My buddies are in a band, 20 Riverside, a horn-heavy hip-hop/funk infused ensemble filled with amazing talent. I’m lucky to know them and see them when they play in Seattle. Fortunately, they were able to play a live show at Fuel in Pioneer Square. They put on an amazing set, I heard some new songs and the venue and employees were great to make it all-in-all a fantastic night.

Fuel, located in the heart of Pioneer Square, is traditionally a sports bar, perfect for watching a Seahawks or Sounders game. Fuel is also a nightclub, carefully balancing varying people’s preferences. Do you want to just sit at the bar and flirt with the bartenders? No problem. There’s seating for that. Want to sit in the vicinity of the bar? There are few tables. Want to dance and listen to the live band? There’s a bit of a dance floor with tables when you get tired. Additionally, there was an upper level so people could sit and see the band. I like the flexibility in options and played off of that the entire night.

Before I note how amazing 20 Riverside played, I have to make note of how amazingly friendly the entire staff of Fuel was. The bouncer was friendly and I felt comfortable asking him how his night was going as he took my $5 cover charge. This is honestly saying something. Normally, I feel intimidated because I associate i.d. checking with cops and border control. The bouncers at Fuel are relaxed and “chill.” Inside, the bartenders, who happened to be two females, were prompt and friendly, grabbing drinks and keeping people happy. The wait staff were also friendly and efficient. Big kudos to them because to me, it felt like they put in more of an effort of niceness and kindness.

This kindness created a funny story/ “well that’s a first” moment for me. Ready for my second Mac and Jack’s, I went up to the bartender and ordered, already with the $6 in my hand for the $4.50 beer (Tipping is nice!). She handed me the drink and ignored my money, saying it was no good here. I laughed it off and insisted. She still would not take it. So I walked away and listened to a few more songs but my conscious would not let this go. I have to pay for my drink or at least leave a nice tip. I came back to the bar and insisted a third time to let me pay for my beer. Recognizing me, she said, “Absolutely not.” So, being a barista, I insisted that the $6 go in the tip jar instead. Apparently, my tips are no good there either but a hug from me would do just fine. Honestly, at this point, I was just puzzled. Did a bartender just buy me a drink? Does that even count? Does she want a hug from me? Is she tipsy? Who is going to pay for this beer?

After repeated refusals for paying, I finally gave up and went back to listening to 20 Riverside, who put on a fantastic live show. I met some new people and overall, had a fantastic night. After all, who wouldn’t have a great night after getting free drinks?

This experience may not apply to everyone. Obviously. However, if you are a person who drinks beer, tips nicely and the bartender just feels like giving you a free drink, then it could happen to you. Now I can officially say a bartender has bought me a drink.