Who is your Favorite Bartender?
A native of the same small town I’m from, Jay Winfrey (of the Raleigh Times as well as Jackpot!) is by far my favorite bartender. The man knows his beer, knows his guests, and never leaves you sitting with an empty glass. He’s passionate about what he does and it shows.
Who gets your vote for best bartender?
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02/03/2009
Jay’s great, but if you do a poll, I betcha Jen at Landmark is gonna get the most votes! I personally love Liz and Schmidty at The Borough.
02/03/2009
Another vote for jay here
02/03/2009
another vote for ANY of the ladies at the Borough. my god. it’s a rarity that i get to make it over there, but when i do, i always feel like i’m being hugged by the entire world. and they all know what i like…priceless.
02/03/2009
Within my admitedly limited frame of reference, my vote goes to Jay. On only my second visit to the Times on Jay’s shift, I had barely walked in the door when the dude handed me a pint and said “Here’s your PBR!” Now that’s good bartending!
02/03/2009
I vote for Olivia of Slims Distillery. She keeps the drinks stout and flowing.
02/03/2009
Nothing personal Jay, but the best barkeeps have vaginas
02/03/2009
The bartenders at Raleigh Times are not nice to the non-hipster people who visit the bar. On my first visit I made the unholy mistake of ordering a Coors Light. Oh the horror!
Anyway, Olivia at Slim’s is the best. At Slim’s they don’t care who you are or what you order you always get good service.
02/03/2009
like Raleigh Boy said. Jay will remember what you drink, like any good beertender should. I lived next to Jackpot for 6 months and I probably drove him crazy changing my liquor shot of choice every other week
02/03/2009
Uh, no disrespect to anybody mentioned here, but people, c’mon. All must bow to Theresa Fenner of Western Lanes. Seriously, get with it. I didn’t know her name until a recent article in the N&O (http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1321327.html), but “the woman from Western Lanes” would have obviously sufficed.
02/03/2009
How is this even up for debate?
Sandra, at the Landmark Tavern.
02/03/2009
I’ll have to chime in for Olivia at Slim’s as well.
02/04/2009
Katherine Ferrier, formerly of The Borough and eventually of one of a couple of different bars that refuse to open!
On the Jay’s topic. I respect the memory abilities of such bartenders but I never want someone to assume that I’m going to drink the same thing everytime. Cause I don’t.
Can he remember that?
02/04/2009
I would have to go with Claire at Lucky B’s. I have never had better service anywhere in a crowded bar!
02/04/2009
Maria at CCs was the best as was Possum at Legends but they both have been pushed out in the owners attempt to keep young buff guys behind the bar.
02/05/2009
Is this only for downtown?
The best bartender in Raleigh is hands down Steve at Vinnie’s in North Raleigh. He’s been there for years and was the barkeep at Cappers Jazz Club for 10 years before that.
02/08/2009
another vote for Jay.
02/08/2009
Let’s hear it for Joe at Slim’s. Great musician who also will give you a mulligan for sometimes being a hard-on. Plus he’s hot.
02/08/2009
Jay’s my favorite, but I love Katie the best (both at Raleigh Times), unless of course Amber’s working. Nobody beats Amber. Unless she asks.
02/12/2009
Joe at Slim’s. Joe at Slim’s.
02/12/2009
It is a tie: Ricky and Shelby at Landmark.
02/12/2009
It’s hard to tell who is sexier, but they play great music the perfect volume, unlike some other places.
02/17/2009
Lisa at Mitch’s tavern during the day…stop by and have lunch with her.
03/10/2009
I second Duggie. Maria and Possum – probably not known to the straight community, but they are two great, amazing people who made fantastic bartenders.
As for the more generally populated establishments, I go for virtually the entire staff of the Borough.
03/11/2009
Jay is a great bartender, but my vote is for Rob at the Rockford. He always remembers what I like to drink even if I only go once every 6 months. Plus he’s easy on the eyes.
03/14/2009
Judson, who worked at the Glenwood Grill was an excellent bartender. I used to go infequently to drink there and after moving away for a couple of years and then moving back, he remembered my drink. I don’t know where he is now.
Dave Justus is another great bartender. He has worked all around town and seems to know everyone.
03/16/2009
I’m a big fan of Benton at Horniblow’s
03/16/2009
although i guess you could argue the downtowitude of Horniblow’s
03/19/2009
The best bartender has to be the guy Jordan knows at Churchill’s on Glenwood: He fucked the woman I wanted to be my girlfriend. Made her drink and everything.
03/23/2009
there is no olivia at slim’s
[rest of comment removed by admin – please limit insults to article authors and staff, and not directed at other readers]
03/24/2009
yea there is
03/25/2009
i guess that was rude of me.
I can tell her myself.
04/12/2009
i know who should get the award for worst, the one behind the bar at Pantana’s Pool Hall on Hillsborough. Just a completely un-friendly person.
04/13/2009
Jay, I love you man. You rock, but I must agree with Bricktard…the best barkeeps have vaginas. So on that note, my vote goes to Sneaky Q at The Borough. I could watch her make martinis all night long.
05/07/2009
+1 for benton
09/11/2009
I’ve lived in NJ for several years now, and probably haven’t seen Jay in almost as long unfortunately. While I undoubtedly served Jay about 5,000 cups of coffee over the years, I can’t imagine a better beertender, or a better pal than Jay Winfrey. Ask him about music too while you’re at it–Jay’s the bomb! Hey Jay, if you’re reading, Os Mutantes has a new album. No idea if it’s good–but hell, after 30 years, who cares?? Miss you, and hope you’re well-Charlie