Bert- The best bartender in Oakland

Bert –the best bartender in Oakland

It might be the height of prestige or it might be very pathetic to admit that a bartender in an airport bar knows you by name. But alas, it’s true.

Bert, AKA the best bartender in Oakland, knew us. Kerry and I spent so many evenings in Oakland waiting for a Southwest flight that Bert knew us. He was fabulous.

Everything in his bar was the “best in Oakland.” The best pizza in Oakland; the best chardonnay (pronounced with hard “ch” as in church) in Oakland; the best pinot grigio in Oakland.

But Kerry and I knew Bert was truly the best bartender in Oakland.
You see, Bert would take your drink order and then he would ask, “What time is your flight? What gate you go out of?” Then he knew when to kick you out. He would bring you the check and say, “You pay now! You go to your gate. Now!” What service. Bert took his job seriously and felt responsible for his patrons.

Why can’t more people be like Bert? Bert, I hope you are enjoying your retirement in the Philippines. Kerry and I really miss you!