Spill It: Cecilia Taggart

Sean Og Tavern's bartender fills us in on the difference between Irish and American bar behavior—just in time for St. Pat's Day

By Ian J. Stark

Special to Metromix
March 12, 2008

Spill It: Cecilia Taggart
Time once again to talk shop with bartenders from all walks of New York City life to learn what the people pouring your drinks really think of you. Getting you ready for St. Patrick's Day: Cecilia Taggart, a no-nonsense Irish bartender (originally from Ireland) who’s as real as they come. Taggart's worked the taps on both sides of the pond and these days, she's holding it down at Sean Og Tavern in Woodside. She’s got the scoop on what goes down in bars here vs. bars over there… 

First of all,
what's the difference between American and Irish bargoers?
Now that’s an easy question. Plain and simple, the Irish drink more.

And what true Irish folk like to drink?

That’d be Guinness. Do they drink
stuff like Car Bombs? No! They never would. I've actually never even heard of the thing until I came over here.

Are there any drinks [Americans] order that make you cringe?
I’m certainly no fan of Goldschlager.

What are you a fan of?
I like
Guinness...and Bud.

What’s the best tip you’ve ever received?

My top would be $100

What’s the most important tool to have behind the bar?

That would be the bottle opener.

Any advice for wannabe bartenders?

You have to enjoy the job.


What’s St. Patrick’s Day looking like this year?

Oh, it’s going to be crazy, crazy, crazy. I’ll be behind the bar working nonstop from 9 a.m. until the end.

Got any good tips for curing a hangover?
Easy one…drink again.

Sean Og Tavern
57-24 Roosevelt Ave.

718-429-9339

Photo: Ian J. Stark

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