Bartender Spotlight: Dakota
Dakota
(a.k.a. DK, D)
3 words to describe yourself: determined, compassionate, witty
Quick, skilled, and charming, Dakota (“like the state”) has been slinging drinks here at The Air Conditioned Lounge for almost 6 years strong. What started as him getting pulled behind the bar on a crazy New Year’s Eve at The AC Lounge in 2013, has turned into countless nights of happy crowds and delicious adult beverages for all in our diverse club! If you have ever walked into our eclectic neighborhood dance bar on a crazy busy night, and it was magically being handled by just one bartender, it was probably this San Diego native. Known for flipping bottles with finesse and effortlessly engaging with all of our awesome bar goers, Dakota has earned an incredible group of loyal regulars and satisfied customers throughout his time with us!
Our resident workaholic openly admits that he is one of the few people out there that LOVES getting up and heading to work everyday. Outside of his fun nights at the AC Lounge, Dakota has also sustained a job at the world famous San Diego Zoo for over 13 years. From starting as a young busser and earning his way up to currently managing several food and beverage locations (including the only full service restaurant, Albert’s!) within the zoo, this guy has seen it all! What’s his secret to success? “A consistent desire to learn, and the unwavering resolve to teach”: a motto he coined and has lived by since he was a teen. He’s taken this vision into our bar as well through his active training of our new bartenders, constant improvements of our systems behind the bar, and even contributing to our drink/beer menus with his industry wisdom!
When he’s not working at the zoo or wowing our wonderful guests at The AC Lounge, Dakota enjoys swimming and hitting the snow any chance he gets to snowboard! You can also find him cruising around on his motorcycle; in fact, one time he missed brunch with our AC Lounge family because he crashed into a mountainside and was airlifted out for emergency surgery with a clavicle fracture! First thing he asked when he regained consciousness? “How long until I can go back to work?” CLASSIC Dakota, but seriously, we are SO glad he made a full recovery and is happily back at work with us! Outside of being active and accidently crashing into things, he loves learning and trying anything new. Our humble barkeep even admits he has an undeniable addiction for failure, so he is pretty much up for anything if he can gain some fresh knowledge!
Despite his colorful and unique concoctions that he has created over the years, this self-proclaimed “magician” still prefers to make (and drink!) our house “Real Margarita”. Our wholesome and clean take on San Diego’s favorite cocktail stars just fresh lime juice, organic agave, and smooth Milagro Blanco Tequila. It’s a refreshing, classic, and ridiculously delicious libation that you (and Dakota) can drink ALL day on our beautiful Glampisphere patio and/or ALL night during one of our many epic dance parties.
Even if margs aren’t your thing, Dakota can certainly whip up something you’ll love, GUARANTEED! Whenever you are craving a delicious drink and stellar service with an even better personality, be sure to catch this amazing guy every Thursday night and on House Music Friday every week!