Brad Bolt
It was a fateful trip to New York, with its legendary cocktail bars, that convinced Brad Bolt to get into the mixology game. But luckily for the citizens of Chicago, he took his talents to the Windy City, where he's as comfortable handcrafting cocktails as he is tossing his customers and ice cold can of PBR. Here he is on his personal innovations, what he loves most about Chicago, and the best drink he's ever had.
How did you get involved in mixology?
I took trip to New York City with my good friend Matty Eggleston, about five years ago. We ate and drank our way through the city and visited a handful of other cocktail bars. My eyes were wide open, and I came back to Chicago excited to relearn how to bartend. I later helped open other notable bars and learned a lot studying under Toby Maloney.
What's the best cocktail you've ever had?
My first cocktail, a Manhattan, has to be the best cocktail I’ve ever had in that it was a life changing cocktail for me.
What makes the place you work at special?
I think what makes it special is that someone can come in and have a handcrafted cocktail, and their friend can order a PBR. It’s unpretentious, inviting, and inclusive. There is a real sense of community amongst the staff, patrons, and neighborhood.
What nightlife trend rubs you the wrong way?
Exclusivity.
What's the secret to running a great bar?
The secret is employing the very best team you can put together. We are blessed with an amazing one.
Who is your ideal customer?
My ideal customer is someone that walks in and says “I’d like something with this spirit and I like these types of flavors. Make me whatever you want.” And also the customer that recognizes when we are slammed and is smart enough to know that the quickest things I can put in their hands are a beer and a shot.
What do you love most about Chicago?
One word: summer.
What personal innovations have you brought to the nightlife game?
I think that we opened a bar that bridges the gap between a straight up cocktail lounge and a neighborhood type joint. Most people want to have fun in a bar while consuming quality drinks, not sit around in a quiet bar geeking out about cocktails while putting their drink up on a pedestal. Cocktails are cool and all but, just drink already.
How do you name a drink?
Most of the time I’ll start by browsing my iTunes library, but occasionally I’ll name a drink for someone or after something.
