Kristine Petersen's friends call her one funny bartender. Whether she's dancing behind the bar or playing the role of friendly smart-ass to customers, the 31-year-old veteran drink slinger splits her time between BBC and Art Bar, as well as working at her day job in non-profit marketing.

Once upon a time, she taught English in Taiwan, lived in Australia and traveled extensively. Now she's back at home, working three jobs, and she considers herself a Jameson aficionado.

Why does Petersen bartend? "The money, of course," she says. "And the power. People respect a woman who's in control of how wasted you're going to be at bar time."

We recently got a hold of the busy East Side bartender for this quick profile.

OMC: How long have you been a bartender?

Peterson: Off and on for about seven years at BBC, and I have recently started working a few nights a week at Art Bar.

OMC: What is your specialty/signature drink?

KP: Considering I've made thousands of them from working my Sunday shifts, I can whip up a mean Bloody Mary.

OMC: What is the most ridiculous thing you've seen a drunk patron do?

KP: Ha, ha ... I have to choose just one? Well, I recently walked in on a girl peeing in the sink -- she claimed she couldn't find the toilet.

OMC: Have you ever broken up a bar fight?

KP: I've only recently been informed by the bouncers that I was allowed to do that. Though I'm not quite sure why.

OMC: What are the best/worst pick-up lines to use in a bar?

KP: I think all pick up lines pretty much suck. If you have to use a "line" then you're already trying too hard. Just offer to buy someone a drink. Or a shot. Of Jameson.

OMC: What is the best/worst part of the job?

KP: Just had a debate about this with a friend. The worst part is the lack of "bar etiquette."

If you don't know what I mean, just order from me without it and you'll quickly be informed.

The best part of the job for sure is the friends that I've made throughout the years ... my co-workers are like family. Plus we work in a very relaxed environment, our boss is pretty fantastic.

OMC: Do you go to other bars when you're not working?

KP: I try to limit my alcohol consumption to a few days a week, but I do enjoy checking out local music around the city ... and now that summer's here it's hard not to hit up a patio with a Blue Moon.