In the Bar Rescue episode ‘Back to the Bar: Drunky McDrunkerton Returns,’ Jon Taffer and his crew revisit four bars including The Handle Bar in Pawcatuck, Connecticut. Taffer sends mixologist Phil to visit sister owners Betsy and Stephanie, the “leopard-print lovin’ ladies” who own the place. When Phil arrives he sees them doing shots behind the bar. “Nothing’s changed with these two,” Taffer yells as he watches the footage. “They’re back to being drunk idiots.”
All Taffer sees are Betsy and Stephanie’s “drunk friends” at the bar — and the clutter behind the bar. “And her kitchy design ideas are back.” When Phil approaches the bar, the ladies ask him not to order the signature drinks that Taffer added to their menu. Betsy say “The signature drinks didn’t work for this bar.” She adds, “We’ve done about 10 percent of what Jon suggested since Bar Rescue’s been here.” That said, she says sales are up 25 percent due to curiosity seekers. “People come in here to see the show. The show is doing shots, low-cut shirts, the show is me going wild in here. This place runs on me playing the game every f—king night.” Bar Rescue airs Sundays at 10pm on Spike.
