Cobra is an Asian-American Neighborhood bar in the historic Brewery District of Columbus, Ohio. Cobra’s bar program is run by co-owners Alex Chien, David Yee, and Head Bartender Kayla LeRoy. Cobra focuses on Asian-American influences on both food and beverage in a laid-back relaxed atmosphere. Open from 4pm-2am Wednesday-Monday.
While the Royal Blue is a relative newcomer to the Station North Arts district, it gives off the patina of a worn in, well-loved neighborhood mainstay. The mural behind the bar, a relic from the building’s previous beloved tenant (one of the original safe spaces for Baltimore’s queer scene), illustrates old bar regulars. Bartenders serve up 70s-inspired cocktails such as the “Debbie Does Dallas” across a bar top decked out in old punk concert bills from the late Charm City Arts venue. Slam a worth-the-hype smash burger before the sun goes down, when the dance floor fills up under the glitter of the disco ball. Grab a table early on Wednesday nights for a raucous round of bingo. While owners Randy Coffren, Rich Pugh and Jimmy Crawford, veterans of Baltimore’s bar scene, don’t take themselves too seriously, there’s nothing trivial about the well-curated vibe of Royal Blue. Whether you’re looking for a casually delicious dinner, somewhere hip to take out of towners, or a packed dance floor to sweat out the week, the Royal Blue encapsulates the synergy of Baltimore’s grit and talent in an effortless way.
Luis Miguel Cardona has spent more than a decade mastering the art of mixology and crafting world-class bar programs.
Born and raised in Colombia, Cardona cut his teeth at ALQUÍMICO, the country’s iconic cocktail bar that’s been crowned South America’s best three years running and is currently ranked #9 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. During his three years as Head Bartender, Cardona developed a distinctive style, blending innovation with authenticity, laying the groundwork for a dynamic career in the drinks world.
Cardona then took on a bartending role at El Barón – a convivial Cartagena hotspot blending modern classics with progressive signatures, all with a sustainable focus. Here, his passion for exploring new flavors and cocktail-making techniques grew. This continued when he returned to his hometown of Antioquia to lead the bar team at Grupo Sin Mente, where he redefined the local scene’s cocktail culture.
Cardona moved to Mexico City three years ago to join the founding team at Rayo. Now, as Head Bartender, he brings his extensive knowledge of local agave-based spirits, such as pox, tuxca, and charanda, incorporating them into crafting cocktails that honor the culture and history of Mexico.
Nestled on the second floor of a historic building that once housed the Avenue Downey movie theater of the 1950s, Kuduowl emerges as a sanctuary of craft cocktails and culinary delight. Born from a vivid dream, the name Kuduowl embodies the spirit of a mythical guardian—majestic and profound—reflecting Global Cocktail Creative, Bad Birdy’s, personal journey and passion for hospitality. This enchanting creature symbolizes not only the essence of our bar but also the commitment to creating a unique experience for every guest who walks through our doors.
Kuduowl is more than just a bar; it is a vibrant tapestry woven from years of dedication to hospitality. Our high-volume craft cocktail bar features an exquisite selection of signature drinks accompanied by a carefully curated tapas menu, inviting patrons to indulge in a sensory adventure. We share our space with Avenue Pizza and Mandala bar, creating a dynamic atmosphere that resonates with the heartbeat of our community.
At Kuduowl, we believe in empowering our team. Built by bartenders, for bartenders, our mission extends beyond serving exceptional drinks. As we expand, we envision a future where our staff can share in our success through profit-sharing and leadership opportunities across multiple locations. We strive to cultivate an environment where our team can thrive—the same opportunities we yearned for in our formative years as bartenders.
The 2024 Winner of the Marriott International Masters of the Craft Competition is Heidi Finley! Heidi is originally from Key West Florida and has been bartending and creating cocktails for over 20 years. She works at the Ritz Carlton Sarasota as the lead bartender, and has happily been part of the Marriott family for over 20 years. She is making menus where guests feel like they have been transported to a different place with interesting ingredients and sometimes making my own vessels and contraptions to deliver her cocktails. The other part of her heart belongs to animal rescue and also enjoy the outdoors. Her aspirations are to one day open My Happy Place Cocktails with her business partner and daughters while she continues with Marriott. At Marriott she wants to continue creating the most amazing cocktail menus and training the new teams as they continue to expand and reimagine new hotels and outlets within the company.
Awards: 2024 Winner, Master of the Craft, Marriot International
Heidi painted the side of glass with agave lining it with little micro flowers, skewered a cut out red pepper heart to lay on the judges palate before the first sip, which also represents her love for the craft, with a finally “Heidi cocktail” a 3D gold printed MC that clung to the side of the glass for Master of the Craft.
