Victoria Watson graciously gave us the tour of The Monkey Bar, located in the Paradise Plaza in Indialantic, Florida. This is the place to be if you are looking for a good time, great drinks, fun company, and good music, all while being served by the beautiful bartender Victoria. There are 15 TVs, games, pool tables, and great food available for the patrons. Victoria, a beachside native, has great experience behind the bar at Monkey Bar, as well as her yearly Bahamas bar gig. Her prior experience in the surf industry makes her beachy vibe really add to the experience. If you find yourself beachside and wanting to have a good time, pop in to see Victoria for a cold one.
What makes you the favorite amongst your peers?
I feel like I can relate to the customers. My mother raised me on classic rock and the oldies. Also, I’m the funny, quirky one who’s always down to have fun.
Where are you from?
Right here in Melbourne Beach, born and raised. I grew up surfing.
How long have you been bartending?
A little over four years. I started because I was in the surf industry and I wanted something I could get creative with and travel around. I have this great gig now where I work in the Bahamas six months outta the year bartending on a private island. I’m able to hone in on the craft side of cocktails now.
What is your greatest pet peeve behind the bar?
Keeping a clean bar. Minimalism is everything. Clapping, snapping or waving to get my attention. I’ll make “nice eye contact” and we’ll connect when I’m able to.
Who’s your favorite type of bar patron?
Definitely the regulars. You can get to know them, talk back and forth and learn about their life. I like making connections.
Do you ever make “connections” for two patrons who don’t know they need each other yet?
I’ve not had the pleasure of being a matchmaker yet. But I’m down to send a drink down the other way.
What would you suggest as a foolproof hangover cure?
Pedialyte! LOTS of Pedialyte, and whatever your comfort food is.
What’s the worst pickup line you’ve heard?
I think it’s the worst when I hear guys say “Hey, come here often?”
Do you play a good bartender or bad bartender? Attitude is everything.
I play a good bartender. *smiles coyly*, but I will play devils advocate and encourage a reluctant shot.
What the strangest thing that’s happened in your bar?
It wasn’t here, but this one time… I was at a bar with some of my friends, these two girls were doing body shots on the bar and announced if the guys take off their shirts they’d do body shots off them. EVERYMAN IN THE BAR took their shirts off and the girls drinketh from all the bellybuttons.
What’s your cocktail of choice?
I love a good craft beer and a nice glass of wine, but If I had to pick a cocktail, it would be a good Old Fashioned.
If you could bartend for any one celebrity, who would it be?
Prince, for sure. Because everything would be so extravagant and the music would be great! RIP Prince.
*Photos by @mistibluday
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