One of the beauties of Ambush, which spans the Gulf South, lies in the chance to connect with bartenders from various states. This month, I am featuring Silas Wright, a bartender from the esteemed Roundup in Pensacola, Florida.
I first encountered Silas at the bar’s Mardi Gras Extravaganza event in January. Raised in a military family, Silas lived in eight different states before settling in the Pensacola area for a decade. In 2016, he moved to Navarre with his family at the age of 14, attending Navarre High School for all four years. After a brief stint in college in southern Virginia, he returned home in 2021 and relocated to Pensacola in 2022.
Silas began his journey at The Roundup in January 2025, initially as a barback while simultaneously training to become a bartender. His prior experience includes roles as a shift lead at a salad and smoothie bar during college, as well as hosting and serving at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse in Pensacola, and currently at Crabs on Pensacola Beach.
Silas’s bartending prowess is evident, as he combines charm, wit, and good looks with remarkable speed and efficiency behind the bar. When asked about his greatest strength in this role, he humorously mentioned his “dashing good looks,” but quickly clarified that adaptability is truly his key asset. He excels at reading the atmosphere and adjusting his approach to suit different patrons, whether they prefer a quick drink in solitude or a lively exchange filled with banter. Silas acknowledges that each customer has unique expectations, and he takes pride in ensuring that all feel comfortable and well attended to.
While he has yet to finalize a recipe for his original creation, the “Coopertini,” he is known for crafting exceptional margaritas, which have garnered a loyal following. His signature margarita recipe includes 1.25 ounces of tequila, 0.5 ounces of triple sec, and sour mix, shaken with ice and served over fresh ice with a Grand Marnier floater, a technique he believes enhances the drink’s quality. When enjoying a night out, Silas has three preferred drinks: a Jack Daniel’s Honey and Sprite for a relaxed evening, a Milagro and pineapple or a Milagro margarita when in a celebratory mood, and he is always eager to whip up a margarita for himself or others.
The craziest experience Silas has encountered at The Roundup involved a harness, Halloween decorations, a few shots, and an abundance of confidence, hinting at a wild story. Silas has always aspired to be a bartender, and he expresses his enthusiasm for his first role in this capacity, stating that he finds it to be everything he imagined and more. He cherishes the interactions and relationships he builds with patrons, relishing the comfort of engaging with regulars who feel valued and remembered. The camaraderie extends beyond the bar, as customers often greet him outside of work, fostering a sense of friendship and mutual respect that he finds unparalleled.
He does, however, have a notable pet peeve: he dislikes when customers linger in front of his well, as it complicates service for others.
Beyond bartending, Silas is also a professional ballet dancer, earning him the nickname “Ballerina Bartender” at The Roundup, where he has performed with Ballet Pensacola for three seasons.
Patrons are encouraged to visit him on Fridays from 6 PM to 2 AM for bingo and drag shows, as well as on Sin Saturdays, though his schedule is becoming increasingly busy. The Roundup is located at 560 E Heinberg Street in Pensacola.
