When you’re thirsting for a sip of something special, you won’t have to look far to find a bartender who can mix up the magic. From martinis to mojitos, craft beers to cucumber kicks, these Toledo drink slingers know how to pour.
Dégagé Jazz Cafe
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301 River Rd.
Maumee
degagejazzcafe.com
Jordan Jaehn
My signature cocktail: Prickly Pink Pear Martini.
Sage bartender advice: Your bar is your stage. Always entertain!
My establishment is known for: Live jazz.
My latest obsession: Infusing fresh preserves.
My motto: Be happy!
True confession: I’m obsessed with aviation.
Sebastiano’s Italiano
4448 Heatherdowns Blvd.
sebastianositaliano.com
facebook.com/SebastianosItalianoRestaurant
Rachel Wright
Signature Cocktail: Raspberry Sparkle.
Mixology: 1 oz vodka, .5 oz Tuaca, .5 oz Chambord, fresh lime, top with Prosecco.
Sage bartender advice: Patience is a virtue.
My establishment is known for: Authentic Italian food and creative drinks in a casual dining environment.
My latest obsession: Tuaca, a traditional Italian citrus-vanilla liqueur.
True Confession: I’m a secret ninja.
Balance Grille
5860 W Central Ave.
514 the Boulevard, Maumee
balancebubbletea.com
JPAAT
My signature beverage: The Taro Deluxe.
Mixology: 7 tablespoons Taro flavor, half an ounce of lychee syrup, 2 teaspoons of honey, 4 ounces of green tea, 4 ounces of oolong tea, 6 ounces of organic whole milk, boba.
My establishment is known for: The freshest of local foods served fast and custom hand-crafted Bubble Tea.
Proudest bartender accomplishment: I once made a drink that a woman described as “Happy in her mouths.” I don’t know where she got a second mouth, but I was pretty impressed with myself.
Nickname: JPAAT or That Pirate Lookin’ Guy.
My motto: If you gotta look, look good.
ELEMENT 112
Element 112, 5735 N. Main S., Sylvania
element112restaurant.com
Kelly Ann Seemann
SIGNATURE COCKTAIL: Whiskey Haze.
MIXOLOGY: Bulleit Rye, Grand Marnier, B&B, Angostura bitters, Fee Brothers Black Walnut bitters, Fresh nutmeg, orange twist.
SAGE BARTENDER ADVICE: Learn how to cut someone off without them realizing you're cutting them off.
MY ESTABLISHMENT IS KNOWN FOR: thoughtful, local sourcing.
MY PROUDEST BARTENDER ACCOMPLISHMENT: Writing the new drink menu for Element, and being offered two prestigious stages (apprenticeships) over the next year.
MY LATEST OBSESSION: Ransom Old Tom Gin and amaros.
TRUE CONFESSION: I'm moving back to Brooklyn.
Laffs Inc. Comedy Club
3922 Secor Rd.
LaffsInc.com
Danielle Laraby
My signature cocktail: S’Mores Mudslide.
Mixology: 2 oz. Smirnoff marshmallow, 1/2 oz. Kahlua, 1/2 oz. Irish Cream, 1/2 oz. Creme de Cacao and a splash of cream (half & half).
Sage Bartender advice: Drink presentation is just as important a factor as any other. Spruce it up a little. If you think it’s too much, it probably looks amazing! Who doesn’t love to sip on something pretty?!
Best/Worst pickup line ever: “My buddies bet me that i wouldn’t be able to start a conversation with the prettiest girl at the bar. Wanna buy some drinks with their money?”
Proudest bartender accomplishment: Becoming the head bartender/bar manager at Laffs Inc.
My motto: When you love what you do, you’ll never “work” a day in your life.
Poco Piatti
3155 Chappel Dr.
Perrysburg
pocopiatti.com
Nasri Hajjar
My signature cocktail/beverage: I make really good mojitos; a strawberry kiwi basil mojito and a blueberry kiwi mojito with a little bit of mint infused simple syrup.
My establishment is known for: Small plates and the best sangria in town.
My favorite bartender tool: The muddler—you can make some awesome drinks with muddled fruit, vegetables or even candy.
My latest obsession: Craft beer by far, but I love Johnnie Walker Black.
My motto: It’s not how hard you can hit, it’s how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. That’s from “Rocky.”
True confession: Aside from working all the time, I make jewelry, including diamond rings, necklaces, and earrings, and I love silver and casting. I play baseball on Sundays in a league and I train in MMA. I once fought in Tampa, FL. I enjoy moving all the time. It’s hard to catch me not doing anything.
