Bartender of the Month

The hospitality community in New Orleans is enriched by remarkable individuals, with bartenders serving as essential ambassadors for both their establishments and the city itself. This month, I would like to highlight Marcus Holland from The Page, who embodies the spirit of New Orleans. A lifelong resident of the Seventh Ward, Marcus has dedicated six years to The Page, where … [Read more...] about Bartender of the Month (July 2026)

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 … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight (April 2026)

The neighborhood bar holds a significant place in the cultural fabric of New Orleans, especially when it embraces an LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, as exemplified by The Friendly, where my bartender spotlight, the remarkable Butch Sager, works. A native of Michigan, Butch is a returning New Orleanian, having experienced life in the city both before and after Hurricane … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight

I began January with a brief visit to Navarre Beach, and during one of the nights I spent there, I visited the remarkable LGBTQ+ bar in Pensacola known as The Roundup. I cannot express enough positive things about this bar and its staff. The hospitality extended by everyone, from the security personnel at the entrance to the owners, was exceptional. I was particularly impressed … [Read more...] about Bartender of the Month – January 2026

As 2025 draws to a close, I wish to express my gratitude to all the bartenders who have brightened my life during this challenging year. You have provided more than just beverages; I am profoundly thankful for that, as we certainly needed cocktails to help us navigate through a tumultuous year marked by attempts to strip away our rights. Bartenders serve a far more vital … [Read more...] about Bartender of the Month – December 2025

My travels along the Gulf Coast lead me to one of my favorite bars just outside New Orleans several times a year. SIPPS, in Gulfport, boasts some of the most attractive and skilled bartenders in the region, and my Bartender for November is one of them, the fabulous Dakota Goldman.   I had the pleasure of being served by Dakota, who, despite being relatively new … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight

I have discovered that bartenders often possess a unique blend of charisma and insight, making them some of the most captivating individuals I have encountered throughout my life. Many of them exhibit keen street smarts, a sense of humor, and a wealth of travel experiences, all while maintaining a profound self-awareness of both themselves and their environment. Their diverse … [Read more...] about Bartender of the Month – September 2025