World Bartender Appreciation Day is today – get to know your local bartender!

by | Feb 24, 2015 | POLITICS

World Bartender Day is upon us and here are a few of our favorite drink slingers from our favorite spots.


World Bartender Day is upon us and here are a few of our favorite drink slingers from our favorite spots.

From weekend rookies to straight up booze hounds, theses are the gatekeepers to your key master that will make or break your night.

Beau 
Starlite, I work all the FK’N time. 

What’s your favorite drink/beer on the menu? I don’t have a favorite drink on the menu cause I don’t ever get a chance to drink here.

What’s your personal drink/beer of choice? I like hot chopin… A lot 

When you’re not working, where would we find you? At Sidewalk or on my couch watching Bravo TV. 

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? Work at a bar long enough and nothing is strange anymore.

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? I tried to answer this but Shannon (the manager) poo-poo’ed all my answers….so I’ll just go with Bonnie Rotten and whatever she wants as long as I can see her boobs.

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? What kinda of FK’N question is that? Boooorrrriiing! I guess I’ll go with ‘The Decline’ by NOFX.

Meghan Worsham
Portrait House and The Cask Cafe

What’s your favorite drink/beer on the menu? Portrait has Stiegl Radler on tap in the summer and we’ll make Stiegl-Ritas. You pour Stiegl over ice and add a shot of tequila! 

The beer menu at Cask changes daily, so my favorite beer that I’ve had was my gateway sour beer, New Holland Blue Sunday. If you haven’t had it, go now, find some and put it in your mouth hole. 

What’s your personal drink / beer of choice? Modelo as a beer buffer between my tequila shots

When you’re not working, where would we find you? If I’m not in class or swamped with school work, I love to shoot pool at Greenleaf… and drink tequila 

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? Shots of warm rail vodka always give me the willies 

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? Who invented tequila? That person and I’d give them a shot of Fernet Branca just to see their reaction. 

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? Semisonic ‘Closing Time’, cause that is my favorite time. Now pay your tab and get outta here!

Katie Carney
My Noodle & Bar on Thursday through Monday

What’s your favorite drink/beer on the menu? We’ve got a solid selection of imports, and I love Singha – it’s a Thai classic, practically a Stella, a nice light lager.

What’s your personal drink/beer of choice? At home I fix Suffering Bastards. Bombay Dry, brandy (I use peach), Angostura bitters, lime juice, and topped with your ginger beer of choice (I use Crabbies).

When you’re not working, where would we find you? Not working? Probably at Harrison St. Cafe or at home watching Chopped.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? Occasionally people order ice in their beers and I give them the raised eyebrow, but I don’t ask questions. But it’s already cold.

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? Probably Kim Novak. I’d give her a double of Maker’s, neat.

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? ‘Lovefool’ by the Cardigans. Or ‘Here I Am’ by Al Green.

Stephanie Cuison
LUNCH/SUPPER on Monday and Thursday nights, Saturday brunch 

What’s your favorite drink/beer on the menu? The Shamen ( Bombay Sapphire, Cruzan Coconut, muddles cucumbers, pineapple juice and coconut juice) 

What’s your personal drink/beer of choice? G & T (gin and tonic)

When you’re not working, where would we find you? Relaxing with my dog at my house.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? Someone once asked me to mix rail vodka and gin with St. Germain and sour mix in a martini glass. It ended up being super tasty, surprisingly!

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? Anthony Bourdain hands down! He would be such an interesting bar guest to talk to and would probably just order a simple beer. My kind of dude! 

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? If I had to pick a song to play on repeat I think it would have to be ‘Family Affair’ by Sly and the Family Stone. 

Jimi Foster
The Daily Kitchen and Bar on Friday through Tuesday

What’s your favorite drink / beer on the menu? My favorite drink on the menu would be the Burning Shrub. I love the smokiness of the mezcal balanced by the raspberry shrub, on any cocktail list I’ll always order the one with mezcal. 

What’s your personal drink / beer of choice? I’ve cut back on beer, as bikini season is right around the corner, but my go to drink is a Negroni. I also keep a bottle of Chartreuse nearby at all times, it’s the thinking man’s Fernet

When you’re not working, where would we find you? If I’m not working I doubt you’ll find me. I spend too much time working on my house and if I’m going to party hard I go out of town. Richmond’s the best city in the world, but it’s too small to make a fool of yourself publicly. 

