ELLIOT ‘ELI’ BECKMANN
Find him behind the bar at: One Fifth, 16578 Westheimer Hours: 5-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 5-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday
Length of time working at current place?
I have been with One Fifth since we opened in January.
Most famous person you’ve ever served a drink to?
A lot, crossing the world of politics, sports and entertainment. I would have to say working a private room for Jay-Z and Beyoncé and their friends is a highlight. They were awesome, and there is nothing quite like Beyoncé whispering instructions to you. Talk about goosebumps.
Becoming friends with customers: yes or no?
Sure, why not? Besides, it’s a lot easier to tell a friend they’ve had too much.
Most common customer complaint?
Customers complain about our vodka selection. We have a very strong focus on whiskey, especially American whiskey. That limits our vodka selection, but in the end, we make them happy with better vodkas that are less expensive.
Song you’ve gotten sick of at work?
A long time ago at a different bar, “Rock Lobster” by the B-52s, on the hour, every hour during Halloween. Awful, just amazingly awful.
What’s the sloppiest, drunkest thing you’ve ever seen on the job?
A drunk co-worker. Nothing more embarrassing or disrespectful than not being able to take care of business simply because you couldn’t wait a few hours.
What’s the most outrageous request you’ve ever gotten?
I had a guy sit down and say, “I’ll have a corn dog and a lap dance.” I was working at a downtown steakhouse. I laughed, and with a straight face he said, “What, you don’t have corn dogs?” Hilarious, but awkward.
Best tip you’ve ever received?
I’ve been on the receiving end of some amazing generosity over the years. The best “tip” I received was when another bartender told me to play the averages. Don’t get too bummed on the bad, don’t get too high on the good.
Where do you like to go have a drink when you’re not at work?
I like low-key places, especially my neighborhood place, R Bar. But Poison Girl, the outdoor bar at La Grange, the awesome staff at Hay Merchant and Providence in the Heights are some of my other favorites.
What’s your specialty drink, and how do you make it?
Our house Old Fashioned is absolutely amazing, made with hand selected proprietary bourbon and served on a huge cube. I also enjoy making a simple Irish coffee. Cask strength Irish whiskey, espresso and hand-whipped-to-order cream.
What’s something your customers may not know about you?
You don’t have to ask for an “extra shaken” martini, trust me, I got you!
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. Know a bartender who deserves the spotlight? Email joey.guerra@chron.com, twitter.com/joeyguerra