Independent Science

Adam Henry isn't your normal Pittsburgh bartender. For one thing he's only behind the stick about once a month these days. For another he's actually a practicing lawyer. But when he is manning the bar at The Independent Brewing Co. it's guaranteed to be something special. Whether that's a Hunter S Thompson theme night or Tiki X Molecular drinks you know he's bringing science and skill. He's also maybe the only bartender in Pittsburgh making a vermouth fog or Campari Cotton Candy. Because his time behind the bar is limited, pay attention to the Independent's cocktail menus and watch to see when he is working, though you are sure to get a quality cocktail no matter who is there, it just might not be smoking.

Tends to Be

Most native Pittsburghers still have trouble with the idea of people moving to Pittsburgh intentionally. Fredrick Arnold is a perfect example of why Pittsburgh is becoming a cocktail destination though. After working in New York City Fredrick moved with his girlfriend to Kansas City where he managed the R Bar, one of Esquire's top bars in America. Deciding that neither New York nor Kansas City was right for them the pair decided to pick a new place to live. They Flew to New York and drove back to Kansas City stopping along the way and scoping out cities along the way. After just 6 hours they knew Pittsburgh was the place. Through a bit of serendipity on Craigslist, Fredrick found Tender just as they were hiring and developing their drinks menu. With that, another 'tender was found for Tender.

It's Traditional

The first thing that Wes Shonk did when he learned he was going to be behind the stick at 1947 Tavern was start learning. He hadn't been anything more than a bar back prior to then, so he threw himself into learning the classics, both how to make them and why they are the way they are. He also devoted himself to learning all that he could about bourbon, the tavern's signature spirit. This devotion to the classics and bourbon led him to Camp Runamok where he learned even more.