I’m going to put my vote in for Eric at the Deluxe for the best bartender on the Hill. He was on hiatus for a while, but, to my delight, came back about a year ago.
He’s so suave, I can’t get over it. Plus, Eric meets all of my ‘good bartender qualifications’:
(1) Good bedside manner. I.e. Is sociable. Doesn’t chat you up too much… or too little.
(2) Doesn’t make you feel like you’re ‘not cool enough’. (As experienced in places like The War Room and Faire.)
(3) Has a stiff pour.
Any other contenders?
Roman at the Rosebud.
He’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, he remembers your order when you go back for that next round, he remembers your name when you come back the following night, and he has a very heavy hand when he pours. He’ll mess you up, but not let you get into trouble.
Will at Sun Liquor. He’ll remember your name (and drink) after one visit. He’s super friendly and charming and crazy smart. Erik at Sun is also great though.
Cam at Artemis (formerly at Blue Bottle). He is a cocktail wizard, he’s friendly, and he can chat knowledgeably about World of Warcraft.
Let’s make these tenders and their places of employ nominees for a September CHS event. Any other candidates?
I want to vote for the super friendly (and cute) bartender at Liberty. I forgot his name. But one night last winter I was sitting outside Liberty with my laptop to use their signal and do a quick email while I was waiting for a friend. It was freezing cold. He came outside and insisted I come inside to use their wireless signal and warm up. I expLained I wasn’t getting a drink there and he didn’t care….brought me glass of water and said I should stay there as long as I wanted. I believe he makes good drinks too – maybe others know.