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Bartender | College Basketball Hotspots

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Get Your Game On! Happening March Madness Bars

Corey Schwerin of Front Page

Corey Schwerin is a former teacher from Lancaster PA, and an import from Mango’s (Front Page’s sister restaurant in Bethany Beach). His relaxed vibe has a calming effect on the rushed pace of DC life.

OT: How do you like DC?

CS: So far so good. It’s new to me. I’ve never lived in the city before. It’s different from my Lancaster roots.

OT: Aside from the beer, what drink selections do you have behind the bar?

CS: We have a great cocktail list. We have a Rye Smash, it’s a mojito but with rye bourbon. Tommy’s Margarita is a double shot of Milagro Agave Tequila with fresh lime juice and agave nectar. We also do mojitos, orange crushes, and grapefruit crushes. It hits the spot when you are craving the beach but just can’t make it.

OT: Are you cheering for any team in particular during March Madness?

CS: Syracuse. It was just one of those things where I picked a team as a kid and I’ve been a fan ever since. I always choose the Arizona Wildcats in my brackets too.

OT: How do those work out for you?

CS: Never well.

OT: What’s the best part of working here?

CS: All the staff members are super nice. They are easy to get along with and it’s a fun environment. It doesn’t feel like coming into work.  Even the owner, Dickey, will come in and run food. It’s like a family here.

Catch Corey behind the bar Tuesday, Wednesday and weekends.

The Front Page DC: 1333 New Hampshire Ave. NW, DC; 202-296-6500; www.frontpagedc.com

Just steps away from the Dupont Metro South exit, The Front Page has been a main gathering spot for people in DC for nearly 25 years, and that’s why so many of the locals call it their local watering hole. The food is hearty without being too trendy and the beers are plentiful. Specials like $5 burger night give locals a reason to stop by. With plenty of TVs and an incredible sound system, this is a great place to watch  March Madness.

Hannah Wong of Public Bar

Hannah Wong is a local gal, with a big smile and a way of putting others at ease. On Tap caught up with Hannah on a cold night at Public Bar, just before she jetted off to sunny Australia for a music festival.

On Tap: When did you start working at Public Bar?

Hannah Wong: I’ve been here since it first opened.

OT: How do you describe this place to someone who hasn’t been here before?

HW: We have a laid back environment where people have a good time. We try to accommodate everyone’s needs. Whether you want bottle service on the top floor, or just a beer at the bar while taking in the game.

OT: What is the best thing about working here?

HW: All my coworkers are like family. We don’t have a big turnover. Many of us have been here for 3-4 years. We have a good dynamic, and the guests can tell. It makes them feel more at home too.

OT: What is March Madness usually like in here?

HW: Behind the bar, it’s a little chaotic. For the guests, it’s a great time. We’ll have drink specials. We have so many TVs, if the game is on, you can find it here. People can reserve tables in advance, or go even bigger and rent out a whole floor. You tell us what your needs are and we can do it.

OT: What’s the most popular bar food during March Madness?

HW: The Mountain of Wings. It’s 20 wings with a bucket of beers. I personally like to order the Tater Tots with it. They are the best here. It’s such a throw back. You can’t go wrong with tater tots.

Catch Hannah Wong behind the bar Thursday – Sunday nights.

Public Bar Dupont: 1214 B 18th St. NW, DC; 202-223-2200; www.publicbar.com

Public Bar Dupont is a restaurant, lounge, and sports bar rolled all into one. The Main Floor provides sports fans with the best sort of sensory overload, with TVs covering the walls, and one massive projection screen. The Upstairs Lounge provides more upscale seating options with still fantastic views. The Rooftop Bar serves up a lounge environment, and one of the best open-air options for warm nights.

Mike Filipczyk of CarPool

Mike Filipczyk has a long history with CarPool in Arlington. He’s as much a part of the bar as the pool tables! Guests love his offbeat personality, and quirky habit of wearing a different hat every day of the year.

On Tap: How did you get started in bartending?

Mike Filipczyk: I started doing catering at a young age. I showed up at an event and the bartenders didn’t. The manager said “This is a gin and tonic. This is a vodka tonic. And this is a martini. I’ll see ya in an hour.” I worked my way up. I started more full time behind the bar after college.

OT: How did you get started at CarPool?

MF: I owned a fine dining restaurant in the early 90s. I liked the idea of trading in my suit and tie for my jeans and t-shirt. I was hoping to get one good year out of the place, and instead, I got 19.

OT: St. Patrick’s Day is on the way. How do you guys usually celebrate around here?

MF: We’ll do the green beer. We’ll probably hear a lot of Mumford and Sons. St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Monday this year, so I have a feeling we’ll be celebrating the whole weekend!

OT: Tell us about this hat thing.

MF: I started wearing hats to keep my long hair out of the way. People were in a panic if they saw me without a hat. Then, regulars started giving them to me. I have at least 700 hats. And only one head. So I try to not repeat a hat in a year if I can help it. There is one day of the year I don’t wear a hat – the employee party.

Catch Mike behind the bar Wednesday through Sunday nights.

CarPool: 4000 Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA; 703-532-7665;www.gocarpool.com

Dozens of restaurants have opened in Arlington over the past 20 years. And while many may be similar to the place next door, CarPool has stayed authentically original. The open concept of a cool garage combined with the retro vibe of a diner helps to set it apart. People may be drawn to games like pool, shuffleboard, or darts. Or maybe they are drawn to the beer and food specials throughout the week. Or maybe it’s the giant TVs. Regardless, it’s a place where you settle in real fast. Be sure to check them out for March Madness.


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