Get to Know A Local Bartender: Michelle Gronau of The Redline Saloon

Name: Michele Gronau

Bar: The Redline Saloon, Cortlandt Manor

Age: 48

Hometown: Cold Spring, NY

PATCH: How long have you been in the Peekskill-Cortlandt area?

MICHELLE: I’ve spent the last 20 years working in the Peekskill area.

PACTH: What do you think is the best thing about the city?

MICHELLE: Peekskill has come a long way in the last ten years, following the trends of all the little river towns along the Hudson. Peekskill’s Paramount Theater has survived the not so good times, and is now thriving, offering great shows, concerts, and comedy acts, which in turn has brought people back to the city. That, along with many great new places to dine and enjoy really good food and drink. These places showcase lots of great local bands and entertainment, helping to make this city a place people want to come to.

PATCH: What’s your bar’s most popular drink?

MICHELLE: We are a beer and shot bar, but come by and challenge me to make you whatever is your favorite and you won’t be disappointed. 

PATCH: What’s your craziest bar story?

MICHELLE: Sometimes I’m silly enough to say I’ve seen it all. Then some nit-wit goes and proves me wrong. Here is one:

I’m 19 years old, it’s my first day of bartending, never drank, never spent an afternoon in a bar. A customer walks in to the bar and orders a brandy up. I looked for a snifter.  The only one I found was the size of a fish bowl. I think it was probably the tip jar.  I filled it half way up, and served it to him, thinking I did good. He drank it down, smiled at me, and then fell off the barstool, passed out cold. I was about to panic, when all the regulars gave me standing ovation, piled the tips on the bar, and carried the guy home.  That’s when I knew this was gonna be a great job. 

(Editor's Note: The following is an abbreviated form of Michelle's second "crazy" bar story.)

In 1983 I got a gig bartending in a bar with dancers. They give me a key, put me behind the bar and tell me, ‘you’re in charge of the dancers.’ I should have ran right then and there. The night was going well, or so I thought. All the sudden a dancer performing on a swing ends up flying off through the air and taking out two tables of customers, beer bottles flying and customers screaming. Just then the boss walks through the door. Luckily no one was hurt and I didn’t lose my job, but it was a hell of a show.

That’s just the highlight; come on by The Redline Saloon and I will share a story, and you can share some with me.

PATCH: What’s the best thing about your bar?

MICHELLE: The Redline Saloon is owned and operated by a hard working couple, Kerrie and Jason Elias. We offer great food, and a hard working staff, whom know how to make people feel at home, and how to show you a good time. But beware, sarcasm is served up daily, and abuse is a sign of affection.  Just don’t show up for a battle of the wits unarmed, or you could be served up as the nightly special.

PATCH: What is your personal favorite drink?

MICHELLE: Bourbon, straight up.

PATCH: Any advice for customers on getting your attention on a busy night?

MICHELLE: On a busy night, a smile and a wave will grab your bartender’s attention. A, “what do you have to do to get a drink in this place,” has been known to get you a shot glass to the forehead.

PATCH: In your opinion, what attributes does it take to make a great bartender? 

MICHELLE: The things I have learned in this business:

1) Make people feel at home, and feel that they are part of whatever is going on that day.

2) A smile goes a long way.

3) Give them what they want when they want it.

4) Take no crap from anyone serving it up; because if they are aggravating you, there is no doubt that they’re aggravating everyone else, so when you kick them to the curb you will usually get a, “yeah,” and a high five.

5) Know when to bust ‘em, and when not to.

6) People are there to have fun. Get them to that happy place, then get them home safe.