![]({"full":{"0":"2025\/05\/Crystal-Murley-WEB.jpg","1":720,"2":486,"3":false,"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Crystal-Murley-WEB.jpg"}})
George Country Sports Bar’s Crystal Murley
By Johnny Trlica
Ever walk into a bar, look at the bartender and know right away this is going to be fun? Her infectious smile and nod of welcome lets you know this is where you want to be.
For nearly three decades our May Bartender of the Month has been brightening the days of patrons at Montrose area bars. But serving refreshing adult beverages is just one of her talents.
Besides being expert mixologists, listeners and hosts, many bartenders have exceptional skills as an artist. Crystal Murley is an accomplished artist when not behind the bar. She is a Master of Fine Art, including mixed media painting, printmaking techniques and fused glass.
Crystal’s work has been displayed in shows in Woodstock, New York, Albuquerque, Chicago and Salzwedel, Germany, as well as Plano, Dallas, Conroe, Rockport and Houston.
Animal protection agencies, LGBTQ causes and youth arts involvement are causes that are near to Crystal’s heart. She contributes to these charities through art donations, service projects and fundraising.
The May MONTROSE STAR Bartender of the Month is Crystal Murley.
Name:
Crystal Murley
Hometown:
Houston, Texas
Married, single or not telling?
Happily married to Lydia.
Tell us about your experience bartending.
I’ve been bartending for 27 years. It has afforded me an education, a Master’s degree, and the ability to pursue what brings me life — creating art.
What is your drink specialty?
I have a lot over the past 27 years. Some crowd favorites are the Shocker, Sweet Jesus, Chupacabra and F**k Me Like a Beast. My wife’s personal favorite is a Gummy Bear.
What is your philosophy on being a good bartender?
Treat people with kindness; you never know what someone is going through.
Besides the money, what do you enjoy about being a bartender?
The freedom of time. My schedule helps me pursue my love for both travel and artistic endeavors.
If a customer wants to impress a date, what drink do you recommend?
To truly impress your potential mate, bring yourselves by George on Sunday for one of my famous Bloody Marys with homemade pickled green beans, carrots and beets. Drinking your veggies has never tasted so good!
What is a pet peeve about being a bartender?
Rude and obnoxious people. If there’s a line, I keep track of when people show up, so I know when you’re next.
You don’t need to snap at me or yell “hey” to me. I promise I am a professional and know what I am doing!
What is the craziest thing you’ve ever seen from behind the bar?
In my time behind the bar, I’ve seen plenty of fights for no reason. That’s pretty crazy
to me.
What do you do for fun? Any hobbies?
I am a full-time artist: painting and fused glass. I love gardening and anything that will take me outside. I have recently discovered my passion for canning and homesteading.
Besides being a fabulous bartender, you are an acclaimed artist. Tell us about your art works.
I am a mixed media painter that completes custom commissions in addition to my own bodies of work. I work with fused glass creating jewelry, fused glass paintings, large plates, vases and wall sculptures. If you’re ever interested in seeing what I do, or learning to do it yourself, feel free to stop by my studio during the week. And I ain’t no slack — I have my Master’s in Fine Art!
Who is your favorite musical artist? Who is on your current playlist?
Currently I am listening to a lot of Florence and the Machine, Dolly Parton and Madonna. My playlist consists of the concerts I have attended with my wife.
Are you on social media?
Yes, I’m CrystalMurleyArt on all socials. You can also find me at CrystalMurleyArt.com.
![]({"jaw_blog-16_9-small":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/332.trlica.WEB_.bartender.PHOTO_.caseyreed.Apr02-25-Screenshot-2025-04-02-170x95.png","width":170,"filesize":34007},"jaw_blog-16_9-middle":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/332.trlica.WEB_.bartender.PHOTO_.caseyreed.Apr02-25-Screenshot-2025-04-02-270x152.png","width":270,"filesize":77359}})
![]({"jaw_blog-16_9-small":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Sherry-Boyett-WEB-COPY-170x95.jpg","width":170,"filesize":22600},"jaw_blog-16_9-middle":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Sherry-Boyett-WEB-COPY-270x152.jpg","width":270,"filesize":30302},"jaw_blog-16_9":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Sherry-Boyett-WEB-COPY-475x267.jpg","width":475,"filesize":52838}})
![]({"jaw_blog-16_9-small":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CHRIS-WEB-170x95.jpg","width":170,"filesize":16909},"jaw_blog-16_9-middle":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CHRIS-WEB-270x152.jpg","width":270,"filesize":21849},"jaw_blog-16_9":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CHRIS-WEB-475x267.jpg","width":475,"filesize":38358}})
![]({"jaw_blog-16_9-small":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/BOTM-chris-commander-170x95.jpg","width":170,"filesize":22997},"jaw_blog-16_9-middle":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/BOTM-chris-commander-270x152.jpg","width":270,"filesize":31454},"jaw_blog-16_9":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/BOTM-chris-commander-475x267.jpg","width":475,"filesize":57176}})