JOHN DILAN
Find him behind the bar at:
Leon’s Lounge, 1006 McGowen Hours: 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Mondays, 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesdays-Sundays
Length of time working at current place?
Two years with Leon’s. Nine years with the same company, The Davenport Group.
Lamest pickup line you’ve heard at the bar?
A “bro” with a judgmental grin jumps in a conversation between two ladies: “You’re fit? Do you even squat?” He didn’t understand why he got slapped. He just wanted to break the ice.
Most famous person you’ve ever served a drink to?
Shock G of Digital Underground. One of the most humble souls I have met.
Becoming friends with customers: yes or no?
Yes — 15 percent of the time.
Most common customer complaint?
Drink isn’t strong enough.
Song you’ve gotten sick of at work?
“That’s What I Like” by Bruno Mars.
What’s the sloppiest, drunkest thing you’ve ever seen on the job?
After this girl collected floor balloons that were scattered from a birthday party, it was brought to my attention that she was making bird calls from the ladies bathroom. I knocked on what I thought was a locked door. It opened just enough for us to make eye contact while she’s sitting on the toilet tank. Her response to my speechless reaction was “Hiiieee!” with a big wave. I got her a cab when she came out.
How do you keep from getting drunk at work?
Pacing and plenty of water in between.
What’s the most outrageous request you’ve ever gotten?
Red wine and Red Bull — together.
Who’s the better tipper, guys or girls?
Ladies — 100 percent.
Where do you like to go have a drink when you’re not at work?
Community Bar at 2703 Smith. It’s a chill, laid-back bar with a nice patio and good eats. Drink their Mule and eat the Choripán — or four.
What’s your specialty drink, and how do you make it?
El Madrid Three parts Bulleit Rye Whiskey One part Licor 43 Stir and strain into martini glass with a Luxardo cherry and finish with two dashes of Angostura bitters
What’s something your customers may not know about you?
I don’t really like people. I have my smiling, game face on at work. But just come in and ask me about the time I punched an emu at my childhood home in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.
THE HOUSTON BAR SCENE IS FULL OF PERSONALITIES — BAR STARS, IF YOU WILL. EACH WEEK IN PREVIEW WE’LL FEATURE ONE OF THESE MIXOLOGISTS TO LET YOU KNOW MORE ABOUT THEM ASIDE FROM HOW GOOD THEY ARE AT MAKING YOU FEEL GOOD.