FEATURED BARTENDER SEPTEMBER 2024: Tony Arnone The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails in Las Vegas, NV
Tony Arnone has risen through the hospitality industry from humble beginnings, starting his career as a dishwasher at Cheddar’s in his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. While working there, Tony would crack jokes with the owner, and his personality shone through, convincing the owner to move him up to server and eventually bartender. From there, Tony fell in love with bartending, and took it upon himself to learn all he could from established local mixologists and flair bartenders. His breakthrough came when one of his mentors who recognized his unlimited potential signed Tony up for a flair bartending competition without his knowledge. That competition was a turning point in Tony’s life, his passion for bartending swelled, leading him to travel the world competing in flair competitions across the globe and creating more than 40 cocktail menus internationally. Eventually, Tony found himself In Las Vegas for the first time on vacation with a friend, and quickly knew he was where he needed to be. Within a few short hours Tony had decided to move to Vegas and make a name for himself, building the reputation that put him behind the bar as Head Mixologist of Clique Hospitality’s The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails.
Favorite Cocktail Recipe
Oil & Ore
2oz Booker bourbon
1oz Averna
1/2oz Grand Marnier
2 dashes Scrappy’s Orange bitters
1 dash Angostura Bitters
Smoke the glass with cherry wood
Garnish with a dehydrated orange\
About The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails:
Behind an unassuming janitor’s door inside the upscale men’s grooming salon at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails, a swanky hideaway lounge meets rock saloon where live music is played nightly. Guests settle in for the night in an eclectic collection of leather couches and lush, oversized chairs while taking in live music and Barbershop’s next-level cocktails and spirits, highlighted by an impressive bourbon collection and craft beers. Your grandfather’s barbershop with a twist, the salon offers stylish cuts, facials, a hot lather shave and beard and more, paired with the full bar menu. The grooming salon is open from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. – midnight Friday and Saturday. Appointments are available online, linked here. The saloon is open 8 p.m. to close Sunday through Wednesday and 6 p.m. to close Thursday – Saturday. VIP reservations are available online, linked here. More information is available on the website here, Instagram, Facebook, X at @TheBarbershopLV.
Burlington, VT — Switchback Brewing Company, renowned for Vermont’s iconic Switchback Ale, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its new Beer Garden & Tap House on Friday, July 12th at 12 PM. This inviting new space offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere where guests can explore Switchback’s diverse array of beers, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages, plus community events and programming. Nestled in a historic brick building with a dog-friendly patio adjacent to the brewery’s production facility at 160 Flynn Avenue, the Beer Garden & Tap House promises to be a vibrant addition to the local scene.
The new bar boasts 20 taps pouring Switchback’s signature beers, including smoked and barrel-aged varieties, alongside house-made nonalcoholic hoppy seltzers. Additionally, several taps will feature Askew Beer Co., an innovative employee-led side project. “Askew gives our employees an avenue to get creative and explore new ideas,” says Communications Lead, Amy Lieblein. “They can experiment with more unexpected styles and flavors and really think outside the box.”
The Beer Garden’s cocktail menu showcases creations from their Essential Spirits line, featuring whiskey and gin distilled from Switchback Ale at Appalachian Gap Distillery. Highlights include cocktails crafted with Switchback beers, like the E-Z Betty Spaghett. “It’s simply Aperol, fresh squeezed lemon juice and our E-Z blonde style ale,” says Managing Partner, Josh Weber. “It’s easy, light and refreshing and it makes you feel like you’re hanging at the lake with friends.”
The culinary offerings are equally impressive, led by Executive Chef, Chris Cantrell who brings a “craft-casual” approach to the menu with German-inspired American cuisine. “I plan on utilizing Switchback beers as the base for sauces, house made mustard, baked goods and pastries,” says Chris. “I look forward to working with the brewing team to develop pairings and showcase new releases with the menu.”
Managing Partner, Josh Weber emphasized the importance of fostering connections at the restaurant. “Our new space creates a community vibe that encourages you to connect with those around you,” he shared. “The design accommodates both solo diners and those seeking the dynamic ambiance of the community table, emphasizing the importance of every guest.”
Switchback’s commitment to community and philanthropy is also deeply woven into the fabric of the new Beer Garden & Tap House. Marketing Manager, Abbe Carroll highlighted Switchback’s dedication to supporting local organizations. “We’re excited for our adjoining lawn event space to be available for various groups to promote their missions and fundraise, continuing our longstanding tradition of local engagement,” said Carroll.
Although the previous Tap Room closed on July 6th, it remains available for private events and special programming, including wedding parties, dinner experiences and corporate events.
Hours and more information on the new restaurant can be found at switchbackvt.com.
Luis Florez’s journey from Colombia to the bustling bar scene in Massachusetts is nothing short of inspiring. With a background that spans continents and a passion that’s only grown stronger over time, Luis is now the Beverage Director at Karma Asian Fusion in Burlington, MA. His story is one of dedication, continuous learning, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of hospitality.
From Food Runner to Beverage Director
Originally hailing from Colombia, Luis moved to the United States twelve years ago, beginning his hospitality career as a food runner at the Boston College Club in Boston’s financial district. It didn’t take long for Luis to realize that this industry was where he belonged. His enthusiasm for the business drove him to quickly climb the ranks, and within three years, he transitioned from food runner to Assistant Food and Beverage Manager.
