Mixologist behind bar, but not tending it, unavailable for orders

I am having the same problem with not being able to order drink or order food.  The bartender is there, but there is no option to choose, drink and food orders aren't there.  I have found I can send my sim behind the bar to make her own drink, and the bartender just moves out of the way until my sim is done.  Needless to say, most of my sims have the mixology skill.