Festival season has arrived in New Orleans, bringing with it bustling bars filled with both locals and visitors. Among the most favored spots, particularly in this delightful weather, is the Bourbon Pub & Parade, home to our featured bartender, Fernando Rodriguez. Nothing beats sitting at this fabulous drinking establishment when all the doors are open to the street and you can watch the world go by while enjoying a libation or four, but I digress.
Since joining the Pub in 2024, Fernando has proven to be an exceptional asset to the team. Originally hailing from Houston, he moved to New Orleans in August 2001 to pursue his studies at Loyola University and has since embraced the city as his home.
Over the years, he has undergone a remarkable transformation—from a college student to a paralegal for a decade, and then a dedicated scholar who earned both a master’s degree and a PhD in American history over twelve years.
His bartending journey began at Rawhide/Silver Fox in 2022, followed by a stint at Cafe Lafitte in Exile from 2023 to 2024. Fernando’s dedication and charm behind the bar have endeared him to patrons, particularly locals, who are known for their discerning tastes. Winning over the local crowd is no small feat, but those who succeed, like Fernando, often find themselves cherished as part of the community.
Fernando is a talented mixologist who enjoys experimenting with shot recipes, such as the white tea shot, even if he hasn’t created a signature cocktail. He finds that flavored vodka can enhance many drinks. When he goes out, he prefers bourbon and Coke, occasionally indulging in a chilled tequila shot. On special occasions, he opts for blueberry vodka mixed with water and a splash of lime.
Beyond his speed and professionalism at the bar, Fernando believes his greatest strength lies in his ability to engage in conversation with nearly anyone. His background as a paralegal and academic has equipped him with a wealth of topics to discuss, though many would argue that his warm smile is equally appealing.
Reflecting on his experiences, he recalls a particularly wild incident from his first Decadence event at Rawhide, which he humorously notes is too outrageous to share in detail. For Fernando, bartending at the Pub is a rewarding experience, as he enjoys interacting with a diverse clientele, from locals to tourists, and finds it especially gratifying when out-of-towners share unexpected connections with him.
It is advisable to avoid saying “Surprise me” to a bartender, as this is one of Fernando’s greatest frustrations with customers. Bartenders are not mind readers; they cannot discern your tastes, and if the drink does not meet your expectations, it is not their responsibility.
Beyond his bartending skills, Fernando has a hidden passion for art, having enjoyed creating it during his high school years and even earning several all-state awards.
You can catch Fernando during his regular shifts on Tuesdays from 12 PM to 7 PM, Saturdays from 12 PM to 8 PM, and Sundays from 12 PM to 7 PM at the Bourbon Pub, located at 801 Bourbon Street.
