Features
LEADING BARTENDERS IN SAN FRANCISCO
Discover the Artistry Behind San Francisco\'s Best Bartenders
San Francisco’s cocktail scene is buzzing with creativity and flair. From master mixologists crafting innovative concoctions to seasoned pros shaking up timeless classics, the city’s top bartenders are redefining what it means to enjoy a drink. In this blog, we’ll explore the top bartenders in San Francisco, each bringing their unique touch to the vibrant cocktail culture.
Natalie Lichtman is an artist and bartender who fell in love with cocktails while studying philosophy in San Francisco. As a Western US Ambassador at The Pathfinder Spirit, she curates a globally inspired, ever-evolving cocktail program. With experience from Traveler, Elixir, Hideout at Dalva, and Tosca Cafe, Natalie’s first bar management role was at the Michelin-starred Nico. She’s judged the USA Spirits Awards for four consecutive sessions and draws inspiration from San Francisco’s unique local flavors and community.
Read about her here.
Image Credit - LinkedIn
Claire Sprouse
Claire Sprouse, a Houston native, started in non-profit art spaces while bartending at Houston's cocktail spots. In 2012, she moved to San Francisco on a whim, managing operations and cocktail development for Future Bars, where she embraced the city’s focus on seasonality and sustainability.
Image Credit - EpiCurious
Born and raised in Florence, Jacopo Rosito brings Italy’s culture of service and quality to San Francisco, where he was named a bar star by the San Francisco Chronicle, and now to Surfside, Florida, as bar manager at the Four Seasons Hotel. Passionate about hospitality, he strives to make every guest experience exceptional.
Know more about him here.
Image Credit - BeverFood
Diedrich returned to the Bay Area in 2010 to open The Burritt Room, earning a spot as one of the San Francisco Chronicle’s “Bar Stars” in 2011. He then joined Kimpton as bar manager at Jasper’s Corner Tap & Kitchen, creating its cocktail and beer programs. Now, he’s the owner, operator, GM, and bartender at Pacific Cocktail Haven in San Francisco.
Find out more about him here.
Image Credit - Sf Eater
Larry Piaskowy stands out as a bartender with a chef’s background, using cooking techniques to craft his unique cocktails. At Rich Table, try his signature Green Earrings, featuring Tequila, Mezcal, Ancho Reyes Verde, green Chartreuse, dry vermouth, celery bitters, and a pinch of salt
Image Credit - Tablehopper
Marguerite Regan
As a kid in Michigan, Marguerite Regan and her sister played “bartender” in their family’s antique bar, inspired by Cheers. She started working in coffee shops and delis at fifteen, officially bartending by nineteen. After falling in love with San Francisco during a visit, she worked at Rye, East Bay Spice Company, and Drexl before teaming up with Christian Suzuki at Wildhawk in 2016.
Image Credit - Distilling Magazine
Craig Lane, the quintessential bartender's bartender, has 19 years of experience, starting in Ohio during the Cosmopolitan craze of the '90s. He was an early adopter of the craft cocktail movement in San Francisco, transforming Bar Agricole into a James Beard Award-nominated standout with fresh ingredients and fine spirits. At Cocktail Week 2013, he shared his insights on industry evolution, the rise of whiskey, and upcoming trends.
Image Credit - Sf Eater
Jennifer Colliau is a standout in the Bay Area bartending scene, blending ambition with humility. A cocktail history aficionado and ice enthusiast, she’s a living encyclopedia of mixology and a joy to converse with. Despite her deep knowledge, she candidly discusses the challenges of the Bay Area dining community. Her presence is a true asset to the industry.
Image Credit - Sf Gate
At Blackbird Bar in San Francisco for 10 years, he’s an East Coast transplant with a passion for food and travel. He now directs his efforts toward Bottom of the Barrel, a consulting firm he co-founded with Shirley Brooks to make cocktail culture more accessible. His skills and knowledge were also recognized when he served as a judge for the Bartender Spirits Awards in 2022.
Image Credit - Bartender Spirits Awards
Shirley Brooks, a mother and manager at Madrone Art Bar, is known for her smooth and bold cocktails. She also co-owns Bottom Of The Barrel, a cocktail consulting firm, and offers bar catering services. In 2023, she brought her expertise to the USA Spirits Ratings as a judge.
Image Credit - Bartender Spirits Awards
As we wrap up our tour of San Francisco’s finest bartenders, it's clear that the city's cocktail scene is a testament to innovation and skill. These top bartenders are not just mixing drinks; they’re creating experiences that linger long after the last sip. Their dedication to craft and flair for creativity make each visit a unique adventure. So next time you’re in the city, seek out these masters of mixology and savor the artistry behind every pour. Cheers to the exceptional talent driving San Francisco’s vibrant drinking culture!
