There are 24 bars located in downtown State College, each equipped with a team manning the madness behind the bar, but have you ever really taken the time to get to know the bartenders? That’s where we come in with our newest short series, Better Know a Bartender, where we sit down and get to know the brave men and women who serve the insatiable thirst of Penn State students. 

First up, is Indigo bartender Charlie Costanzo, who is of no relation to George Costanza, but is an equally charming character.

Age and Major: 22 years old, Community, Environment, and Development

Experience: Since the ripe age of 16, Charlie has been working in the bar scene and developed an affinity for night life. He started working at Indigo a year and a half ago out on the door staff, eventually moving up to bartender, where he serves today.

Signature Drink: Bacardi Black Razz. It’s a combination of tonic, lemonade, a splash of Blue Curacao, and Half and Half. According to him, it tastes like a blue slushy and looks like it glows in the dark. If you’ve ever been to Indigo, you know that the more fluorescent you are, the better. Plus, Bacardi has been killing it with their flavors and promotions lately, so it’s pretty cheap. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me.

Favorite Part about Indigo: Like anyone who comes to Indigo for a fun night, Charlie loves the environment. Currently, he’s really into LocalMotion (an entertainment company) whose DJs have been putting out some really “dope sets” lately, making his nights fly by.

Funniest Story: A little while ago someone was twerking too hard and accidentally kicked one of the cables connecting the DJ equipment to the speakers, causing the music to suddenly shut off. During that silence, one of his friends (who just so happens to be the biggest member of the door staff) volunteered to sing Single Ladies over the microphone in front of about 700 people to keep up the energy. He even included the signature Beyonce dance while the problem was being fixed, so needless to say the mood was not lost.

Next week, we’ll head to Pickle’s and interview another individual who deserves recognition. Have someone in mind? Let me know.