Doc Watson’s
1515 South Byrne Rd.
[email protected]
Emily Henry
My signature cocktail: Lemon Lavender Fizz.
Mixology: Boodles gin, lavender simple syrup, lemonade and a splash of soda on the rocks.
My establishment is known for: Craft beer and good food.
My latest obsession: Powers whiskey.
My motto: When life hands you lemons, make a lemon lavender fizz.
True Confession: I have two different colored eyes.
Bar 145
5305 Monroe St.
bar145toledo.com
Stephanie Kneisley
My signature cocktail: Red Chuck Cherry Mojito.
Sage bartender advice: Treat every guest as if it were their first dining experience; don’t forget to smile and treat them as you would your family … leave all other personal situations at the door.
My establishment is known for: Bar 145 is Toledo’s first gastropub—a British/American term for a pub that specializes in high-quality food a step above the traditional pub grub. Our tag line, “red chucks, white china” expresses our culture clash having all of our food served on white china plates, and all of our employees sporting red Chuck Taylor tennis shoes.
Best/Worst pickup line ever: Worst: “You may not be the prettiest girl in here, but I’m the only one talking to you.” Best: “how much does a polar bear weigh? …Enough to break the ice, my name’s Brandon.”
My motto: “An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it’s going to launch you into something great… keep aiming.”
Rocky’s
4020 Secor Rd.
Tia Cherry
My signature cocktail: Cucumber Kick.
Mixology: In a cocktail shaker, muddle 2 oz. of cucumber and a sprig of mint. Add ice and 1.5 measure of cucumber vodka; 1 measure of tonic; the juice of 1 small lime; splash of St. Germain. Shake and serve over ice in a chilled martini or rocks glass (salted rim optional). Top with a splash of lemonade and garnish with a slice of salted cucumber and mint sprig.
Sage bartender advice: Never spend time talking to someone who creeps you out simply because they bought you a drink.
My favorite bartender tool: Gotta have a flat bottle opener. You won’t find me behind the bar without one in my back pocket.
My latest obsession: Herradura Tequila. Apparently it’s not new. They’ve been selling it in Mexico for over 100 years. But I’ve only known about it for two months. Delicious!
My motto: Silence is the best reply to a fool.
True Confession: I can write with my toes.
Mancy’s Italian
5453 Monroe St.
mancys.com
John B. Jacob
My signature cocktail: Tegroni; a summer-inspired variation of the classic Negroni that places tequila center stage. For the more adventurous palate, the Tegroni combines the flavors of herbal, bitter, tart and sweet in
one glass.
Mixology: 1 oz. Herradura tequila (or any quality tequila); .75 oz. Campari; .75 oz. Lillet Rouge; dash of grapefruit bitters; .25 oz. simple syrup (optional); splash of Prosecco. Garnish with a lemon twist. Combine the first five ingredients in a shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. (Stir the drink if you are omitting the simple syrup). Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Float the Prosecco. Using a Y-peeler cut a wide lemon peel. Twist over the drink, releasing the oils, and rub around the rim of the glass. Drop the twist into the drink.
Sage bartender advice: Whatever side of the bar you are on, it’s about people. The way you treat someone influences the way they’ll treat you and speak about you.
Worst/Best pickup line ever: They’re almost always weak. Try a subtle compliment instead. It’s nonthreatening and has a better chance at starting a conversation.
Proudest bartender accomplishment: Being voted Toledo’s Best Bartender in 2012 by Toledo City Paper readers. With so many outstanding bartenders in the Toledo metro area, it was quite an honor.
Nickname: JJ.
Scene
777 Hollywood Blvd.
hollywoodcasinotoledo.com
Kelley Bennett
My signature cocktail: Hollywood Mango Tango.
Mixology: Shot of 3 Olives Mango, shot of 3 Olives Elvis, shot of cranberry and a splash of pineapple juice.
My establishment is known for: Signature Hollywood drinks.
My favorite bartender tool: The shaker.
Nickname: Shorty.
My motto: You only live once, live life to the fullest.
Mulvaney’s Bunker
4941 Dorr St.
mulvaneysbunkertoledo.com
Amanda Dunn
My signature cocktail: Berry Me In The Sand.
Mixology: Ciroc Red Berry, pineapple juice and a splash of cranberry juice, garnished with an orange slice.
Sage bartender advice: Always have a smile behind the bar.