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? The strangest order happened to me when I had a head full of orders at a bar that was 3 deep. I leaned over to a guy that looked like he’d be easy, real ‘salt of the earth’ type, and he said “What’s the cheapest Bud Light ya’ll got?” In the moment it actually broke me. I lost every order in my head and just said, “Ummm…I guess Bud Light?”

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? Hunter S. Thompson -dead- Corpse Reviver #2

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? R. Kelly – Feelin’ On Yo’ Booty. The refrain at the end gets me every time. He turns the word ‘booty’ into a 5 syllable word. Genius. 

Shannon Hood
Portrait House on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

What’s your favorite drink / beer on the menu? Right now, Falcon Smash from Triple Crossing and my favorite Cocktail is Plum 75, it’s sweet, tart, boozey and bubbly.

What’s your personal drink / beer of choice? Most nights end with a Budweiser and/or shot of Fernet Branca. I am a sucker for The Remington at The Roosevelt. I could drink a pitcher of those.

When you’re not working, where would we find you? When I’m not working… you can probably find me on a couch tangled up in yarn and threads.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? Not much surprises me, people are crazy. It always gets me when someone asks, sincerely, for a shot off of the bar mat.

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? Steve Buscemi. Hands down. I’d make him El Presidente and then ask him to marry me.

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? Dinosaur Jr. “Friends”

Donnie Barrett
Continental Divide on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday

What’s your favorite drink/beer on the menu? Espolon Rep Margarita and Hardywood BB Gingerbread stout

What’s your personal drink/beer of choice? Horse and buggy (shot of tequila and 7oz beer)

When you’re not working, where would we find you? On the couch, adjusting my attitude and catching up on my TV, basically chillin (in the winter) Out and about enjoying Richmond, beach or exercising the rest of the year.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? A Virgin Margarita.

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? George Carlin and the best tequila in the house!

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? ‘Stuck In The Middle With You’ by Stealers Wheel Distention

Michael Derks aka BalSac the Jaws ‘o Death
GWARbar on Tuesdays and Fridays

What’s your favorite drink/beer on the menu? The BalSazerac. It’s our white trash version of a sazerac. We sub Rumplemintz for Absinthe ’cause we’re classy like that.

What’s your personal drink/beer of choice? I drink whatever people buy me.

When you’re not working, where would we find you? At GWARbar, I never leave except when we’re on tour.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? A cranberry vodka. If you don’t want a cranberry flavored vodka, then please learn how to order: it is always liqour first and then mixer, and yes, that goes for vodka red bull too!

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? The wicked witch of the west. I’d serve her water because I’ve never seen anyone melt before.

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? Slayer, ‘Angel of Death’.

Alyssa Argenzio
The Mill on MacArthur, Bandito’s Burrito Lounge

What’s your favorite drink/beer on the menu? At The Mill, The Winter Warmer which is half ginger irish whiskey, half rumchata, all delicious. At Bandito’s, The Paloma Hell. Jalapeno tequila and pink grapefruit is all I need to know.

What’s your personal drink/beer of choice? Flemish Red Ales and Redbull shooters and a French 75 if I’m feeling fancy.

When you’re not working, where would we find you? Preferably sitting at one or in bed or occasionally painting weird cat art.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? A coworker used to ask for what she called “The Cactus Fight”, ingredients are one shot rail bourbon, one shot rail tequila, half a shot each of lime juice and Sriracha hot sauce.

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? Ru Paul, I would love to see her drunk.

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? ‘Love Fool’ by the Cardigans. Once you get into that groove, good luck getting out of it.

Kevin Mandeville
Metro Grill and behind the bar Thursday through Saturday  

What’s your favorite drink/beer on the menu? I’ve become a big fan of the Woodford Double Oaked. It makes a great Manhatten.  

What’s your personal drink/beer of choice? I’m a Guinness and Irish whiskey guy when I’m out.

When you’re not working, where would we find you? Relaxing at home or just trying to make the most of my day off.  

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? I recently had a customer order a margarita w/a Drambuie float. That was a first.  

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? David Ortiz from the Boston Red Sox.  Id like to go shot for shot w/him. I feel like that would be an amazing time.  

