SEXIEST DRINK SLINGERS 2008
WORDS BY JEREMY OHMES | PHOTOS BY TODD COOPER
When I strolled into The Vintage looking for Cara Eddo, Eugene’s newly crowned sexiest (female) bartender, I was blown away by all the hot babes working there. Honestly, any one of them could have claimed the crown, but Eddo is by far the foxiest of the foxes. The black-haired bombshell has the perfect mix of class, sass and ass, not to mention she mixes a mean drink as well
How long have you been a bar-tender at the Vintage?
Since last April when I moved to Eugene from San Francisco. I got this job two days after moving here.
What is your special drink?
Lemon basil fizz.
What kind of drunk do you like better — classy or cheap?
The classy drunk always has better stories. Plus, we don’t really get any cheap drunks in here. It’s a classy place.
What’s a good classy drunk story?
There was a guy who stayed all night at the bar — well, like four hours — and he proceeded to pass gas. He got belligerent when he was asked to leave. My husband, who’s also the dishwasher, acted like he was the owner of the bar and kicked him out.
What’s the best or worst pick-up line you’ve ever heard?
Well, there’s a fine line between best and worst …
I guess I mean most memorable pick-up line.
This guy said to me, “It’s really too bad for you that you’re married.”
Do more attractive customers get served faster?
Hmm. That’s a good question. Smiling customers get served faster.
How does it feel to be a sex symbol?
It feels soft and squishy.
What is your sexiest feature?
Not a lot of people know this, but I don’t have a gall bladder. That’s sexy … it gives off a little twinkle in my eye.
Why do you think Eugene voted you sexiest bartender?
I’m not missing any teeth; I’m fairly attractive; I seem to be vaguely enjoying what I’m doing.
What’s the creepiest thing someone said to you at the bar?
It was probably incoherent … like mmmwwwaaahhhh … with a lot of tongue involved.
What’s the craziest thing that ever happened to you bartending?
I worked at a bar that was operating without a liquor license and the owner was a sleazeball. One night someone ratted us out and the cops came. In the commotion, my manager came up to me and said, “Take as much money as you can and go home.” So I went to the till and grabbed all the money.
Why did you start bartending?
I was a waitress who wanted to make more money. And due to my Mormon upbringing, I was never exposed to alcohol — no whiskey, vodka, beer, nothing. Let’s just say that once I strayed from Mormonism, I really “studied” my alcohol.
What’s been your best bartending moment?
Probably when a seriously old dude, after tasting my gin martini, said it was the best one he’d ever had.
It’s hard out here for a sexy bartender. Just ask Joggers bartender Brian Estes. I mean, he gets to flirt with ladies all night long. Girls are constantly trying to drag him into the bathroom to make out. He pretty much gets paid to get hit on. Me? Jealous? Nah.
How long have you been a bartender at Joggers?
A year. I started as a bouncer and worked my way up.
Do you make any special drinks?
I like coming up with new things all the time. My favorite right now is an accelerator — a shot of vodka, shot of Captain, shot of Midori and a Red Bull.
Do you do bar tricks?
Sometimes. I mostly like to set stuff on fire.
Do you prefer classy drunks or cheap drunks?
Classy drunks. The cheap drunks, well, sometimes we’ll get girls that maybe have a drink too many and get in the way.
How often do you toss someone out?
Once a week.
What’s your method?
Usually I talk ’em out. I’m pretty good at talking to ’em. I just reason with them.
Has anyone broken a bottle over someone else’s head?
No, but one time I saw a guy try to throw a punch with a glass in his hand. It didn’t work out. It was pretty funny.
How does it feel to be a sex symbol?
When I got the call, I gotta say I felt pretty good. It’s a nice ego boost.
Why do you think people voted for you?
I’m a pretty personable person. I mean, flirting is definitely part of the job.
What is the sexiest part of the job?
Some of the conversations you have with people can get pretty intense. I had one about piercings recently. That was sexy.
Have you ever hooked up with a customer?
Yes, I met my ex-girlfriend here. It happens.
Any good drunkard stories?
I was getting off work and walking to my car in the parking garage and I saw two people making out in their car. Their brake was off and the car was rolling backwards. It was hilarious.