Worst/best pickup line ever: “Was your dad a baker? Because those are some fresh buns!”
Proudest bartender accomplishment: I’ve been bartending 10 years and honestly anytime I hear: “That’s the best drink I’ve ever had,” I feel proud. As well, all of my amazing regulars and customers make me feel good every day.
My latest obsession: Summer drinks! Moscow mules, mojitos, coconut and cucumber vodkas. And of course anything with Jameson! My favorite!
Ye Olde Durty Bird
2 S. St. Clair, Toledo
yeoldedurtybird.com
Our signature cocktails: Cosmopolitan and Durty Daiquiri.
Mixology: Vodka, triple sec, lime juice, cranberry juice/layers of Hurricane, Pina Colada,
and strawberry daiquiri.
Sage bartender advice: Everything with moderation and always check IDs.
Our establishment is known for: Serving exceptionally good food with quality service.
Our favorite bartender tool: Muddler.
Our latest obsessions: IPAs and Fireball whisky.
Our motto: So many cocktails, so little time!!
Attic on Adams
1701 Adams St.
theatticonadams.com
Ashley Wise, Jason Mitchell and Michael McCarthy
Ashley’s signature cocktail: Dirty Girl Scout: Rumplemintz, creme de menthe, Baileys.
Jason’s signature cocktail: 5 Alive: Berry vodka, lemonade, dash of cranberry and soda
Michael’s signature beverage: Jameson. The trick is to pour an ounce and a half, not like the lady giving out samples of prune juice at Kroger.
Jason’s sage bartender advice: Always be respectful to everyone.
Our establishment is known for: Craft beer, infused liquor that we make, and awesome times.
Ashley’s proudest bartender accomplishment: Waiting on Tom Green.
Michael’s favorite bartender tool: A towel is about the most massively useful thing a bartender can have.
Jason’s motto: Don’t mess with the bartender.
Ashley’s true confession: I have a phobia of cough medicine.
Michael’s true confession: I hate the Beatles. Come at me bro.
Mancy’s Steakhouse
953 Phillips Ave.
mancys.com
Debbie Walker
My signature cocktail: Lemon Drop.
Mixology: Smirnoff Citrus, sour mix, can sugar, Cointreau.
Sage bartender advice: Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.
My establishment is known for: Steaks, established 1921.
Proudest bartender accomplishment: Longevity.
My latest obsession: Barrel-aged Manhattan.
My motto: Teamwork.
Buster Brown’s Big Dog Lounge
313 Conant St., Maumee
Facebook.com/BusterBrownsBigDogLounge
Katie Meyer
My signature cocktail: Violet Beauregarde.
Mixology: 2 parts Smirnoff blueberry vodka, 1 part Razzmatazz, splash of Lemix, shake it up with ice. Top with 7-Up. You can serve it up or down—we serve it as one of our top house shots! Delicioso! This recipe’s from a friend who moved away … so truly he deserves the kudos!
Sage bartender advice: Don’t participate in the partying!
My establishment is known for: Pool tables, patio, karaoke and jello shots for $1, plus fast and efficient service!
What is your motto: If it looks like it’s over imbibed and acts like it’s over imbibed, then it probably is! Phone a taxi.
True confession: I used to model. I love to read!
El Vaquero
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26611 Dixie Hwy. 107, Perrysburg
vaquerorestaurant.com
Sue Asad
My signature cocktail/beverage: Texas margarita with a twist, “Sue” style.
Mixology: 2 oz. 1800, 1 oz Gran Marnier, 1 oz. triple sec, ice and shake it! Serve with salt on the rim.
Sage bartender advice: Keep checking ID’s, even if it insults someone! Some get flattered!
Proudest bartender accomplishment: Making lots of new friends I consider to be family.
My favorite bartender tool: Lime squeezer, because it also gives me my daily arm workout.
True confession: I sleep with a teddy bear.
Ventura’s Mexican Restaurant
7742 W. Bancroft
venturasmexican.com
Shannon Meadows
My signature cocktail/beverage: Golden Margarita.
Mixology: 1/2 oz. Cuervo Gold; 3/4 oz. Grand Marnier; 1 1/2 oz. Lemon Mix; 1/4 oz. Lime Juice. Shake and pour into a salted rimmed glass. Serve with a lime wedge.
Sage bartender advice: Don’t let the bitches get you down.
My establishment is known for: Toledo’s BEST Margarita’s!
Proudest bartender accomplishment: Not getting fired over my 30 years of employment at Ventura’s!
