Get Served: Jen Shaw

(Credit: Serena Chryssikos)

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The first time we encountered 24-year-old Jen Shaw, she was pouring Black Bear patrons free shots to the tune of Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me.” Despite her 4-foot-11-inch stature, this high-energy femme fatale could command the attention of everyone in the bar with her never-waning smile.

She’s also demanded a little national attention back in her day.

“I’m actually a nationally ranked cheerleader,” she explains. “It was a big part of my life, and I miss it.”

Shaw, who grew up in Dutchess County, moved to Westchester a few years ago to pursue grad school. Once she settled into her apartment and a routine of classes and schoolwork, she familiarized herself with the area and started bartending both at ther Black Bear Saloon and The Thirsty Turtle.

But that isn’t where she began her pouring career.

 “I’ve been bartending ever since I received my certification at 18 years old. I’ve done it for so long because you can really let your hair down and have a good time. Plus, I’ve grown to love the people I work with, and that’s really important when you’re working the late shift!”

We sat down with her during a rare free moment and chatted about lingerie, Johnny Depp and what makes her cringe.

What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened in the bar?
One night, while working at Thirsty Turtle, I randomly decided to dress up in the turtle mascot costume. I ran around the club like that all night long! It was ridiculous.

Have you ever gone home with a customer?
Nope.

Which celebrity would you love to serve?
Johnny Depp, absolutely.

What would you serve him?
A Captain and Coke, of course! Gotta serve Captain Jack Sparrow something islandy!

What would a guy have to do to get a free drink?
Tip really well... or have lots of tattoos! I love guys with tattoos.

What drink will have you calling a cab home?
Too much Jameson.

What is the worst pick-up line you’ve ever heard?
We hear so many bad ones! After awhile you just sort of tune them out. There is one that we hear every night though. The back of my shorts says ‘Thirsty’ on it, so every time I run up the stairs to go to the bathroom or something, some random guy will yell out, ‘Ooh, I’m thirsty!’ It’s disgusting. Every night, I swear.

What’s the largest cash tip you’ve ever received?
$200. It was lingerie night. Enough said.

What is the one alcoholic drink you would not touch?
Cafe Patron. I don’t like coffee at all. Or Hennessy, to name another. That stuff is just awful.

What made you become a bartender?
The money.

Do you have any other jobs, aside from bartending?
No other jobs, but I’m a full-time student. Which really is, when you think about it, a full-time job.

Do you go to any other bars?
Rarely. I hang out at the Turtle or Black Bear on my nights off!

Is there a drink that makes you cringe when it’s ordered?
Yes. I cringe when people ask for a glass of wine at 3 a.m.

Have you had any really ridiculous or insane customers?
Oh, yeah. This one pretty young guy who used to come in every week. Once he had a few drinks, he would stand by my corner of the bar and just ramble on incoherently, yet he would continue to try to order drinks! And then he would just grab me by the arm. This went on for about three weeks in a row, and he got kicked out every time. Now he’s just not allowed in.

What’s your secret to curing a hangover?
A shot of Jameson.

Do you ever see fake IDs?
No, because the bouncers do all the ID-ing, at both bars.

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I used to drive an ambulance.

Do you have a signature drink?
(The) 007 (orange-flavored vodka, 7-Up, and orange juice) — that’s what I give to everyone when they don’t know what they want.

What’s your relationship status?
I’m single.