Lisa Norelli is head bartender at Moe's Alley.

Moe’s Alley doesn’t look like much from the outside. The light blue-colored building blends into the commercial district it occupies, as if it were another furniture store or warehouse.

Inside, however, Moe’s Alley is dominated by two things: the stage where an amazing variety of live music plays most nights and the gleaming bar that runs against one wall.

Behind the bar is the territory of Lisa Norelli, the head bartender. Raised in Marin County, Norelli moved here at a friend’s suggestion almost a decade ago. She agreed to an interview with Weekend Santa Cruz.

How long have you worked at Moe’s Alley? About four years.

Have you bartended anywhere else? I worked at Clouds Downtown for five years and learned to make a mean martini.

Where did you learn to bartend? At a bar and grill in Sonoma called Traxx.

What is the most requested drink? We serve a lot of draft beer at Moe’s. Sierra Nevada is popular.

Your favorite drink? My new favorite is a margarita we call the “Nectar Rita.” It is made with an organic tequila called Partida, fresh lime juice and agave nectar. Yum!

What’s your biggest pet peeve with bar-goers? Be patient, people! I wish everyone had a little experience in the service industry so they would understand how stressful it can be.

What do you like most about bartending? I am lucky to bartend at Moe’s because I see amazing live music every night.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen happen at your bar? The dancers can get pretty crazy!

What do you like to do when you’re not bartending? Lift weights, golf, make art.

Strangest drink you’ve ever mixed? Tequila and coke, but maybe I shouldn’t knock it ’til I try it.

What’s your favorite thing to eat at a bar? At Moe’s we have India Clay Oven serve food on our patio. The samosas are to die for!

Regular who always makes you smile? We have one group of faithful happy hour regulars who I can always count on for a good laugh!

Being a bartender has taught me…. How to multitask.

Most people don’t know that I….. Brew beer!

Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. (831) 479-1854. MAP