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? Snoop Dogg ‘Gin and Juice’.  It always reminds me of my earliest days of drinking and  If you can’t drink to that song and have a good time then I don’t think you belong in my bar.  

Dax Gray
3 Monkeys Bar and Grill on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday

What’s your favorite drink/beer on the menu? The Old Fashion

What’s your personal drink/beer of choice? I love IPAs. Richmond breweries are killing it too. My drink of choice is Sierra Nevada with a shot of Jamieson or Rumple. If I really want to impress you, I will order a PBR.

When you’re not working, where would we find you? When I’m not at work, you can find at SDC (Single Dads of Cats) meet ups.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? Red-rona, you’re a better person if you don’t know what that is.

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? I would love to serve written Hunter S. Thompson. I believe we would have a rather lengthy convo over a bottle of Absinthe.

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? The answer is easy, Rick Astley ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’. 

Kyle Williams
F.W. Sullivan’s, Sam Miller’s/Kai

What’s your favorite drink/beer on the menu? If it’s beer, it’s  Devils Backbone Vienna Lager but nothing like an old Fashion made with a nice Rye Whiskey.

What’s your personal drink/beer of choice? I’m a simple man, I like Jameson neat.

When you’re not working, where would we find you? Trick question! I’m always working. However on those rare evenings off, you’ll find my freely roaming The Fan hopping bar to bar.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? The most recent order that comes to mind was a Dewars and Redbull. Ugh.

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? I think I would have like to serve myself, 20 years from now. We could talk about what we did right and where we went wrong. For a conversation like that, nothing but 21yo Glenlivet Archive will do.

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? ‘Dark Night’ by The Blasters.

Justin M. Ayotte
Saison on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

What’s your favorite drink/beer on the menu? My favorite drink on the menu would have to be the Kingslayer. It is a combination of VA Highland Whisky, Famous Grouse, Linie Aquavit, Cocchi Americano and Campari. 

What’s your personal drink/beer of choice? I am a bitter fanatic. My favorite cocktail is the Negroni. I love the bright bitter orange and floral finish. Switching out the Gin for Rye Whiskey is also a nice way to add another layer to that cocktail.

When you’re not working, where would we find you? When I am not working, I am usually checking out all the new restaurants in the city, with my usual watering holes being Heritage, Dutch and Co., and Greenleaf’s Pool Room

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? I had a request the other night to make a cocktail that utilized Red Bull. I wanted to try to create a Jagerbomb Fizz. I tried to remove some of the carbonation from the Red Bull, added equal parts of Jager into the shaker and cracked an egg. The end result was an insanely fluffy Jagerbomb. The guest loved it. 

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? I would love to serve a classic Daiquiri to Mr. King Cocktail himself, Dale Degroff. The Daiquiri is one of the most enjoyable classics when made with a good Rum, fresh lime juice, and some Demerara simple syrup. Even though I probably would fumble over my words and have shaky hands, it still would be an amazing experience to talk with him about the craft.

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? Local Artist Chance Fischer,’GRANDTOUR’.

Kelly Hughes
The Camel and The Broadberry on Mondays always. Weekends always. Mainly all week, except for Sunday’s. I’m like Chick-Fil-A.

What’s your favorite drink/beer on the menu? Starr Hill’s Red Rooster Coffee Cream Stout.

What’s your personal drink/beer of choice? Bold Rock Virginia Apple.

When you’re not working, where would we find you? Spending time with my family or being a foodie and enjoying RVA’s many delicious restaurants.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? Their dignity back, no refunds.

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? Edgar Allen Poe and I would serve him Absinthe, it’s kind of a given.

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? ‘Shipping off to Boston’ by The Dropkick Murphys.

Sean Paul Rapoza
Balliceaux on Thursday, Friday and Saturday

What’s your favorite drink/beer on the menu? The ridiculous sounding ‘The World was a mess but his hair was perfect’. Essentially a negroni made with cream sherry instead of gin, and bolstered with sea salt and house bitters. Delicious.

What’s your personal drink/beer of choice? A rye whiskey old fashioned. Simple.

When you’re not working, where would we find you? Out running!

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? I’ve had a lot of strange requests over the years — martinis with clam juice, adding simple syrup to red wine, beef broth cocktails — but the one that stands out was a guy who, seeing a glass on the bar, grabbed it, drank the contents, and ate the garnish. He asked for whatever the cocktail was he just had. It was a thistle in a vase.

