This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
As you can probably imagine, a guy who's been bartending at a Hollywood institution since the 1960s probably has a lot of great stories. Ruben Rueda has been behind the bar at Musso & Frank Grill in Hollywood since 1967. In an interview with VICE Munchies, he talked about the highlights of pouring drinks at the same bar for nearly a half-century.
Rueda recalls serving his share of celebrities, including a now-sober Keith Richards, a Steve McQueen he had to cut off and kick out, and a Charles Bukowski that he used to sometimes give rides home to at the end of the night. He also once kicked out a belligerent 'that Irish actor' a few years back, but didn't mention a name.
He also revealed that a particular James Bond doesn't drink martinis, but rather Crown Royal on the rocks.
After 47 years, Rueda says he plans on sticking around Musso & Frank for the foreseeable future, working his two days a week. So chances are, you might be able to have him mix up something for you. He say he can make most people happy with just two drinks: "One, and the second one. That's it. Three or four and you might get sick. But I try to make everybody happy."
