Allison DuBois of Casablanca | The Beachside Resident

By: Paddy McDrinksey

Article Category: Bartender of the Month 1 Comment

BARTENDER OF THE MONTH: Allison DuBois of Casablanca

I’ve never understood the fascination with “Casablanca.” It seems to pop up on everyone and their grandmother’s list of favorite films and is always mentioned as one of the most romantic movies of all time.

I just don’t get it. Rick goes out on a limb to save Ilsa and her husband’s lives and best they can do is abandon him to eke out a miserable existence that ends, presumably, with Rick getting a Swiss cheese for a liver. Does romance always have to be so damn depressing? You yanks are a funny lot.

Now Rick’s bar — I think it was Rick’s Café Américain — that in itself was romantic, and I can’t help but swoon each time I enter Cocoa Beach’s Casablanca and espy the lovely Allison DuBois. Inspired in both name and atmosphere by the Bogart/Bergman classic, Casablanca also seems to pop up on everyone and their grandmother’s list of favorite beachside bars — and for good reason. With bartenders like Allison taking the helm, it’s no wonder Casablanca enjoys such wide popularity.

Here’s looking at you, Allison.

How long have been tending bar?

For about four years, but I’ve been in the business since I was 15.

What’s your favorite thing about being behind the bar at Casablanca?

Casablanca is the perfect local watering hole. My customers are as diverse as Cocoa Beach itself.

What’s your least favorite thing about bartending?

Getting everyone out at closing time!

What quality do you admire most in a customer?

Duh! Big tippers! Seriously though, I just love talking to people and interacting with so many different personalities.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve witnessed whilst on the job?

I worked at a sports bar in Tennessee and saw a Volunteer vomit on a table of Georgia fans just to show his team spirit.

What’s the strangest concoction you’ve ever been asked to make?

Just last week I had someone order peppermint schnapps with orange juice. Just think about how bad OJ tastes after you brush your teeth!

Where do you like to sit on the other side of the bar?

When I’m on the other side, which isn’t very often, I like to bar hop in downtown Cocoa Beach. We have over 20 bars, all within walking distance.

If you owned your own bar, what would you call it and what would it be like?

“The Back Aly” — dark and kitschy with lots of live music.

Did you have a New Year’s resolution?

Yes, same one I have every year: to make this year better than the last.

If you could serve any celebrity, alive or dead, who would it be and what would you serve them?

Janis Joplin and Southern Comfort, her favorite.

Where is your dream travel destination?

Anywhere tropical; I’m easy to please.

Any parting words of wisdom?

Casablanca has reopened its outdoor tiki bar and I will be there every Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. My words of wisdom are not to miss out on the great live music we have here every weekend!

Casablanca is located at 231 Minutemen Cswy. in downtown Cocoa Beach. The smoking friendly bar opens at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday and Noon on Sundays. Happy Hour is celebrated every day from opening to 7 p.m. with $1.25 drafts, $2 longnecks, and $2.25 well cocktails. Enjoy a pool table indoors and live music each weekend at their outdoor tiki bar — check our calendar page for details, or call 799-2257.