Steven Dupas :: The Art of Being a Bartender

"Lukas," as San Diegan's have grown to know Stevan Dupus over the years, is so much more than just a bartender and manager. Now in his eighth year at Cheers, he recently finished art school and is ready to take on the world. The Rage Monthly sat down with Lukas, over a couple of drinks - of course - to discuss his life and his love of art.

Have you worked behind a bar anywhere other than Cheers?

I was a cocktail waiter for a little bar in Columbia, Missouri, that was called "3
Cheers," so when I moved to San Diego and found Cheers, I knew I was home.

When did you realize you had a passion for art?

I've been in art classes since 6th grade, along with some drama and musical theatre. After high school, I got my first degree in computer programing and found working in that industry to be a pain in the ass... Can I say ass in print? Anyway, I decided to go back to school for something I enjoyed, with the hope of finding a career I would love. I took my first oil painting course at San Diego City College, and have been painting ever since.

Would you say bartending is an art form?

Yes. So much of being a good bartender is about personality. It's your performance on your stage. You also need to know how the flavors of different alcohols taste with each other along with mixers. Though, most of the time, you're not creating new mixes or drinks, and most customers know what they want before they even step up to the bar. It's a very multifaceted business; you have to wear many hats. You have to be a chef, a therapist, an actor and a friend to many different types of people.

Have you invented any drinks? If so, what do you call it and what's in it?

I think I have. It's a shot called "Tang-cicle." It's made with 3 Olives Orange vodka (don't use the 3 Olives Rang Tang. It won't taste the same), you add a splash of triple sec, orange juice and a squeeze of lime. Next, add a little bit of actual Tang (the powdered drink) and some whipped cream. Shake and pour.

What's the wildest thing you have ever seen happen at Cheers?

Last year, we hosted one of the Karaoke competitions for "Voice of America's Pride." Half of the bar was packed with people there to compete, or to support those who were competing. The other half of the bar was full of regulars, who weren't happy because the contest was being held on a night that doesn't regularly have Karaoke and they just wanted a normal night of drinking. There was a point in the evening when I thought a fight was going to break out between members of the two groups. The regulars started jumping into the competition, and the judges started accusing them of not being serious. Emotions were definitely on edge that night.

What can we look forward to this fall?

We have been working slowly on different remodeling tasks. We'll be getting new carpet and a new dartboard very soon. Halloween is always a blast here at Cheers, as well as the annual costume contest. Thanksgiving is fun with a great potluck with lots of food - I even cook the turkey.

Is there anything you'll be able to take away from Cheers when you leave?

Working at Cheers has introduced me to so many wonderful people, from all walks of life. One of the old mottos was, "Open hearts for open minds," and it's probably the most honest statement I could think of to describe the place. I will always walk into this world with an open heart for the new people I meet in my endeavors, thanks to Cheers.

Cheers is located at 1839 Adams Avenue in University Heights. For more information, call 619.298.3269, check out their facebook page at Cheers of San Diego, or go to cheerssandigo.com