PAULA VRAKAS
Bartender, 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. Paula Vrakas started working at the 710 Beach Club in October and quickly rose through the ranks to her current bartender position. Originally hailing from Milwaukee, where she bartended for five years, Vrakas moved to Pacific Beach in the fall and quickly began establishing herself in the service industry. With a friendly midwestern personality (and accent to match) Vrakas’ customers are left feeling happy and cared for. This makes her a natural fit behind the bar. “I’m pretty fortunate to have gotten a bartending gig in Pacific Beach so soon after moving here. I try to make sure that I’m friendly, upbeat and outgoing. I try to talk to people about anything — whether it be politics, sports or religion.” Vrakas said she enjoys the vibe at 710. “I love the atmosphere, the live music, the beach scene and the fact we’re so close to the water. I work mostly days, so I have a little bit more time to talk to people because it’s a little bit less fast-paced.” Vrakas said growing up in a restaurant her father owned has defined her service skills. “Being in the industry, I think it’s a prerequisite to be able to talk comfortably with people. It’s in my blood to be in the service industry. I was raised in it. I think laughter is No. 1 to be a bartender you have to be able to joke around with and have fun doing your job.” Vrakas’ drink specialty is a bloody Mary. “I like to think of myself as a bloody Mary connoisseur. I make them simple but delicious.”