Baltimore resident Tom Moore has it pretty good.
A marketing/sales executive by day and a bartender at the Columbia Ale House by night, Moore says pouring drinks beats all.
“Every night is something new. Whether it?s good, bad or ugly, I go home with a story,” Moore said. “Plus, bartending is one of the few jobs where friends can ? and want ? to visit you at work. I get paid to flirt and make people laugh: What is better than that?”
He calls the Columbia Ale House, where he has tended bar for the past four years, a diamond in the rough. “The atmosphere is light and most guests are as comfortable there as they are in their own living room,” Moore said. “Imagine ?Cheers? but for multiple niche groups. We may have three generations of local residents walking through our doors at any given time.”
Moore says one of the main reasons he has stuck with bartending is because it?s fast and easy money. “If I ever find myself in a financial pickle, I can simply pick up shifts and make ends meet,” he said.
Towson resident Mike Harper, 26, drives to the Ale House on weekends because of the friendly atmosphere. “Tom really knows his stuff,” he said. “Anytime I want to try a new drink combination, he?s willing to taste it with me.”
One of Moore?s specialty shots is what he calls a Flatline, which is chilled white sambuca layered with hot sauce and topped with tequila.
“Drinking a Flatline is like getting smashed in the face with a brick, and then being forced to swallow that same brick,” Moore said. “However, the sense of accomplishment is overwhelming, and no guest ever forgets their visit to the Columbia Ale House.”
IF YOU GO
» Visit the Columbia Ale House at 8775 Cloudleap Court in Columbia. Call 410-730-7221 or visit www.columbiaalehouse.com.
Tom?s Specialty: The Baltimore Zoo
» Rum
» Tequila
» Vodka
» Gin
» Triple Sec
» Amaretto
» Sloe Gin
» Splash of cranberry juice and sour
Mix equal parts all ingredients. Top with a beer floater and serve.
