Cancun Cantina And Bamboo Bernie's: Where Every Day Is A Weekend

By Rochelle Karina

When it comes to Bamboo Bernie’s and Cancun Cantina, Bernie’s General Manager Troy Plauger says, “We got lucky!” The two locations are part of a larger group of similar venues, but they haven’t lost their local feel. Plauger points out the locations have always been locally owned, and now it’s no different with Pasadena resident Troy Toskov at the helm. Toskov was a newcomer to the world of running a bar when he opened Cancun Cantina 18 years ago. Plauger is a local product as well, “a born and raised Riviera Beach river rat!”

Locals know what to expect at the popular venues: great entertainment, a fun atmosphere and good food. It may come as a surprise to newcomers, but the local bars are also very popular restaurants. Bamboo Bernie’s often play host to business meetings, including PBA After Hours Business Mixers.

“We stay in touch with the community,” explains Plauger. “The annual Burn Ride is our biggest charity event every year.” The Maryland Burn Ride benefits the Mid-Atlantic Burn Camp and includes a stop at Bamboo Bernie’s as well as sister-clubs Reckless Ric’s and Red Eye’s Dock Bar, finally ending at Cancun Cantina. This year, over 2,000 riders raised in excess of $80,000 for burn victims. “We also do the Jenkins Memorial Church Golf Tournament,” Plauger continued. “We donate gift cards to schools for fundraisers; anything that has to do with the community, we try to help out a little bit.”

Looking ahead, Plauger says, “We’ll keep going the direction we’re going. We want a bigger Burn Ride, to be more active in the community and we’re going to be here for years to come.” Plauger is a familiar sight at the annual PBA Caring and Sharing Parade, though he may be hard to recognize. “I’m usually dressed up as some character,” he laughs.

“I grew up around here,” Plauger explains. “It’s a running joke with friends, once you’re from the ‘Dena, you’re from the ‘Dena. Folks want to stay local. This is its own little place where everyone knows everyone. Pasadena is a tight-knit community. I enjoy the camaraderie. There’s a small town feeling, maybe a little throwback, but it’s absolutely fantastic.”

One look at either website and it quickly becomes apparent why the venues are so successful. There is never a dull moment, with concerts, food and drink deals and special events dotting nearly every day of the calendar. With active Facebook pages, Twitter feeds and easy-to-navigate websites, getting info about the goings on is just a click away.

Find them online at www.cancuncantina.com or www.bambooberniesusa.com.