Darrin Langley of The Thirsty Lizard

By Paddy McDrinksey

Article Category: Bartender of the Month

As partial as I am to my old tried-and-true haunts, I always get a thrill out of discovering new watering holes and barkeeps.

They take me back to that first sip of sweet elixir I enjoyed in my youth and that wonderful sense of newness and discovery. Back in old Killkilly, it was the practice for every infant to down a small nip of whiskey every day until they got their sea legs beneath them. I remember it like it was yesterday, but my legs feel like it’s been 45 years…

Imagine the look of extreme pleasure that brightened me gob when I heard that a new bar — the Thirsty Lizard — had just opened on the site of the old Declan’s in Satellite Beach. Even more wonderful was the kindly attentiveness proffered by bottle-handler Darrin Langley, one of the most highly-skilled and easy going tapsters we’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. Originally from Dayton, OH, Darrin has lived in the area for 2-1/2 years, and when he’s not working, he loves to surf and fish for pompano with cut clams.

Though he’s only been bartending since his relocation to Brevard, he settles into the task as if to the manner born.

I’ll have another one please, Darrin — and have one for yerself on us.

fWhat’s the best thing about bartending?
Interacting with everyone and hearing their stories — no matter how embellished the tales are!

What’s your least favorite part of the job?
Serving people who don’t know what they want — undecided drinkers.

What quality do you most admire in a customer?
Politeness. It’s simple, but a trait that seems to have been lost. For instance, I get a lot of bar-knockers and people who want to yell out their drinks.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve witnessed whilst tending bar?
I found a kitten in here a few weeks ago behind a table. One of the patrons took it home with him.

What’s the weirdest concoction you’ve ever been asked to make?
Some guy at the end of the night wanted the five strongest alcohols put together, and he drank it with no problem… It was Wild turkey, tequila, Bombay Sapphire, and a few more…

Where do you like to sit on the other side of the bar?
I’m usually parked here at the Golden Tee (it’s video crack) or the touchscreen.

Did you have a New Year’s resolution?
Yes, to quit smoking — and it didn’t work out so well.

If you owned your own bar, what would you call it and what would it be like?
I’d call it “Darrin’s” and we would play punk rock.  It would be located beachside or maybe in Cincinnati.

If you could serve any celebrity, living or dead, whom would it be and what would you serve them?
Hunter S. Thompson. I heard he liked Singapore Slings.

Where is your dream destination?
New Zealand or maybe England/Europe for a football fight. Or the World Cup in South Africa…

Any parting words of wisdom?
“Don’t ask what it is, just shut up and drink it.”

The Thirsty Lizard is located at 1132 Hwy. A1A in Satellite Beach. Formerly Declan’s Pub, the Lizard — home of the $1.50 PBR tall boys — is now under new ownership, and features Happy Hour 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and lasts all day on Sunday and Monday with $2 wells and domestics. Every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday sees Ladies Night (with 2-4-1 wells, drafts, and wine) from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Every Monday night is S.I.N. night with $1 PBRs and $2 shots, and every Tuesday sees live music or a DJ spinning tunes. Each Wednesday hosts Open Mic and each Thursday features bingo with an attitude, a raffle, and loads of prizes. The smoking friendly Lizard is open every day from Noon to 2 a.m., and has a pool table, jukebox, ATM, and Golden Tee. Join them for their Super Bowl Party on February 7 and check this issue’s calendar section for their live music lineup, which goes down every Friday and Saturday night.