BARTENDER Magazine’s 27 for 27: Oscar Simoza

Originally from Venezuela, Oscar Simoza arrived in the United States to visit his brother and found a career behind the bar. He began at a local music venue in Davis Square before moving to a classic basement bar in downtown Boston. In 2022, he joined BiNA Family Hospitality, guiding the beverage programs at a neighborhood joint and an intimate steakhouse while developing the concept at a speakeasy cocktail bar. He later joined BCB3 Hospitality, mentoring beverage teams at a vinyl listening bar, a Japanese concept, and a Korean restaurant, and expanding his work to a Spanish pincho bar and a neighborhood tavern. Oscar’s cocktails balance classic structure with a sense of fun, from spirit-forward steakhouse martinis to imaginative, toy-inspired creations. His work at a speakeasy cocktail bar earned him recognition as a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. His cocktail bar also appeared at No. 86 on the 2026 North America’s 50 Best Bars extended list.