Getting the feel for the vibe (and the food) at The Social Lounge with Moira Larkin
How long have you been with The Social Lounge? I’ve only been here about six months—I started last October.
So is bartending a new gig for you? No, I took some wine and mixology classes a while back thinking it would be fun. I started at 18, I’m 24 now, and I haven’t stopped. I just love it.
Do you have a specific shift? I work two day shifts and two to three nights a week, which is cool because I get to see it all. I get to cover the lunch crowd and then through the dinner hour and then the nighttime crowd. It’s very cool to see that range of people.
What do you particularly like about Social? Well, the food is just phenomenal. I always knew about the bar scene and the nightlife and the music and all that, but I never realized until I started working there just how great the food is. It’s a hidden treasure that I think more people should know about.
And what’s your favorite menu item? I love our nachos, but entrée-wise, I’d have to go with the andouille meatloaf. It’s really good, served with our homemade mashed potatoes, andouille gravy, and our cornbread, which is also homemade.
Okay, well I’m hungry now. I’d imagine you get a business crowd for lunch, and then it switches over the later it gets in the day? Yes, definitely more a business crowd at lunch, then more of the same at happy hour, and then couples— and some families—come in at dinner. Then the bar scene later.
Do you have a favorite night to work? Thursday nights. It’s our Jazz Night, and it’s really cool, because it’s got a whole different vibe, the atmosphere is really special. It’s like seeing the place in an entirely different light.
How many nights a week is there live music? Six nights a week. I think it’s just the go-to place in town for music. All of our bands are local, and the music ranges from reggae to jazz to blues and cover bands. It’s really everything.
What do you like to order when you go out? I usually order a cocktail, something like a Cosmo. I like to see how other people make it, compared to the way I do. It’s usually not as good, but… good to check out. Being in this industry, it’s hard for me to go out and really relax. You’re always sizing things up compared to the way it’s done where you are.
I guess your job is social enough, no pun intended. Yes! When I’m off, I’d really rather do something low-key. I see everyone while I’m at work, and it’s almost like I’m out as well. And that’s the best part of the job—it’s all the people, both the ones who come in and the ones I work with.
Is this your only job? No, I also waitress at Market Street Grille. Which is pretty hilarious because I’ll be making people drinks all night, then they come in there for breakfast and hate me in the morning.
Photo: Andrew Hutchins Interview: Kate Chadwick
