Victoria- How long have you worked at Elysian Cafe?

James- Started January so…almost 7 months now

VH- What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen working behind the bar?
James- A Kardashian came in a few times. Kimmy. She was with [Kris] Humphries. I was a little star struck. I only work days so I don’t see anything too crazy.

VH- What’s your favorite part of working at Elysian Cafe?
James- I like the people I work with.

VH- What’s the biggest tip you’ve ever received?
James- Fifty bucks probably- this guy handed me a fifty.

VH- What’s the smallest tip you’ve ever received?
James- Nothing- zero dollars. That’s from people who just get a couple beers and then leave. We don’t get too many young people though, so most people have money.

VH- Have you ever served a celebrity or seen one at the bar (besides Kim Kardashian)?
James- Kimmy K. Avery Johnson, the coach for the Nets. Terry Collins. Giants players come in sometimes- Eli Manning.

VH- What kind of music do you listen to at work?
James- Oldies but goodies. This is the Rolling Stones.

VH- What’s the best tip you can give someone to earn a buyback?
James- I dunno. Have a good time. People who look like they’re having fun see, like they’ll enjoy it more than people just sitting there.

VH- Any crazy customer stories?
James- Just regular guys who come in all the time. The mailman comes in everyday and has 2 cups of coffee. (Sounds pretty crazy…)

VH- What are the pros and cons to working at a bar in Hoboken?
James- It’s pretty good money. And it’s fun. The hours kinda suck sometimes.

VH- Know any good bar tricks?
James- Not really. *Turns to manager and asks him*
Manager- We have good absynth here. It’s a pretty classic bar. It was built in 1895 and is the oldest continually opened bar in Hoboken, except for Prohibition when it was an ice cream shop. The scene from the movie Sleepers where Kevin Bacon is shot was filmed here. It’s been renovated but almost everything is original and restored. We still have the separate entrance for women, from when men and women couldn’t be in the same part of the bar.

VH- What’s your favorite sports team?
James- Sports team? What’s that got to do with anything?
VH- Good question…
James- I like Philly teams. I guess the Phillies right now.

The Bokenology highlights bartenders, waitresses, and owners in the Hoboken bar scene. In weeks to come, Bokenology will bring more diversity with regards to local establishments and introduce you to more people in town. If you would like to be featured, please contact editorial@hmag.com