ML: How long have you been at S. Sullivan’s Bar and Grill?
Victoria: 12 years

ML: What’s your favorite part of working at Stinky Sullivan’s?
Victoria: I like that it’s a family business, it’s family-oriented, and a lot of good regulars, everyone talks to everyone! There’s a certain camaraderie here, it doesn’t matter if you’re ugly or hot, people are going to talk to you!

ML: What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen while working behind the bar?
Victoria: I can’t tell you that. I’ve seen a lot of stupid, definitely. - (Secretive, are we?)

ML: What kind of music do you like to listen to while you work?
Victoria: We love all music here, but particularly new wave works best.

ML: What is the biggest tip you’ve ever received?
Victoria: The tab was $10 and the tip was $100.

ML: What’s the smallest tip you’ve ever received?
Victoria: 35 cents. I’m pretty sure I just threw it back and said, “Apparently you need it more than me.”

ML: Ever served a celebrity or seen one at the bar?
Victoria: Out of respect I won’t mention any names.

ML: What’s the best tip you can give someone to earn a buyback?
Victoria: Keep drinkin’. You don’t get one for sitting there and drinking one glass of wine!

ML: How do you deal with downtime when it’s slow?
Victoria: I clean or I pace.

ML: Any crazy customer stories?
Victoria: (holds fingers in her ears to concentrate) There are too many, a lot of ‘crazy’ happens here, and I’ve been here for 12 years so you can imagine. Two stick out in my mind though. One time I was standing behind the bar and this guy comes in, sits down, and says, “What do you got?” I was standing in front of a full bar! The only thing I could do was spread out my arms and say, “All this!” Another time a different customer came in, I had only been here for three days at that point, and he asks me for a French martini. I said, “Sure, what’s in it?” and he says, “I don’t know.” How do you not know? Once I went home and figured out what it was, I realized I had been standing in front of all of the ingredients, and he still couldn’t figure it out. I just don’t understand people sometimes.

ML: What are the pros and cons to working at a bar in Hoboken?
Victoria: The parking is definitely a con, and I would say my bosses are the pro; I like working here.

ML: Know any good bar tricks?
Victoria: I won’t give ‘em up, they’re Victoria’s Secrets!

ML: What’s your favorite sports team?
Victoria: I’m not really into sports but I do like the Yankees!

ML: Any advice for would-be customers?
Victoria: Be nice to your wait staff, it goes a long way!

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