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? Ernest Hemingway. The man was passionate about being drunk. He would likely dictate a cocktail recipe to me, but otherwise I would serve him the ‘World was a mess’!

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? Notorious B.I.G. ‘Juicy’

Chelsey Marx
En Su Boca on Friday Mornings, Saturday Nights, Sunday Mornings, Tuesday Mornings

What’s your favorite drink/beer on the menu? After a busy shift, I love trying the wide range of tequila we offer. My favorite drink on the menu is our pint-size margarita, on the rocks with a sea salt rim. I usually go for a Reposado by Corralejo or Hussong’s which tastes amazing with our house-made sour mix.

What’s your personal drink/beer of choice? Every Saturday, before I go adventuring around RVA, I will start my day with Blackhand Coffee and order a large, dirty chai latte with almond milk. It’s my little bit of bliss and personal drink of choice.

When you’re not working, where would we find you? On my off days, I am usually running around the different districts in our city. Literally, running. I love celebrating all of the beautiful sights and sounds that fill our neighborhoods. I’ll pop into a restaurant I never heard of, or stop for a moment of peace at the VMFA gardens.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? Recently, Ginny (one of our waitresses) had a table that asked for a margarita on the rocks with Patron XO Cafe. This tequila combines Patron Silver Tequila with coffee. Although we had our doubts, we made the cocktail. To our surprise, it had an interesting taste that kept us wondering and sampling again and again.

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? If I had to serve anyone a drink, living or dead, I would pour my grandmother a glass of cheap brandy (she always kept a growler underneath our kitchen sink) and show her all of the skills in hospitality and compassion that she taught me growing up. That’s what service is, giving the people what they want in an atmosphere of love.

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be?
Nico ‘I’ll Be Your Mirror’ not only sends a good message but is a chill song you can bob your head to and relax. It’s a track that puts me in a place of connected-ness, dissolving the line of separation between bartender and patron to just two human beings, which is where the relationship begins. So yeah, that song, on loop.

Brandon Peck
The Roosevelt on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays
photo by John Murden

What’s your favorite drink/beer on the menu? My favorite cocktail on our menu right now is probably the “Alright Alright” which is a play on one of my favorite classic cocktails called “The Last Word.” It’s made with Vida Mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, pineapple syrup, lime juice and cardamom bitters.

What’s your personal drink/beer of choice? I’m a sucker for a good beer. When I’m just getting off of work, nothing hits the spot like a great IPA. If I’m hanging out with other beer geeks, I’m usually going to town on some sour beers, stouts or saisons. If I’m having a nice dinner or enjoying cocktails, there’s really nothing I love more than a negroni.

When you’re not working, where would we find you? I live two blocks from Patrick Henry Pub, and they usually have a pretty decent taplist, so if I’m feeling social after work but don’t want to leave the neighborhood, there’s a good chance you’ll find me there with a Bell’s Two Hearted Ale in my hand. If I’m going out, more often than not I’m going to Saison for one of their great cocktails or something really cool on draft.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? Back when I was still behind the bar at Ipanema Café I had on numerous occasions people ask me for the grossest shot I could make. I think they ended up with rail gin, half and half and soy sauce. These days, the weirdest thing I’ve been asked for at the Roosevelt has probably been a Blue Motorcycle.

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? I think it would have to be the man, the myth, the legend – “Professor” Jerry Thomas. He’s responsible for some of the earliest history we have in the world of cocktails and the American bar. I’d probably make him a Booker’s Manhattan off of our menu, and then I’d thank him kindly, sit down next to him and ask him to tell me a story.

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? At this very moment, I’m going to have to go with the song ‘Transitions’ by El Ten Eleven but there’s no way I wouldn’t lose my mind if I had to listen to the same song all night long.

Marithe Baclagon
Belly Timber Tavern on Thursday, Friday, Saturday Nights 
GWARBar on Wednesday Nights

What’s your favorite drink/beer on the menu? At BellyTimber, favorite Drink to make (which is not on the menu, but has become a popular location cocktail amongst regulars) Irish Lemonade. My favorite Beer, Bold Rock Virginia Cider. 

