Rockstar and Glam nominee Nate is a VERS all-star!
Bar(s) that I work at: Hell’s Kitchen’s premier cocktail bar, VERS
How long I’ve worked there: I started at VERS on my birthday two years ago, almost to the day exactly.
What are my shifts: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday
What makes this bar great: On the whole, VERS bar is a welcoming queer space, focused on making an inclusive environment for queer people that elevates the “gay bar” experience. For me personally, VERS is the best bar job I’ve ever had–It’s still a laborious bar job…but I’m so lucky to have found a transparent, community-driven work environment with a management team I can actually talk to…which isn’t always the case for nightlife bars/clubs.
Best drink I make: A beautifully aggressive Irish woman taught me how to make the meanest Cosmo you’ll ever drink.
I love it when customers: Laugh at my jokes
I hate it when customers: Whisper their orders to me. Outside voices please.
Craziest thing I’ve seen here: I wasn’t here for the brick….stop asking….
Other places I’ve worked: I’ve bartended throughout the Midwest, namely St Louis, MO at BarPM (gay bar) and The Twisted Ranch (a queer-owned ranch dressing themed restaurant…ask me about it sometime). In NY, I also worked at Dive 106 on the UWS.
My hometown: First cornfield south of Chicago: Minooka, IL
Stuff I do when I’m not bartending: I write and perform rock music under the name Nate Sux. I also run an upcycled clothing brand called BENT.
Single or Taken: Single 😉
Who/what turns me on: If you have any of (or several of) these three things, I will be attracted to you: 1. Strong, cornfed body, 2. Baby face, 3. 80’s pornstar mustache.
Favorite music: Paramore. Hayley Williams is my diva.
Favorite movie or TV show: Lots of Marvel. Wandavision and Agatha All Along are my faves because I’m a [SLUR REDACTED].
Favorite drag queen: It;s a safe answer, but I really love all the VERS girls: Nani Tsunami, Dev Doee, Hanukah Lewinsky, Reese Havoc, our newest additions Jacklynn Hyde and Sherry Poppins, Kiki Ball-Change, Selma Nilla, Plasma…all Glam nominated performers…we (they) do drag best here at VERS. I also have to give a shoutout to Chelsea Piers -not only an amazing performer, but a brilliant human. Yes, I’m biased because we’re best friends, but my point stands.
My drag name would be: If Chelsea Piers would put me in drag, I would be Navy Piers, because I’m from Chicago (hold for applause).
Favorite gogo boy: I never know who’s a professional gogo and who’s an L-Train twink on G
Favorite DJ: I have to give it to Dinah Fire, Mack Mackey, and DJ Guilty Pleasures, all of whom I’m convinced play tracks specifically to watch me throw ass.
Other stuff you need to know about me: I’m a Sagittarius.
Follow me on: Instagram
Tip me at: Venmo @NateJiG
Thotyssey 