Doug Wasilewski's propped up against the back bar, scoping out one of the players aiming his pool cue. He admits to spending a lot of time back there, mainly because he's crazy about pool and partially because they don't have too many problems at Bikini Lounge.
The 45-year-old says he's lived in and around Phoenix for 44 years, which is close enough to being a native. The real advantage to being in one place for so long, he says, is that you get to know the area's people, characters, and stories really well.
And he has a few stories to share. We caught up with Doug -- who even left the pool match (but probably because no one could hear anything) -- in the back parking lot.
Tell Tale Signs of a Fake ID:
I've been doing this for a while, so I can tell something's up if someone does the double check on their wallet, has to take a second glance around the bar while I look at their ID, or "just forgot it in the car." I gotcha! And I keep up on what day is today -- if you weren't born by September 21, 1989 -- nice try.
Day Job:
I landscape during the day, so I also have to get up really early. Luckily my boss is pretty cool and will understand that I've been out working all night, so he cuts me a few extra hours to sleep in if I worked the night before.
Last Crazy:
I know all the characters pretty well, but I think I've only had to throw four people out of this place. The trouble almost always come from the non-regular, drunk person who's convinced they can have another.
Best Part about the Job:
I've been working here for a year. Before that I was at Caravan, and let me tell you, that was a rough job. But here it's easy. There are great people, cool music ... for the most part everyone knows each other, and my wife's a bartender here, so it all works.
Worst Part about the Job:
Having to wake up early tomorrow morning.
Differences Between Bikini and a Bar in Scottsdale:
We don't get a lot of underage kids, pumped up and looking to get drunk -- this is much more a neighborhood spot.
Bouncer Friends:
Well, I am pretty good friends with the guy at the front door ...
