Years ago, a small Sacramento, Kentucky girl came to the great state of Indiana and set new roots in Evansville. But, as they say, you can take the girl out of country but you can’t take the country out of the girl. Tina Winstead, bartender at the Marigold Bar on Weinbach, is passionate about the tavern that has been an Evansville icon for a long time and its patrons. She is immensely proud of the Marigold and has come a long way in her time as a bartender.

N4U: How long have you been bartending at the Marigold?
I have been here for a long time. I’m pretty much a fixture on the wall.

How did you get into bartending?
I used to remodel houses. I started working here part-time then it turned into full-time.

What’s your favorite part about working here?
Where do I start? I love karaoke night. We have some really amazing singers that come in here; I’d say the best in Evansville. Also, I couldn’t ask for a better boss. We are all a family and have a big time.

What drives you nuts?
This guy! (grins) Just kidding…The little things. I hate stupid stuff like when people whistle at me or click their can on the bar. I’m not a dog, and I’m also right here. This bar is small enough you just need to ask me! And gossip, for sure.

Do you drink while you work?
No, I hardly drink at all!

What’s your favorite Marigold plate lunch?
I love the pork chops and the chili. It’s all really good though.

What’s the best tip you’ve ever gotten?
$150… for a little bar like this, I’d say that’s pretty good!

What’s your bartender trick?
I pour my drinks on top of the bar so the customer can see exactly how much they are getting in their drink.

How do you make through a busy night?
It’s all about strategy. I go with the flow and it’s like my feet are magical. They just know where to go! I can handle this bar by myself on a busy night. Just go with the flow.

Do you do anything else besides bartend?
Some nights I do it all. Bartending, serving, bouncing! I’m a hell of a bouncer. Don’t push me around and be ugly. Everyone is here to have a good time, if you are going to be mean, we’ll see you tomorrow! Don’t get me wrong though, I love my customers.

If you could have a drink with anyone who would it be?
I can’t really answer that because there are so many people in my life I would want to have that drink with. There are people who have recently passed on and what I would give to have one last drink with them, but there are also people sitting right in front of me I love being around. But, my drink of choice would be Crown, a White Russian or a good ole’ Bud beer.

**Nominate you favorite bar or restaurant employee for N4U’s BARTENDER OF THE MONTH! Shoot an e-mail to events@news-4u.com or call 812-962-4006, and, be sure to check out the December BOTM-Kim Dennison from Cecil’s Bar & Grill**