This week’s Bokenology takes us to Cork City, 239 Bloomfield St. (Third and Bloomfield). This cozy pub is known for its large selection of fantastic beer. They are currently pouring 26 beers on tap and serve over 150 bottles of beer – that’s a lot of beer! While other bars search for the perfect cocktail, Cork City prides itself on the perfect pint. They serve everything from IPA’s to ales, to stouts – not to mention seasonal brews. This is a great place to kick back with friends. It has a cozy, intimate environment that attracts locals and dart enthusiasts alike. Part of the appeal is the staff, who know all the regulars by name and make you feel like you are at home. One such bartender is Alice, who as a longtime member of the bar community brings a combination of humor, friendliness, and grace to this establishment.

DS: How long have you worked here?
Alice: Six years.

DS: How long have you worked in Hoboken?
Alice: Way too long! Long enough to not quit smoking! I’ll quit when I don’t have to deal with this anymore!

DS: What is the best part of your job?
Alice: By far, weeding out the jerks. We like to keep it friendly here. The regulars are like family. We don’t want problems. I can’t toss people out myself because I’m very small, but we have very large bouncers!

DS: What is the most life affirming thing you’ve ever witnessed?
Alice: I have witnessed proposals here. Maybe not so life affirming here in a pub! But I witnessed people who met here, so there was a story there.

DS: What is the strangest thing you’ve ever witnessed?
Alice: The other night there was a party here and they were all dressed like nerds. They were actually more stylish than nerdy, but all dressed alike. So I thought it was for a party and my partner says to me, no that’s how they dress!

DS: What is the best drink you make?
Alice: A perfectly poured martini.

DS: On your night off, what do you like to drink?
Alice: Flavored vodka and club. My current favorite is Raspberry. But I also liked the Swedish Fish flavor. It brought me back to going to the candy store and getting Swedish Fish. I don’t drink behind the bar, so I only experience drinks on my night off. I know some bartenders feel differently.

DS: What was the single biggest tip you ever received?
Alice: $150. on one round of drinks. I said to him, ‘I’ll take the $100. because I give good service. But take back the $50.’ But he ended up leaving me the other $50. anyway.

DS: What have you learned on the job?
Alice: This is the age of entitlement and it’s scary how young they are. I have a high tolerance for kids because I have three. But some are rude for no good reason.

DS: What do you do before your shift?
Alice: I go to Starbucks and get a decaf Venti, a slice of marble pound cake and the New York Times.

DS: Do you get to read it all?
Alice: Sometimes, but I usually just go through the top stories.

DS: What advice would you give a 21-year-old going out in Hoboken?
Alice: Stick with your friends, respect your bartender and tip well!

Photos by Krista Kelly.