[image]
[title]
Ever wanted to know what it's like on the other side of the bar? We asked some of New York's finest bartenders to get the inside word on the industry—and ended up hearing some pretty wild stories along the way.
Each of the bartenders we interviewed for this series are from venues who were featured in the prestigious Time Out Bar Awards in 2018. You can check out the full list of winners and runners up here.
This time, we got Jaime Salas from Milagro Tequila to chat with the crew from Ghost Donkey in New York, which was awarded Best Crew and came runner-up for Bar of the Year.
Why we love Ghost Donkey
At New York City’s finest bars, the drinks can be well made and the spaces tricked out, but if the bartenders aren’t enjoying themselves, chances are you won’t either. This mezcaleria from AvroKO Hospitality Group stacks fun-loving experts behind the bar to mix playful drinks from head bartender Nacho Jimenez (saxon + Parole, the Dally), like the mushroom-infused mescal margarita or the mescal Negroni with mole spices. Besides, who wouldn‘t want to drink out of a ceramic ass? (A donkey, of course.) At this joint, you’ll be feeling good way before the tequila shots.
Why the panel loves it
“When this bar opened, everyone was wondering if they were crazy for opening an amaro bar. They weren’t. Their involvement in the rise of the category is extremely impressive, and some amazing bartenders have gone through that bar.”—Greg Boehm
“It’s a tiny room with great energy and creative drinks.”—Micah Melton
“When Nacho and Masa [Urushido] are behind the bar, there is no where you would rather be in NYC.”—Charlotte Voisey