REAL STORIES FROM REAL BARTENDERS >>>

I've been a bartender for a long time. I have met countless freaks, jerks, pervs, sweethearts, rockstars and crazies. Even though it's a physically and mentally exhausting job, these are the colorful people that make it all worthwhile. Well, that and the tips.

I'd like to share with you some of my personal experiences behind the bar, along with the stories from some of my fellow bartenders. Each week - under the clever heading of "Behind Bars" - I will dig into my memory bank - and the incident log books that all bars keep - to bring you some of my favorite stories.

Names of bars, bartenders and patrons have been changed or withheld to protect the innocent.

And the not so innocent.

Cheers!

This week looks into the vessel that provides rent checks, supports addictions, pays for diapers and determines which customers get the strongest drinks - The Tip Jar. Did you realize it's commonly used for more than just standard tips? It's true ...

Items actually found in the tip jar:

$100 bill

Condoms (unused, thankfully)

Target receipts

A banana

Weed

Bottle caps

Suspicious looking candy

Phone numbers/stalker love notes

Foreign money

Rare coins

Unidentified pills

Coupons for free coffee

Also, one coaster with a note stating, "My name is J*** R***, my phone number is 360.***.****. I have PCP, hallucinogens, heroin, crack, pot, and speed. But, I won't have it for two months, so call me then."

As you can see, when it comes to the tip jar, there is a lot to appreciate....and a lot to be creeped out by.

Either way, it keeps us entertained and prevents us from having to get a real job.

So keep ‘em comin'.

LINK HUB - PREVIOUS "BEHIND BARS"

LINK: Aural Adventures

LINK: Smooth Transitions

LINK: The Pooper