mixology
by lance perkins
BrYAN rOgerS:
A ToAsT To DiversiTy AT MeTro Q
Rage: So where did you first start bartending?
Bryan: I started at a gay bar in New York. They always say, “If you can bartend
After enjoying a perfect Southern California summer day at O.C. Pride, we
in New York City, you can bartend anywhere.” The bars close later there—4:00
couldn’t think of a better place to go for a bite to eat and some drinks than
a.m.—so by the time you clean up and leave to go home, the sun is already
Metro Q Bar and grill in Huntington Beach. We sat down at the bar and
coming up.
right away struck up a conversation with our bartender. Bryan was such a
Rage: Are you originally from the East Coast?
cutie pie that we just had to know more about him!
Bryan: I grew up in Corona. They call it “the 909.” (laughter) But I like to
move around and explore. I first moved out of Corona to Los Angeles. I then
moved from L.A. to Orange County and then made the big move to New York. I
finally came back to Orange County and have been living in Tustin for the past
six months. I started working at Metro Q when they first opened in March.
Rage: What type of a crowd do you normally get at Metro Q?
Bryan: One of my favorite things about the bar in general is that the crowd
is very diverse. Lesbian, gay and straight people all come. But the Huntington
Beach crowd is very laid back. People come in right from the beach wearing
their board shorts, tank tops and flip flops—still covered in sand.
Rage: What is your drink menu like?
Bryan: Our vodka selection is quite extensive. We have flavors that I never
knew existed. It’s really fun to play with. We just got bubblegum and root beer-
flavored vodka. I’ve been making a bubblegum and soda cocktail and playing
around trying different shots.
Rage: Do you have a signature drink?
Bryan: The one I have right now is something I made on a total fluke. I had
a couple come in and ask for a blowjob on the beach. I said, “There’s no such
thing!” They said, “We know there isn’t, we want you to create it!” (laughter) So
basically I made a modified sex on the beach and put whipped cream in it. It
makes a really pretty pink drink. They said, “It tastes like candy!” and everyone at
the bar wanted one. It’s made with vodka, pineapple and orange juice, grena-
dine, Sprite and topped off with whipped cream.
Rage: Are there any happy hour specials?
Bryan: Yes, happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00
p.m. We offer $4 well cocktails, domestic draft beers for $1 off and various
nightly specials. All appetizers are half off. The portions are huge and the food is
amazing—definitely not just bar food! You should also check out the delicious
Sunday brunch for $15 including bottomless mimosas or a trip to our Bloody
Mary bar. Sunday is also beer bust with house draft beer for a buck! It really does
the job! (laughter)
Rage: What are some of the activities?
Bryan: There’s darts, pool, tons of flat screen TVs that we use for different
theme nights and a jukebox that has an amazing selection of songs. We also
have a lot of charity fundraisers. Our first fundraiser was when we had our grand
opening. All of the servers and bartenders got auctioned off for charity!
Rage: Really? So, who won you?
Bryan: Actually, one of the bartenders that had a crush on me, bought me.
(laughter) The winners all got a date, dinner and drinks with us at Metro Q.
Rage: What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?
Bryan: I love to go to the movies. Anything to do with film is a passion in my
life. I would like to do some writing and directing. I will probably start going to
film school in the spring. I love reading, playing tennis, parties and being social.
But I usually ham it up and have fun at work. I love to dance and sing behind the
bar… I always have a good time and it’s fun for the customers!
Rage: We did have a great time. Thanks Bryan!
Metro Q Bar and Grill is located at 19092 Beach Blvd. in Huntington Beach.
Call 714.968.6677 or visit
TheMetroQ.com for more info.
68 RAGE monthly | september 2009
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