Tony’s Corner Pocket’s Mykey

By Johnny Trlica

From his first gig in his early twenties mixing things up from behind a bar, Mykey was like a sponge, ready to absorb all he could about the LGBTQ+ community’s history. He learned about Stonewall, the Houston bar raids, the AIDS crisis and drag culture.

As he got a little older, that knowledge inspired him to become very active in a variety of Houston LGBTQ+ charities. He is Emperor 36 of ERSICSS Inc., which he describes in his responses in this column.

Mykey not only serves killer drinks but can slay from the stage as well. The Montrose Star Bartender of the Month is Mykey!

Name:

Mykey

Pronoun?      

Unicorn lol jk. Him/he.

Where is your hometown?  

I was born in McAllen, Texas and raised in Pasadena, Texas.

Tell us about your experience bartending.

I’ve been bartending for 11 years now. I started at TC’s before it became Barcode, 2014-2017, then for a year I worked at Hamburger Mary’s and Eagle, when they were a part of the same ownership in 2017-2018. After Covid I started bar backing at Tony’s Corner Pocket in 2020, then in 2022, I started bartending again. Tony’s is where I call home now.

What is your drink specialty?

A Mykey Special! It varies throughout the seasons. It can be a fruity drink like a watermelon cooler I make with watermelon, Absolute, or a strong neutral drink like an Auga Ranchito, which is my take on a Ranch water that comes with Espolon (tequila) and soda with Tajin, a squeeze of lime juice, and dash of salt. Or a shot like a Mykey’s Pickle or Upside-Down pineapple. I cater to the guest’s taste and really make it special for them. Sometimes I get requests for a Mykey Special after long or rough days or when they want something to get the party started.

What is your philosophy on being a good bartender?

First and foremost be a good person, treat the guest right and help create a fun atmosphere where people can unwind and relax so they can enjoy themselves. Be aware of everything and pay attention to make sure everyone is drinking responsibly, and they are able to make it home safely. Also do not bring up money, politics, or religion in any conversations. You never know and you don’t need to know people’s views, just make the drinks and let the good times roll. Be honest, be humble and be kind.

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

I honestly enjoy helping people have a fun time. I love to dance and have fun behind the bar. I have met so many amazing people from all over and I like meeting new people and learning about them and where they are from. I thoroughly enjoy watching the guest have a ball! Laughing, dancing, and singing along with the queens or tipping the dancers. All that happiness is the real payoff.

If someone wants to order a drink to impress a date, what drink do you recommend?

Well, if you are bringing your date to Tony’s then that’s really impressive to begin with (lol), especially if you are coming to watch our amateur male strip contest. Nonetheless, I would recommend a Gentleman’s Jack in a nice rocks glass or snifter. There’s something in that smooth and warm rich taste — simple but with character. It’s either that or Rumple, maybe.

What is a pet peeve about being a bartender?

Snapping or whistling, or my fave, banging on the bar. I see you. I’m coming, be right there. Well, sometimes I even hear it in my dreams.

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

Someone drank a shot and it came right back out, kinda like the exorcist. OMG, I can remember the smell. Horrible.

If you were not a bartender, what would you be doing?

Something in hospitality or service. I like to host events and make the party happen. Either that or something to do in art or creative outlets.

You do a lot of charity work. Tell us about that and ERSICSS.

Yes, I am a part of the awesome community of charity performers here in Houston. I am Emperor 36 of ERSICSS Inc. (Empire of the Royal Sovereign and Imperial Court of the Single Star, Inc.) founded in 1984. ERSICSS has a beautiful history of helping the community for over 40 years now.

It started during the height of the AIDS epidemic where Houston Drag Queens were putting on shows to help raise money for those in need. It is a non-profit organization that raises money for other non-profits in Houston’s LGBTQ+ community.

We are one of seven courts here in Texas, a part of the International Court System. The US has 87 courts and Canada has 13 courts and Mexico has one. The goals are all the same — to help our communities one dollar at a time.

We call it court because we play by Royal Rankings where you have the tiers of royalties like Lords, Dukes, Prince and top tier Emperor. You can only reign as Emperor/Empress/Emprex through the vote of the community.

You start off as a member of low ranking and advance throughout the years. It’s all fun and camp in nature. This year for the first time ever, Houston elected our very first Emprex, a non-binary title.

I love what we do. Basically, we put on shows/events throughout a year of reign and raise money for selected charities, and at the end of the reign the funds are distributed to those said charities. For example, last year’s Reign 39 raised over $80k for their charities. Keep an eye out for our weekly shows during the weekend, usually earlier shows, most times at Tony’s or Barcode. We are always looking for help and new members.

There are many more charities such as PWA Holiday Charities, TGRA Houston, NLA, the Gay Archives, Bayou City Pups, Houston Bears, Avenue 360, Lazarus House, Omega House, Montrose Center, Montrose Grace Place, Tony’s Place and Legacy. I have done many events that go towards these awesome charities. If you don’t know them, look them up. They have helped thousands and thousands of people here in Houston.

Besides taking care of patrons from behind the bar, you are on stage, as well. What do you like about performing?

Performing on stage is where I feel most alive most free. I’ve always loved to dance and express myself through music. Whether I’m singing, dancing, lip-syncing, or just hosting, that’s where I live, that’s where I come to life. If I can reach just one person through a performance, I did my job. Even if you still don’t like me, I made you feel something that is art. That is me.

Congratulations on your recent marriage. What’s it like being a newlywed?

It’s crazy! It’s exciting! I’m happy! It feels good. Settling down and it’s like getting a new life, you know, wanting to be better, healthier. Setting new goals like buying a house or traveling more, enjoying life with your person. The one who you can totally be yourself around, the one who sees you, knows your faces, your emotions, your history. I’m thankful. I thought for the longest time I’d be alone. Then it hit me. Love found me at the time I wasn’t really looking or even thinking of being with someone. It’s awesome.

What do you do for fun? Any hobbies?

I like to paint rhinestone outfits. I love to cook now. I’ve been learning a lot of new recipes from Tik Tok and the Reelz. Finally got my Mexican rice to come out good although I had some help from my buddy, Gilbert Hernandez.

Are you on social media?

Yes. Facebook under Miguel Hernandez (Mykey Whitney), Instagram: mykeywhitney and Snapchat: Mykey Whitney.

Where and when can we catch you for a drink?

Tony’s Corner Pocket. I’m there Monday 9:30pm ’til 1:30am for Manic Mondaze, Tuesday 8pm ’til 2 am, Wednesday 8pm ’til 2am, and Friday 9pm ’til 2am.

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