If you're a daily ferry commuter from Vallejo, you will probably already recognize Jeff Troughton, one of the bartenders on the Vallejo ferry boats.
Jeff Troughton, who works behind the bar on the Vallejo ferry route, is ready and able to make a mean Moscow Mule for you to enjoy on your way home from work.
By Matt Larson
Published: October, 2016
If you’re a daily ferry commuter from Vallejo, you will probably already recognize Jeff Troughton, one of the bartenders on the Vallejo ferry boats. Though he’s only been at the position since April of this year, he was a barista at Panama Bay Coffee (formerly Panama Red) in the Vallejo Ferry Terminal for more than two years before taking this job, so chances are you’ve at least seen him around.
Troughton has been able to get to know many of his coffee regulars on a much deeper level since taking the job with the ferry. “Now instead of just knowing their coffee drink, I know their bar drink too!” Troughton said with a laugh. “But I love serving people, I like making connections and I like to socialize with people. So on the ferry, especially from Vallejo, there’s a good chance—you’re on the boat for 50 minutes. Who else are you going to talk to?”
As opposed to staying indoors at his previous job—though the Vallejo ferry terminal does lend itself to some impeccable views—not much can compete with actually working out there on the water. “The view is different every day,” said Troughton. “I get to see the sunrise over the city, which is amazing. And seeing the whale the past couple weeks has been pretty awesome.”
When he says he loves serving people, that goes for both his customers and his coworkers. Troughton always looks forward to Friday mornings, when he heads into the Golden Gate Meat Company in the San Francisco Ferry Building to get breakfast sandwiches for himself and his crew. He’s gotten to know the ferry building well during layovers here and there, and he recommends Hog Island Oyster Co., but maybe not for the reasons you’d expect. “They have really good drinks,” said Troughton. Coming from a bartender, that means a lot. He added, “I go for the drinks. I stay for the oysters.”
Troughton’s personal go-to drink is the Moscow Mule (ginger beer, lime and vodka). It’s actually a drink he can make for you on the ferry boat! Though nobody has ever ordered one from him—yet. So far the most common drinks are the standard Jack and Coke, Irish coffee and Bloody Mary (especially during the Giants games). Troughton said that his bar is generally fully stocked (except for blended drinks, as some passengers like their peace and quiet), so Troughton can probably make you whatever you want. Or you could just have him surprise you.
“I really love the job,” he said. And as a born-and-raised Vallejoan, “I love being in Vallejo and working for people who live in Vallejo.” Troughton has prided himself on volunteering in his local community over the years for various causes in Vallejo, and still dabbles with the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum and the Mare Island Historic Park Foundation. He’s also a fan of the architecture in downtown Vallejo, specifically the Empress Theatre and the Temple Art Lofts.
Troughton is currently attending Solano College and finishing up his associate degree in drafting. After that, he hopes to attend Cal Poly to learn more about architectural design, with the goal of eventually landing his dream job as a city planner, designing public plazas and parks and such. But until then, life on the water is working out swimmingly.
“I’ve always been fascinated with boats,” said Troughton. He enjoys shadowing the deckhands when he can to learn more about the trade, and just being there he gets to experience the same luxury of ferry travel as the passengers do. “I enjoy the rides very much,” he said. “I can see why people use the ferries. It’s a much more enjoyable ride than sitting on a loud screeching BART train or sitting in traffic.” And speaking of enjoying things, ask him to make his best Moscow Mule next time you’re on board. Drink up! (But also remember to drive safely or get a ride after your ferry trip.)
