The Female Bartenders You Need to Know in Philly
Philadelphia The Female Bartenders You Need to Know in Philly By Marielle Mondon While Philly has a ton of great fictional dudes that call this city home, we should really be obsessing over the slew of badass ladies who also dwell here -- especially those in the bartending world. In a male-dominated industry, these hardworking women are mixing some of the cities’ best cocktails and raking in the tips thanks to their killer drink-making expertise. Say hello to -- and then go order from -- 11 of the best female bartenders in Philadelphia.
Maria Polise
Where to find her: Ela Specialty: “I really enjoy perfecting the classics, whether they be historical like the Aviation or modern like the Penicillin... I think the best drink I make is the Vieux Carre with just a few small alterations to the original recipe.”
What she’s doing when she’s not working: “My favorite thing to do is listen to audiobooks or podcasts. I can immerse myself in a good story or catch up on what’s going on in the world while I’m doing chores or just walking around the city.”
Favorite thing about Philadelphia: “I think Philadelphia is the best of a big city and a small town combined. I usually know someone wherever I go.” By Marielle Mondon
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Philadelphia The Female Bartenders You Need to Know in Philly While Philly has a ton of great fictional dudes that call this city home, we should really be obsessing over the slew of badass ladies who also dwell here -- especially those in the bartending world. In a male-dominated industry, these hardworking women are mixing some of the cities’ best cocktails and raking in the tips thanks to their killer drink-making expertise. Say hello to -- and then go order from -- 11 of the best female bartenders in Philadelphia.
Maria Polise
Where to find her: Ela Specialty: “I really enjoy perfecting the classics, whether they be historical like the Aviation or modern like the Penicillin... I think the best drink I make is the Vieux Carre with just a few small alterations to the original recipe.”
What she’s doing when she’s not working: “My favorite thing to do is listen to audiobooks or podcasts. I can immerse myself in a good story or catch up on what’s going on in the world while I’m doing chores or just walking around the city.”
Favorite thing about Philadelphia: “I think Philadelphia is the best of a big city and a small town combined. I usually know someone wherever I go.” More Stuff You Will Like
Lana Barnes
Where to find her: Isabella Specialty: “I love making up cocktails with fresh fruits and whatever is in season. Berries, sage, and rosemary are some of my favorite ingredients.”
What she’s doing when she’s not working: “I am always trying new restaurants and new types of food.”
Favorite thing about Philadelphia: “It’s a happening city, and the dining scene is exploding.” Continue Reading
Alison Hangen
Where to find her: The Olde Bar Specialty: Classic cocktails and her award-winning invention, the “Meyer Lansky.”
What she’s doing when she’s not working: “Drinking whiskey and planning Arts in the Industry events.”
Favorite thing about Philadelphia: “The tight-knit restaurant and bar community. And the Phillies!”
Lauryn Obozian
Where to find her: Library Bar Specialty: “I love infusing spirits and making unique shrubs with home-grown ingredients. Bourbon and rye are my secret loves.”
What she’s doing when she’s not working: “Pursuing acting and singing, as well as working on my master’s from Temple.”
Favorite thing about Philadelphia: “I love my city for all of its raw elegance and rustic vivacity. I’m a true Philly girl, filled with passion and fervor and quick with retort.”
Amy Farrell
Where to find her: Bar 210 at Lacroix Specialty: “My Blackberry Bourbon. I put it on the menu at Lacroix over five years ago and just can’t take it off.”
What she’s doing when she’s not working: “I’m usually doing something involving sports. I’m my fantasy football league’s reigning champion!”
Favorite thing about Philadelphia: “It’s got everything you need from a big city with a small town feel. The sense of community is really important here, especially in the bar and restaurant world.”
Valerie Bryant
Where to find her: Village Whiskey Specialty: “The Red Devil. Penn 1681, Creme Yvette, ginger and lemon. It’s actually pink.”
What she’s doing when she’s not working: “I bounce around to different bars and restaurants. I guess you could call it research -- when a guest wants recommendations on where to go in the city, I need to have answers. Except when the Eagles are playing -- then I’m at Woolly Mammoth.”
Favorite thing about Philadelphia: “Philly’s been my home for 13 years; it’s a big small town, and I love it. You can go from one end to the other in an evening, have a nice dinner, see a drag show, or cheer for your favorite team. There’s something for everyone.”
Diane Riscavage
Where to find her: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, Spruce St Harbor Park
Specialty: “Keeping with our seasonal themes, I’ll try any liquor with the hot drink mixers. I’m working on a white hot chocolate drink now and introduced many people to the mango rum concoctions this summer!”
What she’s doing when she’s not working: “I am enjoying my family, a concert, or going to any of the local breweries.”
Favorite thing about Philadelphia: “The people are second to none and know how to have a good time. It is always fun meeting people from all over the Delaware Valley.”
Ashley Fox
Where to find her: U-Bahn Specialty: “Hendrick's gin with Saint Germain with fresh lime juice and a splash of sour.”
What she’s doing when she’s not working: “Going to sporting events, concerts, and exploring the city.”
Favorite thing about Philly: “There's always something going on. There's never a dull moment in Philly.”
Gabrielle Fenerty
Where to find her: Kensington Quarters Specialty: “I make a killer old fashioned.”
What she’s doing when she’s not working: “I have open afternoons to fill with adventuring around the city, bike rides, hiking, beaching in the summer. I love to happy hour, and brunch... well, actually I love to dine-n-booze at any hour.”
Favorite thing about Philadelphia: “I love the diversity of the city. Working at Kensington Quarters has been a great experience... customers range from local professionals, blue collar workers, and other industry people. It’s what gives Philadelphia its eclectic vibe.”
Katie Loeb
Where to find her: The Trestle Inn, Parlor
Specialty: “Drinks that contain something I’ve made myself: a syrup, cordial, or a garnish I’ve cooked up on my own.”
What she’s doing when she’s not working: “Shopping and cooking myself a nice meal, working on new cocktail recipes, and hanging out with my cats.”
Favorite thing about Philadelphia: “How vibrant and diverse the restaurants and bars are here, as well as how vibrant and diverse the residents are.”
Maria DiMeo
Where to find her: Taproom on 19th Specialty: “A Long Island iced tea. I put a secret ingredient in it and for some reason people eat (drink) it up!”
What she’s doing when she’s not working: “I love spending my time with my puppy Moose.”
Favorite thing about Philadelphia: “How close-knit everyone is. People look out for one another. Another thing would be all the amazing places to eat and drink -- there really are some creative things going on.”
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Marielle Mondon is a Philly-born writer and editor who will gladly sample all these ladies’ signature cocktails in the name of sisterhood. Follow her @MarielleMondon on Twitter and Instagram.