This month, River City Magazine caught up with The Tobacco Company’s Rebecca Bilger to ask the 24 year-old Richmond native a few questions about life behind the bar.

RC: How long have you been a bartender at The Tobacco Company?

Well, I’ve been working here for 5 years, but eventually after working my way up I became a bartender and I’ve been doing that for 3 years now.

RC: It can get pretty busy working at a place as popular as The Tobacco Company. What’s the best way for a customer to get your attention?

You mean aside from money? It’s pretty simple: Don’t be annoying. If you’re old enough to be in a bar, you’re too old to act like a child. It’s as simple as that.

RC: Alright then…so what’s your favorite type of customer? What type of customer do you dread?

My favorite customers tend to be the polite people who know what they want and don’t order six different shots for six different people. Oh, and they tip well too. The customers I can’t stand? Well how much time do you have? No, I’m kidding, most of my customers are great, but one thing I hate is when I have someone glaring at me for 5 minutes and by the time I make my way over, they still haven’t decided on a drink. It’s really not that hard of a decision…

RC: How often do guys try and hit on you while you’re working?

Ha…Fairly often, but the thing is…Well, my advice to guys is to not try and hit on your bartender. First of all, she’s working. Second of all, it’s creepy. Not to sound like a jerk, but really the only thing you might get out of hitting on a bartender is a tab full of drinks you don’t recall ordering. Not that I’ve ever done something like that…

RC: Fair enough. So what’s the biggest tip a customer has left you?

It paid my rent and I’ll leave it at that.

RC: I’ve heard rumors you have a great drink up your sleeve, is that true?

It is! I make a KILLER Pomegranate Martini (Recipe below)

RC: In that case, what is Rebecca Bilger’s drink of choice?

Oh, I’m a beer and shot girl through and through. Give me a cold beer and a shot of whiskey and I’m one happy camper…

Pomegranate Martini Recipe
1 1/4 oz Don Julio Resposado tequila
1/4 oz PAMA liquor
Splash Triple Sec
Splash Sour Mix
Splash OJ
Squeeze Lime Juice
Shake and pour over ice, garnish with an orange wedge.