I began January with a brief visit to Navarre Beach, and during one of the nights I spent there, I visited the remarkable LGBTQ+ bar in Pensacola known as The Roundup. I cannot express enough positive things about this bar and its staff. The hospitality extended by everyone, from the security personnel at the entrance to the owners, was exceptional. I was particularly impressed by the bartenders on duty that evening, which coincidentally was their Mardi Gras Party.
One of the lively and engaging bartenders that night was Daniel Davis. I can easily identify a Louisiana native in the crowd. Originally hailing from Shreveport, Daniel relocated to Pensacola right after completing high school in December 2014. He remarked, “there is nothing quite like Pensacola. I needed some independence and stumbled across this wonderful city.”
If you have yet to visit, Pensacola is a fantastic destination, and The Roundup stands out as a beacon in the local Gay community. Daniel has been employed there since July 2024, but he has been part of the service industry since graduating high school. It is always evident when someone has experience in the hospitality sector; their demeanor showcases a solid customer service foundation. Bartending, in particular, epitomizes the customer service profession. If you disagree, try serving someone a poorly made drink and listen to their complaints.
When discussing cocktails, it is evident that Daniel possesses exceptional bartending skills. He is adept at crafting an outstanding drink with remarkable efficiency. Although he has not developed a wide variety of shots, he does have a particular favorite that he enjoys. A popular choice among customers is the Blueberry Kamikaze, which consists of 1 oz of Stoli Blueberry vodka, 1 oz of triple sec, a splash of sour mix shaken together, and a dash of Sprite on top. This combination results in a delightful, vibrant, and sweet shot. I can personally vouch for the flavor and strength of this beverage, as I may have indulged in one or three of them that evening. Additionally, his blue creation is among his preferred shots during his time off, alongside Captain & Coke and a Tullemore Dew with a pickleback.
Daniel’s outgoing personality contributes to his popularity at the bar. He candidly states, “I believe my greatest asset behind the bar is my personable nature. In a bar like ours, it is crucial to cultivate meaningful relationships with our patrons. Naturally, being quick with a smile and a clever retort is beneficial during busy nights.”
I inquired about the most outrageous or amusing experience he has encountered while working at The Roundup, and he playfully responded, “I would share, but this isn’t that type of magazine.” Has he had the pleasure of meeting the staff at Ambush???
As a patron, I recognize the widespread appeal of The Roundup, yet I was particularly impressed by Daniel’s response when I inquired about his experience working at the bar. “I truly enjoy my role at The Roundup; it has always been my favorite bar. It was the first bar I ever visited, and it left a remarkable first impression on me. I love my job and the overall atmosphere we foster within our community. We maintain a familial vibe where everyone feels accepted and welcomed! I owe much of my current success to our daytime bartender, Lynn, who has taught me nearly everything I know about bartending.”
One question I frequently ask bartenders during interviews is about their pet peeves regarding bar customers, a topic I am particularly passionate about. Daniel has two: (1) patrons should return their glasses to the bar when finished, and (2) they should refrain from shouting for their bartenders; rest assured, they are aware of your presence.
A distinctive aspect of Daniel’s life is that he has 16 siblings with whom he maintains a close relationship, speaking to them weekly. He places a high value on family. I believe that having such a large family has equipped him with the skills necessary to manage large crowds and diverse personalities at the bar.
You can find Daniel at The Roundup on Mondays from 8 PM to 3 AM (game night begins at 8), Thursdays from 9 PM to 3 AM, Saturdays from 8 PM to 3 AM (they host rotating events each Saturday, but my personal favorite is Sin Night on the second Saturday of every month, featuring Levi, leather, and pups!), and Sundays from 9 PM to 3 AM. The Roundup is situated at 560 E Heinberg Street in Pensacola, Florida.
