Last call: Sweet success

Lemon Drop drink an apt symbol for Monique Barker's sassy attitude

[ With Jessica Bowman ]

Published: July 2nd, 2008 11:04 PM
Last Modified: July 2nd, 2008 11:04 PM

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There's a phrase that Monique Barker often lobs at her customers at Glacier Brewhouse: "There's no charge for the sass."

It's a saying that helps clients relax in the usually busy atmosphere, but it also captures the bartender's serving style and personality. Petite and closely resembling an Alaska version of Halle Berry, Barker has sass in abundance.

"I like the personality, the one-on-one," Barker said of her gig. "People are happy when they come to see you, and you make them happy."

Sure, the first thing you'll notice about Barker is the pixie-esque, wide smile she flashes under thickly lashed eyes. But there are several ingredients to this cute little cocktail. She's worked the Anchorage bar scene full-time for seven years. She has a concealed weapons permit and is a crack shot. She owns a Yamaha motorcycle -- a big one. And you'd probably lose a bet if you tried guessing her age: She'll turn 46 in September and has daughters that are 21 and 17 years old.

Barker is Alaska-grown: Born in Fairbanks, she moved to Anchorage in the second grade and grew up in the city. After jobs that included banking, office work and her own lawn mowing business, she tried bartending. She attended bartending school and landed at the Hotel Captain Cook.

"I got lucky," Barker said of getting the prime job with no experience.

Barker quickly developed a signature drink: her take on the classic Lemon Drop. She uses freshly squeezed, pulpy lemon juice with simple syrup, vodka and raw sugar lining the rim of the glass. It's clean, smooth and refreshing; and it's Barker, straight up.

Barker is often sweet and sassy, but she can also be tough, especially when customers get too friendly. She's crafted straightforward, no-nonsense responses to help defuse most awkward situations.

When a customer asks for her phone number? "I'll say 'You're going to have to get in line' or 'I'm not that kind of bartender.'?"

When a customer asks for guidance on personal issues or tries to unload? "I'm the bartender, not the priest."

Working at a high-traffic spot like the Glacier Brewhouse, where she's been for the past three years, is right up her alley.

"You look out over a sea of people. ... I like the energy and the feel," she said. "It drives you -- it'll make you crazy, but I love it."

And her customers enjoy what Barker does, too.

"People love to watch you," she said. "Sometimes you don't realize it's a show to people."

She once received a $50 tip from someone who wasn't even sitting at the bar. They had spent the evening observing her skills, then approached with the tip and said, "That's for you. You look like you love your job."

She does.

"Anyone can pour booze in a glass and do it quickly," she said, "(but) you have to have the right qualities."

The ability to make tasty drinks. Commitment. And, of course, a great personality.

"It's your job," she said. "This is what you do."

• Contact nightlife columnist Jessica Bowman at adn.com/contact/jbowman or visit Play's Lush Life blog at play.adn.com/lushlife.

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