With an expression true to his surname, bartender Sterling Smiley happily slings drinks at Lucharitos restaurant on Main St. in Greenport.
Originally from Winston, North Carolina, Smiley made his way to the harborfront village because his family calls it home. He enjoys becoming friends with his customers because in a small village like Greenport, he sees the same faces over and over again.
“I love being able to work here. I’m able to meet new people everyday while bartending,” he said. “I like to see them leave with a smile.”
That and watching local women have a blast while belting out karaoke tunes like at last Tuesday’s Ladies Night.
The taqueria and bar is well known for its freshly made margaritas, and Smiley, who squeezes the limes needed to make them, said they are his favorite drink to mix.
But his personal favorite cocktail? “Irish coffee, totally,” he said, adding that he makes it with just some Bailey’s and cream.
“We have a very fun and friendly bartending crew here at Lucharitos,” said Lucharitos owner Marc LaMaina, who went from selling cupcakes to tacos after hurricane Sandy damaged the Main St. establishment in 2012.
Smiley agrees.
“It is an ideal place to work, it doesn’t get too hectic and it has a calm and mellow feel to it,” Mr. Smiley said.
Visit him behind the bar at Lucharitos, 119 Main St., Greenport.
