swell bartenders wear many different hat : amateur therapist , drink sidekick , cocktail expert , and so on . While it may be difficult to measure which local barkeep have put up the best articulatio humeri to cry on or have partied the hardest , picking out the best and most innovational drink makers in town is a worthy and venerable pursuit . In becoming the best Dallas bartenders of 2016 , these ladies and valet de chambre have exceeded our criteria for unforgettable drink menu and top - tier proficiency .
Gabe Sanchez
Black Swan Saloon
Gabe Sanchez of Black Swan Saloon belike wo n’t take it , but he ’s a Brobdingnagian puzzler piece who avail put Deep Ellum back together after the economic crisis of the 1990s . And he did just that with his unique confection and one - of - a - kind cocktails made from infused this and meat of that . With all the seasonal science experiments that he is constantly cooking up , there ’s really no mode to ever tell what kind of new flavour experiments or strange imported liquor Gabe has up his arm . That ’s why it ’s belike best to give him a few clues and then posture back and enjoy whatever he whips up for you .
Andrew Thompson
Twilite Lounge
If you ’ve wandered down Elm Street in Deep Ellum late at night and been drawn into Twilite Lounge by the idle words set or the twinkling chandeliers , you have most in all probability been serve a crapulence by Andrew Thompson . Twilite ’s resident lumberjack and cocktail master , Thompson is deliberate and precise with his drink while also making sure that no one is hungry for too long . In a legal community that is famous for its frozen Irish coffees , Thompson takes a slightly unlike approach to his handmade cocktail . All we know is that whatever he does with warm up the drinking glass in his manus and stirring those ingredients exercise , because his is the finest Old Fashioned in town .
Charlie Pap
Industry Alley Bar
For years , the unchallenged sr. national leader of the Dallas cocktail panorama has been Charlie Pap . He ran the show at the iconic Maple Ave diva stripe Windmill Lounge for almost a decade . But Industry Alley has proven to be not only the house that Charlie built but also a proving ground for novel , up - and - coming mixologists who rail under the watchful eye of the passe-partout . There ’s a intellect that Charlie is consider “ the bartender ’s bartender . ” Who else is planning entire nights around a base like Japanese rice beer ?
Del Perez
Single Wide
The word “ evergreen ” number to mind when speak about Del Perez . After holding it down behind the stripe of Ten Bells Tavern and Blackfriar Pub , Perez now treats the thirsty denizens of East Dallas at Single Wide . He can slash you up a made - from - bread margarita or extra - muddied martini to beat the band . But it ’s Perez ’s mental nature and welcome warmth that keeps regulars come back and visitant likely to become regulars . Do n’t be surprised if he remember your potable and exactly how you wish it even after only a few visits .
Patrick Tierney
Ten Bells Tavern
If you visit Ten Bells Tavern in Bishop Arts District , you ’re probable to be swear out a drink by a man don a decease metal shirt and a backwards baseball game cap . That man is Patrick Tierney , and his metal - loving exterior blot out a bully secret : He ’s on the Q.T. a spirits savant , and has created some of the usance cocktail on the Ten Bells cocktail menu . One of his creations , The Hanover , is named in tribute to his Connecticut roots and feature such decidedly non - metal ingredients as Saint - Germain elderflower cordial , hibiscus vodka , and lemon zest .
Drew Garison
Midnight Rambler
Midnight Rambler , housed in the cellar of the oh - so - fancy Joule hotel , already has a reputation for being a haven for those who enjoy a cocktail experience . So it only makes sense that Drew Garison , formerly of Eddie “ Lucky ” Campbell’sParliament , has hopped behind the bar at this fashionable organisation . Let Drew whip you up a Cutlass Supreme with some demerara rum , Drambuie , curacao , oloroso sherry , Angostura , and assorted spice to warm you up this winter .
Michelle Hines
Shipping and Receiving
After work the legal profession at Fort Worth ’s Boiled Owl Tavern , Lola ’s Saloon , and The Ginger Man , Michelle Hines is a familiar face in the Fort Worth bartending scenery . Now you’re able to find her behind the bar at Fort deserving euphony venue and broadly coolheaded hangout smirch transport and Receiving . She can talk whisky or beer with you until you ’re risque in the face . She has a dedicated following who seek her and her libation out when in the Tarrant County side of the metroplex .
Brandy Butler
Lakewood Landing
The Lakewood Landing is the dive bar to cease all dive bars and the shoes where you go when you just want a stiff boozing and a full conversation on the front porch . And Lakewood Landing ’s Brandy Butler serves both of those up with enthusiasm . No infuse social or marrow of flavour here . Just an reliable , heavy - handed cocktail that will comfort what ails you poured by Butler , a mixologist who probably knows your name already .
Brad Bowen
The Lounge Here
The most heatedly forebode legal community opening of the yr , The Lounge Here has provided a stylish yet well-fixed place near White Rock Lake for those appear to kick back and tell a few level over some drink to call home . And bartender Brad Bowen likely has the beverage to suit the mood , especially if it ’s rum you thirst . The ego - professed “ rum guy ” has a easy spot for Tiki beverage , but ask him about the Hayflinger , the drink that fetch him his first ever bartending gig and a personal favorite . It ’s ironic gin , peche de vigne , ginger , lemon , and bitter , and it will alter the mind of even the most fervent gin haters .
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Gabe Sanchez|Austin Marc Graf (edited)
Mike Brooks/Twilite Lounge
Charlie Pap
Marjorie Owens
Drew Garison
Michelle Hines
Brandy Butler
Courtesy of Brad Bowen
