Island Pier Club and Bar 43’s Louis Johnston

By Johnny Trlica

Louis Johnson

Have you ever dreamed of a white Christmas? Living in southeast Texas that is just a dream, unless you follow your heart and head north.

That’s what our Bartender of the Month did a few years ago. A trip to Canada made memories that have lasted a lifetime.

Meanwhile, back in the Lone Star State, he serves up lasting memories to his many patrons who trust him for a good drink, a little joke and a good time.

The Montrose Star December Bartender of the Month is Louis Johnston.

Where is your hometown? How long have you been in Galveston?
Well, I made my grand entrance into the world in 1955 in Mercedes, Texas (yes, like the car, but sadly no luxury features included). Shortly after, my family packed up and headed to the Houston Heights, where I grew up. In 2002 I accepted a job at UTMB and commuted from Houston to Galveston for two years. I bought my house in Galveston in 2004 — I decided Galveston needed a little more me — and I’ve been here ever since, soaking up the island vibes.

Single, married, or I like to keep ’em guessing?
I’ve been off the market for a little over two years now — sorry, folks! We’re planning to tie the knot soon, and to keep life interesting, we’ve got four dogs running the household. Basically, it’s like living in a rom-com with a lot more barking. It’s the gay “Brady Bunch.”

Tell us about your experience bartending.
I kicked things off at bartending school when I was 19, because why just drink cocktails when you can make them? After that, I worked for catering companies in Houston and Dallas, mixing drinks and dodging wedding drama.

When I moved to Galveston in 2004, my very first day on the island I wandered into Boulevard Saloon. It was just me and the owner, Richard Cotton, who said, “It’s so damn hard to find a bartender in this city.” I replied, “Well, if you need help, let me know.” He shot back, “Get certified immediately.” And just like that, I was behind the bar that Friday — and pretty much every weekend since.

I juggled a full-time gig at UTMB during the week and slung drinks on weekends. After Boulevard Saloon, I leveled up to a 36,000-square-foot bar called The Undercurrent (yes, it was as wild as it sounds). Then came The Groove, Stars, Sandbox, Rumors and Island Time Beach Bar. Eight years ago, I landed at Robert’s Laffitte’s Lagoon Bar, working the patio bar on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. These days, I keep it chill — just two shifts a week: Wednesdays at Bar 43 and Thursdays at Island Pier Club. Noon to 6.

Do you have a drink specialty?
Martinis. Shaken, stirred, dirty, extra dirty — I’ve got you covered. If James Bond walked into my bar, he’d probably ask me for tips.

What is your philosophy on being a good bartender?
Back when I worked at UTMB, they gave me the Myers-Briggs test and — surprise, surprise — I scored off the charts for extroversion. Basically, I’m powered by people. Recruiting was part of my day job, and bartending became my night job version of the same thing: connecting with folks.

To me, being a great bartender isn’t just about pouring drinks — it’s about reading the room. Some people want to chat, some want to brood in peace and others just need someone to nod and say, “Yep, life’s tough.” My job is to figure out which one they are… preferably before they finish their first drink.

Your clientele follows you no matter where you are. What’s your secret?
Speed and charm, baby! I’m quick with a drink, quicker with a joke and I get along with just about everyone (unless you’re trying to tell me how to run my bar — then we might have words). Oh, and I cook like a dream. I’ve been known to show up with homemade goodies for the bar. Nothing says “loyal customers” like free snacks and strong drinks!

Besides the money, what do you enjoy about being a bartender?
Honestly? The people. I love meeting new faces, swapping stories, and making folks feel like they’ve found their second home—preferably one with strong drinks and zero judgment. Being a bartender is an honor because when someone chooses your bar, they’re trusting you to help them have a good time. I take that seriously… well, as seriously as you can while making drinks and telling jokes. And the best part? Seeing those same customers come back again and again. That’s when you know you’re doing something right.

What is your pet peeve about being a bartender?
Easy: backseat bartenders. If you’re not wearing the apron, don’t tell me how to run my bar. Add unruly guests and those mean or crying drunks, and you’ve got my trifecta of “please don’t.” I’m here to serve drinks, not referee a soap opera.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever seen from behind the bar (or pool)?
One Saturday night, a guy came in and started slamming drinks like he was training for the Olympics. The next day, he strolls back in looking like death warmed over and says, “Louie, I think somebody slipped me a date-rape drug last night.” So, I asked him, “When you woke up this morning, were your panties down around your ankles, and your rear end all greasy?” and he said “No,” to which I replied, “Then why would they waste the drug?” Moral of the story? Never try to explain your hangover to your bartender — we already know the culprit.

If you were not a bartender, what would you be doing or what did you do before?
Easy — I’d be a chef. I love cooking all kinds of food, from comfort classics to fancy dishes that make people say, “Wow, you did this?” I even make my own homemade sausages and smoke them like a pro. Basically, if I’m not making drinks, I’m seasoning something.

Tell us something people do not know about you.
Honestly? I’m an open book — no mysterious chapters here. If there’s a secret, it probably involves what’s in my spice rack, not my life story.

Share with us one of your favorite Christmas memories.
One year, my then-boyfriend David and I decided we wanted the ultimate holiday upgrade — a real white Christmas. So, we packed our bags and headed to Canada: Calgary, Lake Louise, and Banff. Picture this: staying in Château Lake Louise and Banff Springs Inn, two actual castles (yes, castles. I felt like royalty… just without the crown).

While in Calgary, we met some amazing folks at a gay bar and told them about our snowy adventure. Later that night, the hotel phone rings. It’s them saying, “You’ve got to be tired of hotel food. Come over for dinner.” And just like that, strangers turned into friends and the whole trip became pure magic.

Christmas is later this month. What are you hoping Santa puts under your tree?
A Lexus with a big red bow on top, because if you’re going to dream, dream in luxury, right? (LOL!) Other than that, anything food-related makes me happy: fancy ingredients, cool gadgets, or utensils that make me look like I’m auditioning for a cooking show.

Are you on social media?
Yep—Facebook is my hangout spot. I’m old. It’s where I post food experiments and occasionally my dogs stealing the spotlight.

Where and when can we catch you for a drink?
If you’re hunting me down for a cocktail (or a good laugh), here’s the schedule: Wednesdays: Noon to 6 pm at Bar 43 Thursdays: Noon to 6 pm at Island Pier Club. Both are basically neighborhood bars so everyone’s welcome.

Come thirsty, leave happy.

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