Alexander Pabon aka Panda is the cutest bear in Astoria!
Bar(s) that I work at: Albatross & Icon
How long I’ve worked there: 3 and a half years
What are my shifts: So my nights at the bars are Wednesday nights at Icon for our weekly underwear party with rotating hosts Roxie Chanel & Vampy Von Thickums Galore. Then Fridays for the “We The People” Party hosted by our Queen Harriet Tugsmen at Albatross. And lastly, Saturday nights with rotating 7pm shows by Koko Momo, Candy Samples, Mx. LeStrange, and Mercy Be along with the 10pm “Night Cap” party by Suddenly Audrey (also at Albatross). Oh! And every 3rd Thursday of the month I’m at Albatross for the BEEF Party hosted by the one and only Lacy Stoner.
What makes this bar great: Every bar has its cons, right? But working at these two specific bars just feels like home. They feel safe and very welcoming, and they’re always a great ass time! Some of my chosen families came from here; they all inspired me in many different amazing ways. Astoria’s queer community overall is so wholesome!
Best drink I make: I make a good pineapple / berri cosmo, espresso martinis, and a strong mixed drink 😉 Oh and during the holidays, I make bomb home made coquitos too!
I love it when customers: are enjoying their time, whether it’s with people around them or just themselves. I do my best to keep the vibe and energy positive while bartending. It truly makes me happy when customers are happy and having fun, especially with this crazy world we live in.
I hate it when customers: I truly dislike when customers get too comfortable… especially new customers. Oh, and I really dislike when people come in with bad energy or drama. Like, why come in and kill everyone else’s vibe? RUDE.
Craziest thing I’ve seen here: Oh my god, every so often at Lacy Stoner’s BEEF party… let’s just say there’s a contest with whipped cream and peaches involved, and when I say peaches I mean ASS! Go follow her IG page.
Other places I’ve worked: Believe it or not but I did work at Mickey Spillanes, DBL, and Mr.Biggs for about a year back 2020 during Covid. It was my first industry bar job, which was such an experience… and it definitely gave me a stronger backbone. I don’t regret working there, either.
My hometown: Born in Guayama, Puerto Rico; raised in Providence & Cranston, Rhode Island (I know, who would’ve thought Rhode Island, aha!). I’ve been living in NYC for 14 years now and counting ❤
Stuff I do when I’m not bartending: From time to time I do perform in drag–her name’s Scarlett. Follow my IG to find out when my next pop up will be! I do also love traveling, so you’ll definitely see me having random mini-trips either by myself or with friends, or my partner. I am a foodie, so I do enjoy trying new spots to eat and drink when I’m not at work.
Single or Taken: I am happily taken ❤
Who/what turns me on: Kindness, Humor, pizza, and money!
Favorite music: Reggaeton, Brazil Funk, old school dancehall ®gae, R&B, Afro House, Jersey club, trance, dance and etc.
Favorite movie or TV show: Don’t really have a favorite movie but I do love anything comedic and/or Horror. My current Fav TV show is Abbott Elementary and Interview with the Vampire, .Also, my guilty pleasure is watching Baddies on the Zeus Network.
Favorite drag queen: All of my Astoria queens & kings. They all inspired me in so many different ways, I really feel honored being part of the family.
Favorite gogo boy: One of my favs is Ed Charm–such a hard worker and a sweetheart and great performer!
Favorite DJ: Dos Flakos–I love their mixes and music they created. Hope to be as good as them one day.
Other stuff you need to know about me: You can see my facial expressions from a mile away, and I can move my eyebrows individually
Follow me on: Instagram
Tip me at: Venmo & CashApp. Or you can just visit me at Albatross or Icon and tip me in cash!