At GWARBar, my favorite Drink on menu is the Techno Seductress made with real habanero simple syrup! My favorite beer is the RVA Happy Meal, a real combo for Richmond – PBR + shot of bourbon =$5!

What’s your personal drink/beer of choice? Captain and coke. For beer, I LOVE Wild Blue, a blueberry flavored lager with an ABV of 8%, which makes me sad because I have yet to find a bar that carries it. It’s easy to find in super markets, look for a bulldog kicking a blueberry. 

When you’re not working, where would we find you? When I’m not working, I would be found probably in a my bed taking a nap. I WORK A LOT. Nights that I do end up going out I enjoy going visiting other friends at other bars that I have established close relationships with over the years. Some places I would be found: Belly Timber, GWARBar, Baja Bean, The Magpie, and Sullivans.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? The strangest drink I ever had someone order was an eye opener. I have been doing this for 8 and a half years. A guy walks up to the bar with a girl. The girl orders a dirty vodka martini with blue cheese stuffed olives. The guy orders the same. Later, the guy asked to pour the cocktail in a high ball glass because he was tired of drinking it out of the martini glass. I proceeded to do so, and then he asked me to splash coke on top of the already blue cheese sedimented cocktail. I looked at him and said “You’re joking right?” Looked me dead square in the eyes and said “Nope.”. Gross. Shoulda just asked for a Vodka, Olive Juice, Blue Cheese, and Coke drink. Needless to say…I watched him drink every last drop, and cringed…

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? It would be Will Ferrell. I would serve him a tall cool glass of Budweiser with cheese in the shape of the moon as a garnish. 

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? Waxamillion, ‘I Ain’t Got No Panties On’.

Leah Rae McNamara
Lulus for Saturday & Sunday brunch…. The only time we are open 😉

What’s your favorite drink/beer on the menu? My favorite drink we offer at Lulu’s is our Brazilian Mimosa, they have a funny way of sneaking up on you and giving you that happy bubby buzz. Then of course, finishing up brunch with a good ol’ Mind Eraser.

What’s your personal drink/beer of choice? Any time is a good time for a glass of Bulleit rye served up neat.

When you’re not working, where would we find you? You’re more then likely to find me in my favorite Café, 10 Italian Café sitting in the large window soaking up the sun and enjoying the best cup of coffee or the not so occasional glass of red wine.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? Back when I worked in a country club I had someone who ordered a particularly “interesting”  dish that wasn’t on the menu but was something the chefs were reluctantly obligated to make…. It consisted of hot cakes topped with oysters and doused with butter and gravy and served under a glass cake dish…. I was told it was a “southern thing”.

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? I would love to chat with the original Renaissance man, DaVinci while serving him up a glass of red wine… Reserved Chianti, perhaps!

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? I would more then likely blare ‘What a Wonderful World/Over the Rainbow’ by IZ.

James Menefee
Patrick Henry Pub on Tuesdays Wednesdays and Fridays

What’s your favorite drink / beer on the menu? Ardent Earl Grey Brown Ale when it’s available, Hardywood Pils otherwise.

What’s your personal drink / beer of choice? Yogi Bedtime Tea, Burnt At The Stake from Comfort or a bottle of Pacifico paired with a soft corn taco.

When you’re not working, where would we find you? In my chair reading quietly after a busy bar night with lots of talking, Virginia Historical Society, Libby Hill Park, the practice space or a van headed to play a show.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? Being a witness for divorce paper signing at booth 11

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? Edgar Allan Poe and a glass of amontillado. 

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? ‘Beer for Breakfast’ by The Replacements

Joshua “RVAsian” Le 
The Daily Bar and Kitchen on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday nights
Lady Nawlins on Saturday and Sunday nights

What’s your favorite drink / beer on the menu? I’m not one for fancy drinks to much but I do love the Acai Blueberry Martini at the Daily. It’s delicious, it’s got a great look, and it’s on happy hour.  

What’s your personal drink / beer of choice? I tend to go where my friends are so Sticky Rice and Sidewalk are common stops. Then there are the places I go where because no one knows me…those are secret. I’m also at Golds Gym often cause you gotta stay fit if you’re burning the candle from both ends. 

When you’re not working, where would we find you? When I’m off I like my drinks like I like my sushi, simple. You’ll catch me shooting either Reposado tequila or Jameson with a Coors Light in between to uh…keep the gears oiled. 

