The Column

JM's Playbook

"I Got a Guy."

Real weekends. Local bars. Great food. Hidden gems.

For nearly thirty years, John — “JM” — has been behind the bar at Ed's Mudville Grill in Clayton, California. He's got a guy for everything: the dive bar, the roadside burger, the legendary steakhouse locals keep to themselves.

By John Mahloch Clayton, California

JM's Playbook

Football Returns to The Farm: Mike and JM’s Stanford Game-Day Playbook

Stanford opens against Hawaii on Saturday before welcoming preseason No. 7 Miami six days later. Here’s why we think The Farm offers the Bay Area’s best complete college-football experience.

By JM - JM's Playbook 7 min read

JM's Playbook

JM’s Playbook: Back at the Bar

Back from Tahoe and behind the bar at Ed’s, JM introduces Our Guy, gives Mike a lesson in Clayton history and starts worrying about fantasy football.

By JM John Mahloch 7 min read

JM's Playbook

Lake Tahoe isn't just a destination, it's where JM's lifelong network, family traditions, and "I've Got a Guy" philosophy come together. From hidden bars and legendary cocktails to a Delta detour only locals know, this is a weekend built on conversations, connections, and unforgettable stops.

By JM (John Mahloch) 11 min read

JM's Playbook

Introducing JM's Playbook

My good friend JM has spent thirty years behind a bar collecting people, phone numbers and the kind of places you'd never find on Yelp. Starting soon, he's sharing them here.

By Mike MacPherson 7 min read