After five successful years at the Boston College Club, Luis ventured to Upstate New York, where he joined Wegmans, a renowned grocery store chain, as a bar manager. His talent and hard work didn’t go unnoticed; soon, he was promoted to Beverage Coordinator, overseeing the beverage programs of 21 restaurants across four states.
Despite his success in New York, Luis’s heart led him back to Boston, where he embarked on a new chapter at Karma Asian Fusion. Here, he serves as the Beverage Director, where he continuously experiments with diverse ingredients, crafting some of the most intricate and unique cocktails that you won’t find anywhere else.
Signature Cocktail Recipe: Mezcal Negroni
Luis’s creativity shines through in his signature Mezcal Negroni, a cocktail that perfectly encapsulates his innovative approach to mixology.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Ilegal Mezcal Añejo
1 oz Campari
1 oz Bigallet China China
4 dashes of chocolate bitters
4 dashes of orange bitters
Preparation: This cocktail is served in a wooden chest with Palo Santo smoke, adding a sensory experience that complements the rich, smoky flavors of the mezcal. It’s a drink that not only tastes incredible but also offers a visual and aromatic journey for the senses.
About Karma Asian Fusion, Burlington MA
Established in 2006, Karma Asian Fusion began as a dream of owner Iverson Guo, who was inspired by the clean, rich, and healthy protein of sushi. His fascination with the art of sushi making led to the creation of Karma, where Japanese flavors meet Asian dishes with French and Peruvian influences. The result is a menu that’s as diverse as it is delicious. Karma now boasts four locations in Westford, Andover, Concord, and Burlington, MA.
Luis Florez’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. From his beginnings as a food runner to his current role as Beverage Director at Karma Asian Fusion, Luis has proven that dedication and creativity can lead to extraordinary achievements in the world of mixology. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a trip to Karma to experience one of Luis’s expertly crafted cocktails is an absolute must.
What people have to say about Luis’ cocktails:
Maria T.: “Luis’s Mezcal Negroni is a game-changer! The smoky flavors combined with the chocolate bitters are out of this world.”
Daniel H.: “Karma has always been a favorite, and Luis’s cocktails are the cherry on top. Can’t wait to try more of his creations!”
Emily R.: “The experience of having a drink made by Luis is like no other. His passion for what he does is so evident.”
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with Luis Florez below!
Nestled in East Nashville, The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club offers an intimate, speakeasy-style experience that has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Known for its expertly crafted cocktails and cozy ambiance, The Fox blends vintage charm with a modern twist, making it one of Nashville’s premier destinations for a sophisticated night out.
City/Area and/or State and/or Country: Nashville, TN, USA
Ranking: Top Speakeasies in Nashville
In August 2024, The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club was spotlighted on Bartender.com as one of the top speakeasies in Nashville. This recognition underscores its commitment to creating unforgettable cocktail experiences in a setting that feels both exclusive and welcoming.
About The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club
Located off the beaten path in East Nashville, The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts. Since opening its doors in 2017, The Fox has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of mixology, offering drinks that are as beautiful as they are delicious. The bar’s dark, moody interior, complemented by vintage décor and plush seating, creates a vibe that is both laid-back and luxurious.
Crafted Cocktails with a Creative Edge
The Fox is renowned for its innovative cocktail menu that changes with the seasons. Each drink is meticulously crafted using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the bartenders’ creativity shines through in every sip. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail or something more adventurous, The Fox has something to tantalize your taste buds.
Cozy and Intimate Ambiance
One of the defining features of The Fox is its intimate setting. The dim lighting, plush seating, and vintage-inspired décor create a cozy atmosphere perfect for a date night, a gathering with friends, or simply unwinding after a long day. The ambiance at The Fox makes every visit feel like a special occasion.
Signature Cocktails and Gourmet Bites
The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club is not just about great drinks; it also offers a curated selection of gourmet bites to complement your cocktail experience. The small plates, crafted with the same attention to detail as the drinks, provide the perfect pairing for an evening of indulgence.
Social and Online Presence
Stay connected with The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club through their social media channels and online platforms. Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to keep up with the latest news, special events, and exclusive offers.
“The Fox is a hidden gem in Nashville! The cocktails are amazing, and the ambiance is just perfect.” – Jamie S.
“I love the intimate feel of this place. It’s like stepping into another era.” – Mark R.
“The Fox has quickly become my favorite spot for a quiet night out. The drinks are out of this world!” – Emily K.
Other Nashville Bars You May Like
The Patterson House
Pearl Diver (Try their Banana! Banana!)
Mother’s Ruin
Visit The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club in Nashville, TN, for a truly unique cocktail experience in an elegant, intimate setting. Whether you’re a Nashville local or just passing through, The Fox is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates the art of the cocktail.