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? Strangest thing someone has ordered from me? “Can I get a weak island?” Hahaha I wish I could get that order. 

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? And one song on repeat….Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun. It’s a great pick me up. 

George Harry Amnundsen III
The Sidewalk Cafe on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday

What’s your favorite drink / beer on the menu? Bold Rock

What’s your personal drink / beer of choice? Ginger Crush (crush with gingerale instead of red bull)

When you’re not working, where would we find you? I live in Devil’s Triangle so generally somewhere I can walk and if I venture out of there it’s normally to see my friend and colleague, Dane Acton. 

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? I once had a dude ask me to put a little of every liquor into a shot. That was pretty weird. 

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? Frank Sinatra. Jack on the rocks with a splash of water. 

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? ‘Under the Sea’ by Bobby Darin

Hillary Lynn Hutchison
Weezie’s Kitchen
Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday

What’s your favorite drink / beer on the menu? Currently, the Ardent Dark Rye Stout.

What’s your personal drink / beer of choice? I’ve been on a big hot sake kick recently. I also have started getting into Basque Cider, Urbitarte is my favorite. And I love stouts! I don’t discriminate…

When you’re not working, where would we find you? Juggling time between my double majors at VCU and finding my next travel destination. 

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? “Which of your red wines tastes most like coconut?”

The Red Rye Rodeo, a nod to the local bluegrass trio, Red Light Rodeo. It’s a concoction made with rye whiskey, simple syrup, muddled cherries, orange, homegrown ghost chili peppers, and soda. They play the last Sunday of every month at Weezie’s!

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? Werner Herzog. He seems like he would appreciate a good martini.

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? ‘Hobo Humpin’ Slobo Babe’ by Whale

Marc Price
Bandito’s Burrito Lounge on Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights.

What’s your favorite drink/beer on the menu? We have killer margarita list (ask for it!).

What’s your personal drink/beer of choice? Whisky & craft beer and Old Fashions when I’m trying to be fancy.

When you’re not working, where would we find you? Washington Capitals game, making beer and bar hopping.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? Once had someone order a martini, dirty with pickle juice, blue cheese stuffed olives, with onions – I told them they should just order a salad.

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? Bill Murray, I’d want to go round for round whisky and beers.

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? This is one is tough, how about ‘Kickstart My Heart’ by Motley Crüe? It’s been a last call song for me many times, it’s hilarious.

Lauren DiLisio
The Village Cafe on Friday and Saturday morning bar

What’s your favorite drink/beer on the menu? Aside from almost any cocktail on Saison’s list (Gin & Tonic, Latin Market), I’d have to say my go-to beverage choice is a Jameson, neat. If I’m going the beer route, I always search for some type of sour and since the Anderson Valley Has a couple Gose beers out I’ve been flocking to them!

What’s your personal drink/beer of choice? Personally, I feel like I make a damn good Bloody Mary. Beer-wise, the Bruery’s Tart of Darkness.

When you’re not working, where would we find you? If I’m not at home sleeping off the daily work-grind or having a stiff drink  at the Village after a long shift, I’m probably near home at Can Can sipping scotch, or at Post Bellum ordering one of everything off of their vegan food menu!

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had someone order? A tequila-ranch shooter. Yes, it was a dare. Yes, it was disgusting and yes, I almost threw up watching it happen.

Living or dead – if you could serve any person a drink, who would it be and what would you serve them? I could only dream that Bill Murray, my celebrity crush, would serve ME a shot of tequila when I try to order a beer, and we would link arms enjoy our Espolon together.

If you had to pick one song to play in your bar on repeat, what would it be? Anything on repeat when working behind the bar for a minimum of ten hours sounds like a nightmare; but I will say that I could listen to Modest Mouse, The Black Keys, Patsy Cline, the Cramps and Built To Spill all damn day.

R. Anthony Harris

R. Anthony Harris

In 2005, I created RVA Magazine, and I'm still at the helm as its publisher. From day one, it’s been about pushing the “RVA” identity, celebrating the raw creativity and grit of this city. Along the way, we’ve hosted events, published stacks of issues, and, most importantly, connected with a hell of a lot of remarkable people who make this place what it is. Catch me at @majormajor____




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