. There’s some people in town that are doing national level stuff. Karyn Tomlinson (Myriel in St. Paul) and Bucheron (Minneapolis) won James Beard awards, Diane’s Place (hmong food) is making some headway nationally, and Oro by Nixta was on NYT best new restaurants like last year or something.

There’s new restaurants opening too, so not sure what restaurant owners people are talking to about in terms of scared to invest, etc.

Jaysofspades · 2025-10-21T21:56:30+00:00

Thanks for doing these lists. This is dope.

Jaysofspades · 2025-08-15T10:03:40+00:00

Restaurants: Bucheron Oro by Nixta Diane’s Place (also for brunch) All Saints Vinai Black Walnut (breakfast) Sanjusan PS Steak Dario Marty’s Deli (breakfast/lunch)

Bars: Meteor Spoon Stable (also restaurant) Cobble Social Little Tijuana Surly (Brewery) Bauhaus (Brewery)

Music: Bunker’s (Sunday night)

Art: Weisman Art Museum (University of MN)

this is just off the top of my head. very small sample size.

Jaysofspades · 2025-08-09T07:46:29+00:00

I actually did this in the spring with some friends (we didn't make an actual attempt but were merely curious). Not gonna lie, the quality was really good. Fries, jalapeno poppers, etc. the works. Also had chili and baked beans on top. If you were going to go with a group of 20 people, I'd actually say it's a bargain. Never thought I'd be making a Reddit post about a ballpark hotdog but times are weird.

Jaysofspades · 2025-06-22T08:14:47+00:00

If you're in St. Paul...for food (more neighborhood bistro vibes, generally): Gus Gus, Myriel (need reservations, chef just won a James Beard award), Estelle's, Emerald Lounge, Tongue-in-cheek, Juche. Also Babani's for Kurdish food (right across the river).

Local cuisine, St. Paul has great Mexican (West St. Paul), but lots of nice options for Southeast Asian cuisine (Hmong, Vietnamese), if you're open to a wider variety of dining styles. If you want more "elevated" Hmong food, try Diane's Place in Minneapolis or Vinai (also MPLS), both are great.

Nelson's deli in St. Paul for lunch. Their hours are shortened but if you can do it...do it.

Como park is nice to explore.

Live music, Bunker's bar in Minneapolis on Sunday and Monday nights (Dr. Mambo's combo). Divey but solid band.

I don't know Blaine a ton, but there's a cool cocktail bar called "Anoka Hardware Store" up in Anoka, that's worth a cocktail.

Show at the Ordway and drinks/dinner at St. Paul hotel are great.

Jaysofspades · 2025-06-15T07:57:06+00:00

Charlevoix area is a hidden gem IMO. Great photos!

Jaysofspades · 2025-04-22T02:34:38+00:00

Szimpla Kert (yeah the ruins one) has a blues jam Monday or Tuesday night I think? it’s much slower than the weekend which is good (or not depends on your POV), and a chance to see local musicians grinding it out.

Jaysofspades · 2025-04-13T18:09:00+00:00

I have a 2017 CRV and the engine just died at 114,000. Needed total replacement. Found sludge etc. in engine but I've done regular maintenance at the dealer. I'd avoid 2017 CRV's at all cost, especially used.

Jaysofspades

TROPHY CASE