2018 Best Bartender
Alison Hangen
Oloroso’s Alison Hangen is the bartender of the moment. Her cocktails are fast, unfussy and interesting. Read More »
Best of Philly
Best Bartender
2017 Best Bar Staff
Watkins Drinkery
Refreshing: Their friendly smiles aren’t motivated by tips. Read More »
1712 South 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215-339-0175 | Website
2015 Best Bartender
Jesse Cornell at Vesper
Jesse is quick behind the oak. He can execute the classics with aplomb (and without excessive tinkering). And if you put him on the spot, he's got the rare talent to whip up something off the top of his head that's so good, it deserves its own award. Read More »
223 South Sydenham Street, Philadelphia, PA | 267-930-3813 | Website
2013 Best Bartender
Kevin James Holland
Holland is perhaps the only bartender in the world who can craft a perfect martini or manhattan, strum a banjo (check out his bluegrass outfit, the Citywide Specials), and wax philosophic (but not pretentiously) about the issues of the day. Find him and his flourishing mustache behind the bar at Fiume, his tiny, phone-less bar on the second floor of West Philly Ethiopian restaurant Abyssinia. Read More »
229 South 45th Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215-387-2424 | Website
2012 Best Bartender
George Costa
Standing behind the long oak at Pub and Kitchen, Costa has the three talents every great bartender needs: He makes a classic drink to your exact specifications, he shakes up a custom cocktail like nothing you've ever tried before, and he knows more about bitters and rye than you do about your own children. Read More »
1946 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215-545-0350 | Website
2010 Best Bartender
John Doyle
Imagine a sweet old grandpa. Now imagine that sweet old grandpa pouring you a pint of Stoudt's while telling a dirty joke from behind a 150-year-old bar. Head over to McGillin's on a Friday night and you'll find just such a gent: the delightful John Doyle, who's been behind the stick at Philly's oldest bar for 35 years. If you'd like to buy him a congratulatory drink, he'll take an Irish Mist on the rocks. Read More »
1310 Drury Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215-735-5562 | Website
2009 Best Bartender
Jos Pistola’s
So many bartenders seem to find it difficult just to simultaneously smile and pour your drink. But this co-owner and weekend bartender (not to mention lead singer in '80s glam-rock tribute band Welcome to My Face) gets you good and drunk while keeping you thoroughly entertained via bar tricks, dirty jokes, current-event commentary, astute sports analysis and, if you're really lucky, the occasional song. Read More »
263 South 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215-545-4102 | Website