BARTENDER Magazine’s 27 for 27: Jason Briseno

As Head of Beverage at a neighborhood cocktail bar in Mar Vista, Los Angeles, Jason Briseno draws on nearly two decades of experience across cocktails, wine and craft beer. Raised in Mendocino County, Northern California, he developed an appreciation for local ingredients and the landscapes that produce them. His background in dance, theater and travel adds another layer to his approach behind the bar, where intention, curiosity and an instinct for the room are as important as technique. In 2026, Jason was named among the top five U.S. bartenders in a national competition, while his bar earned recognition in the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, including a West Coast Restaurant Bar nomination. Through the beverage programs he builds, Jason aims to connect thoughtful drinks with an equally thoughtful guest experience. His guiding principle is simple: leave every space better than you found it. From the agricultural abundance of Mendocino County to the energy of Los Angeles, Jason’s work reflects an appreciation for the people, places and ingredients that shape a bar. He brings a performer’s awareness to hospitality, but keeps the guest experience at the center of everything he does.