Eagle Houston’s Chris Contello

February 5, 2025
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Montrose Star
Posted in BARTENDER OF THE MONTH
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By Johnny Trlica ––

For thirty years starting in 1984, The 611 Hyde Park Pub was a neighborhood favorite. If that address sounds familiar it’s because the building is now home to another Montrose staple, the Eagle Houston.

Patrons who have visited both bars over the course of the past sixteen years have noticed one thing has stayed the same: bartender Chris Contello. The bar layout is different, the music is improved and the patio is bigger, but Chris is still greeting customers with a smile and serving five-star drinks.

Chris Contello is the MONTROSE STAR Bartender of the Month.

Name:

Chris Contello

Hometown:

Sugar Land originally, but I’ve lived in Houston since 2010. I love to travel but I always love coming back home to Houston.

Married, single or not telling?

Married to work for sure. And partnered with one cat and one dog.

What are some other places you worked?

I started off bartending at The 611 here in Houston in 2008. I worked there for five and a half years until its retirement. I was fortunate enough to stay on when the Eagle took over and I’ve now been in the building for over 16 years. I’ve also worked on and off with Pepperoni’s since 2005. As of the end of July 2024 I am also the current GM of Eagle.

What is your drink specialty?

I always say I’ve never messed up making a Bud Light. Lol but seriously it’s all the same to me.

What is your philosophy on being a good bartender?

Consistency. Working the same days and times every week. Making drinks and shots taste the same every time they’re ordered.

Besides the money, what do you enjoy about being a bartender?

The freedom it gives me to travel. I love to always have a trip in the works. Something to look forward to. I can travel during the week without even missing a day of work. Of course, I love the customers as well. Many customers have turned into friends over the years.

What is a pet peeve about being a bartender?

What I’ll never understand is when there’s a crowd and people are waiting for drinks and then I get to you and make your order and then it’s time to pay and then they want to pull out their money or dig through their pockets. I appreciate people who have their payment ready.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever seen from behind the bar?

A very long time ago there was a customer that would apply Wite-Out to her teeth while sitting at the bar. And after a few Cuervo shots it would start to peel off. She would also pull out an electric trimmer and clean up her 5 o’clock shadow.

What do you do for fun? Any hobbies?

I love to bake and cook. Cookies, cakes, pies… or anything that inspires me. I’m also a very good snow skier. I’m always up for traveling.

Who is your favorite musical artist?

I’ll always love Madonna, but Kylie Minogue has been my girl since I saw her live in Houston back in 2011. I’ll be seeing her again in Austin in April.

Do you have someone special to be with on Valentine’s Day this year?

Yes. We will be celebrating four years together shortly after Valentines Day.

Are you on social media?

Yes, add me on Facebook! I have an Instagram, but I honestly don’t know how to use it.

Where and when can we catch you for a drink?

I am at the downstairs main bar at Eagle Houston, 611 Hyde Park Blvd. on Thursdays for Latin Night 9 p.m.-2 a.m. with DJ Zema; Fridays Glow Night 9 p.m.-2 a.m. with DJ CJ; Saturdays 9 p.m.-2 a.m. and AfterHours 2 a.m.-late with DJ Jimmy Skinner and Sunday Funday with Dangerous Disco 12 p.m.-9 p.m. with DJ Jimmy Skinner.