My favorite bartender tool: The muddler.
My latest obsession: Can there be anything more trendy than a great margarita?
Nickname: Everyone knows me… they just call me Shannon.
What is your motto: Believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see.
Manhattan’s Restaurant
1516 Adams St.
manhattanstoledo.com
Connie Dugan
My signature cocktail/beverage: Strawberry Basil Mojito.
Mixology: Fresh strawberries, mint, lime and Jose Cuervo Silver.
Sage bartender advice: Enjoy your customers, have fun and make a good drink!
Worst/best pickup line ever: I think they’re all bad!
My establishment is known for: Fresh, local ingredients, a great atmosphere and wonderful regulars!
Nickname: Con-naynay (Don’t ask).
True confession: I once stole a drag queen’s wig on my birthday!
Cinco De Mayo
304 E. Alexis Rd.
5demayotoledo.com
Christine Lipper
Signature cocktail: Skinny Perfect Patron
Mixology: 1 shot Patron Silver; 1 1/2 shots Patron Citronge; 1 1/2 shots triple sec; 1 1/2 shots Peach Schnapps; 1 1/2 shots Grand Marnier; 1 1/2 squeezed oranges; 1 squeezed lime. Top off with sour mix, salt or sugar rim.
Sage Bartender Advice: Breathe, the bar can be a crazy place! Smile, so nobody really knows what you are thinking.
Proudest bartending Moment: Being able to communicate with the Spanish customers. Being here 6 years has really taught me a lot!
My latest obsession: Margaronas/Corona-ritas, a frozen rita with a baby Coronita bottle flipped upside down into it. Looks awesome and tastes great!
Nickname: “Guera Loca” = crazy white girl!
Rosie’s Italian Grille
606 N. McCord Rd.
rosiesitaliangrille.com
Lorie Haley
MY signature cocktail: Espresso martini.
Mixology: Absolut, Baileys, Frangelico, Kahlua, shot of espresso, serve with a cocoa rim.
My establishment is known for: Our great Italian food with an outstanding variety of seafood as well. Also the ambiance of the outside patio by the fountains is so relaxing.
Proudest bartending accomplishment: I will take away someone’s keys, and make sure they get home safely.
My lastest obsession: Sangria for summer both white and red, with a ton of fresh fruits.
Your motto: Live life every day as if it were your last; always be kind to others. I totally believe in karma!
Burger Bar 419
5215 Monroe St.
burgerbar419.com
Ashley McAninch
Signature Cocktail: Mango-Strawberry Margarita
Mixology: 1 1/2 oz. Jose Cuervo; ½ oz. Grand Marnier; ½ oz. lime juice and sweet and sour. Add a splash of OJ and your favorite strawberry and mango syrups. Shake over ice and serve up or on the rocks. Garnish with fresh strawberries and mango.
Sage bartending advice: Take pride in every detail of your work. It’s the little things that get recognized when you’re in the spotlight behind the bar.
Latest obsession: Craft beers. We rotate our craft beers on tap so I am able to educate myself and try so many.
Motto: Never back down from an opportunity. No matter how nervous or uncertain of yourself that you are, jump in with both feet and go for it. You only live once, get what you want from it.
True confession: I write computer programs and am well on my way to obtaining a degree in Information Science & Technology.
Maumee Bay Brew Pub
27 Broadway St.
mbaybrew.com
Ashley McAninch
Signature Cocktail: Glass City Peach Martini.
Mixology: ½ oz. peach vodka; ½ shot vanilla vodka; splash of lime; peach puree; shaken. Add splash of grenadine on bottom and garnish with a cherry.
Sage Bartending Advice: Taste everything.
Proudest Bartending Accomplishment: Perfecting and mixing martinis.
Nickname: Asher Crasher.
Motto: Enjoy what you do!
Mutz Sports Bar
(at the Oliver House)
27 Broadway St.
mbaybrew.com/mutz-sports-bar
Melissa Demecs
SIGNATURE COCKTAIL: Sweet Melissa.
MIXOLOGY: 2 oz. mango vodka; splash of OJ; splash of peach puree; then shake. Add splash of Sprite and fill with club soda over ice.
OUR ESTABLISHMENT IS KNOWN FOR: Awesome craft beer and being haunted.
SAGE BARTENDING ADVICE: You can’t argue with drunk people.
MOTTO: Laugh it off.
TRUE CONFESSION: I’m kind of an introvert. It’s not weird for me to be at home on a
Friday night reading a book or painting or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
