Out on the Mississippi River on the Steamboat Natchez, bartender Bill Stehr has it a little easier than his French Quarter counterparts. While the demand is high during the legendary Natchez’s cruises, Stehr isn’t bombarded by the Quarter’s usual barrage of belligerent drinkers, emà la/em Bourbon Street.

“Everyone is pretty well-behaved,” he admits. “They aren’t on the boat long enough to get too out of control.”

“And,” he says, “The Natchez lacks the headaches of barflies who feel entitled to free drinks.”

Still, don’t think he has it easy on the river. Between the customers that step up to his bar and the challenges of taking care of cocktail servers—not to mention playing the role of bar back, which includes carrying heavy kegs up the Natchez’s narrow metal steps—Stehr has plenty of demands upon him.

But he feels honored to be part of the steamboat tradition that helped mold New Orleans, a tradition that has dwindled to the point that the Natchez is the last of its kind on the Mississippi. “It really is a shame that we’re the last one out there.”

Though he likes to take the time to get to know his customers and appreciates repeat business, the lack of bar stools is meant to discourage the chatterers who assume a bartender has nothing to do but listen to their woes.

“Pay attention. If you see I’m busy or you realize I’m not making eye contact, which means it’s time to move on. I’ve got work to do!”