Bud and Alley ’ s rooftop bar is a go-to spot for locals looking to unwind and tourists with unfilled time spooling out before them . And for more than 23 years , bartender Mo Mosely has been welcoming familiar faces and remembering favorite cocktails .
He scribbles names and times on a chalkboard as tables begin to fill in anticipation of sunset . These “ best guesses ” are a fun , daily tradition . When the sun dips into the watery horizon , Mo , or another bartender , rings a cast-iron bell from an 1888 steam train . Guess when the bell rings , win a free drink ; guess wrong , and enjoy the spectacular sunset . There are no losers .
Back before Scenic 30A was the bustling , year-round destination that it is today , Bud and Alley ’ s was the only bar on 30A open late into the night . At midnight , tired staff from The Red Bar would climb the steps to the bar , unraveling the day ’ s craziness to anyone who dared listen . On those busy summer nights , hidden behind folks standing three deep in front of the bar was Mo — weaving and pouring , eyebrows raised , a slight nod to let you know he saw you , knows what you want , and it ’ s in his mental queue .
“ Bartending feels like being on a stage ,” he said . “ Behind the bar , I ’ m extroverted , but in front of the bar , I ’ m quiet and will just sit there .” Around 2001 , customers began calling his popular margaritas “ Mo-garitas ,” and the moniker stuck .
“ Everyone thinks it ’ s special when I make it ,” he said . “ I don ’ t know why . It ’ s a really simple drink ,” he said , shrugging his shoulders from behind the bar . “ But people swear it tastes different when other bartenders make it .”
Nowadays , the Tarpon Club is larger , with new porches and expanded bar space . It looks fancier and feels less like a surf bar . But among the changes , a few things remain constant — Mo behind the bar , the sunset bell ( although now with an electric ringer ), attentive service , good food , gorgeous Gulf views , and cold drinks with a kick .
After 23 years and all those faces , you ’ d think it might be difficult for Mo to pick a favorite memory , but it ’ s not . His eyes light up as he recalls two of his favorite moments — and both involve sports greats .
“ I got to watch the Braves win the World Series with Ron Grant ! He was sitting at the bar , and we had it on the TV . That was pretty incredible . And Jerry Jones . I ’ m a big Cowboys fan , but I never try to engage him . I remember one time he was up here , and he got to talking to this guy about the guy ’ s son , who is autistic . They were talking about the type of physical therapy the son was getting . So Jerry goes and gets a piece of paper and writes out this full-page thing so the kid can go and use the Cowboy ’ s training facility for whatever he needs . I mean , it ’ s incredible to me that I get to see people do extraordinary things like that .”
When asked if he ever thinks about retiring , Mo frowned and shook his head . “ Everyone always wants to know when I ’ m going to retire . I ’ m not ! Why would I give this up ?” he asked , gesturing out to the brilliant blue Gulf waters in front of him .
MO-GARITA
FOR MO ’ S FAMOUS MARGARITA : 1 1 / 4 oz . of Patron 1 / 2 oz . Grand Marnier 1 / 2 oz . Rose ’ s lime juice 2 oz . sour mix ( or lemon / lime juice ) A splash of orange juice And a little shaky , shaky Coarse salt , optional Lime wedge , optional
DIRECTIONS : If you prefer a margarita with salt , run the lime wedge around the rim of the glass and then dip it into coarse salt . Add ice to the glass .
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker and give it a good shake ( or add to a glass and stir ). Pour over ice , garnish with the lime wedge , and imagine you ’ re in Seaside staring at the Gulf .
Mo Mosley Local Profile Beach L i fe 105