Best Bartender

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JOSH HUSKIN

1. Elyse Blechman
The Irish Pub, 9726 Datapoint, (210) 692-7620

An unassuming pot o’ gold near Medical Center, the Irish Pub’s lucky charms are considerably enhanced by bubbly bartender Elyse Blechman. The UTSA fine arts student pours her creativity into every cocktail, favoring cordials, infused liquors, and “other out-there ideas from baking,” another of her passions. Also a craft beer fan, Blechman can mix, muddle, and mingle with the best of them, counting her regulars among her circle of friends. That should hint at how seriously she takes the social aspect of her job. “I have such a great time going to work and creating an atmosphere where people can enjoy themselves,” and keep on coming back, she said, noting, “you can always go home and drink.”

2. TIE: Brian Gorychka

Jeret Peña
The Brooklynite, 516 Brooklyn, (210) 444-0707, thebrooklynitesa.com

3. April Poerner
Halcyon, 1414 S Alamo, (210) 277-7045, halcyonsouthtown.com