Admittedly shy and modestly questioning the rationale behind choosing him for a bartender profile, you'll understand in minutes why Pat White of 5th Ward Pub is one of the city's favorites.
White played for the Milwaukee Wave and Milwaukee Rampage before becoming the Director of Coaching and Summer Camps for FC Milwaukee in 2005. Helping to run a program for 600 kids during the day, it was only a matter of time before he sought out a place for some adult conversation at night. But that's not to say he doesn't partake in his fair share of bar fun.
Part owner, part bartender, White's overwhelming affection for the 5th Ward pub and its clientele shows just how much he loves what he does.
We caught up with White this week to find out how he became at home at the 5th Ward Pub.
OnMilwaukee.com: Did you work as a bartender anywhere before 5th Ward Pub?
Pat White: I hadn't worked in any other bar when I started here three years ago. After I quit the Wave, I was only coaching and had always wanted to learn to bartend and be a bartender. I wanted a place to hang out, chat and have a drink; a friend introduced me to 5th Ward Pub.
OMC: What does the crowd here drink the most?
PW: We have 20 beers on tap so we serve a little bit of everything off there. Beers and a lot of shots really. We have a good customer base that enjoys our taps and our $15 all-you-can drink is a deal they love.
OMC: Would you say 5th Ward Pub is a sports bar?
PW: Not necessarily, we're more of a neighborhood pub; the kind of place to meet people, hang out and chat. And you can watch some sports too. We like Walker's Point a lot. All the neighboring owners and bartenders get along and help each other out; everyone likes to go visit each other. It's a good family around here.
OMC: What's your favorite drink to serve?
PW: Jagermeister. That's one of my favorites to drink and one of my favorites to serve. If I could serve everyone Jager, I'd be so happy.
OMC: What's your favorite thing about bartending?
PW: Meeting people.
OMC: What's your least favorite part of bartending?
PW: I like most of it really. I always have a good time behind the bar, talking with customers and pouring drinks.
OMC: Is there a drink you hate to make?
PW: Well, the other bartenders are better bartenders than me. So if I get an order for a hard drink or a drink I don't like to make, I just pass it off and ask them to do it. Works out great for me.
OMC: Do you ever have to break up fights?
PW: I guess once in awhile we have a small fight but I used to work three or four nights a week and I can't really even think of one that I personally saw. Customers are really great about breaking them up; we just don't get that kind of crowd.
OMC: Where do you like to hang out when you're not working?
PW: I don't really hang out at one specific place- I like to try all the places. I used to play soccer with Matt Schmidt at Trinity Irish Pub so I go to a lot of their bars and restaurants with friends from the Wave and Rampage. But I like go to a lot of different places; there's no place I won't go.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
