Judy Switzer has been a professional bartender for about 25 years and absolutely loves it. Currently, you can find her working the bar and dining area of Michigan City’s own Patrick’s Grille.
This fine establishment has been serving the Michigan City area for almost a year now, with their one year anniversary coming up the first week of August.
Over the past year, Judy says the Patrick’s Grille team has really developed and bonded together. “I love working here. Everybody that works here. We’ve got a good team. Nice team work going on in here.” she said.
Judy started at the Clubhouse Bar and Grille that was previously owned by Patrick, where she worked for three years. When it closed, she was invited to come work for him at his new establishment.
She really enjoys working with the owner Patrick Wilkins. ““Patrick is awesome to work for,” Judy said. “He’s an awesome guy, a really nice guy.”
What Judy loves most about bartending is the creativity involved. She gets to create and design her own drinks to serve to customers. Looking for something a little different in your drink but aren’t sure what you want? Ask Judy over at Patrick’s and she’ll gladly craft it for you.
“They give me leeway to mix, create drinks, make something different. Everyone will sample them and then I’ll get their approval.”
Being a bartender, according to Judy, has some great perks. One of which is feeling like she’s her own boss and the other is the people who come in.
“I love what I do. I love people. I like making people drinks and making people happy.” she said.
Judy says she really enjoys her regulars that come in. Especially her lunch crowd who only comes in when she’s working. “I got a pretty good crowd following me,” she said. “They know what days I’m off and that’s kind of cool.”
In her spare time, Judy likes to spend time with her husband Dennis. They are really like drag racing and like to go to a lot of races together. They also like camping and fishing. Judy just likes to hang out and have fun with her husband.
The two of them also enjoy visiting their 28-year-old son, whom they miss desperately, who lives in the sunny City of San Diego, California and is a US Marine. You can stop by and get to know more about Judy at Patrick’s Grille at 4125 Franklin Street in Michigan City, IN. Or check out their website for more information here.
