Ask a Bartender

Nancy Myrtle has worked the bar at Arnies Pacific Northwest Favorites of Mukilteo for more than 30 years. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Her Bloody Mary recipe is still top-secret after 33 years

Nancy Myrtle, who has worked at Arnies in Mukilteo since 1987, loves her customers — and the view out the window.

 

The Diamond Knot bartender Alex Frye on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020 in Mukilteo, Wash. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

He was shy until he got behind the bar at Mukilteo’s Diamond Knot

Alex Frye became a bartender to realize a childhood dream and confront his fears. Now he loves it.

 

Traci McFarlane, owner and bartender of Bits in Mukilteo (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

This Mukilteo bartender practices the art of the cocktail

Traci McFarlane, owner of Bits, is passionate about mixing drinks the right way.

 

This globetrotting Lake Stevens bartender is aiming high

This globetrotting Lake Stevens bartender is aiming high

Macara “Mac” Hinds tended bar in Germany and traveled in Norway and Thailand. Now she is training to fly airplanes.

This globetrotting Lake Stevens bartender is aiming high
Rory’s bartender loves his regulars — especially his in-laws

Rory’s bartender loves his regulars — especially his in-laws

Chris Madsen has a wife and two kids, thanks to his job at this Edmonds watering hole.

Rory’s bartender loves his regulars — especially his in-laws
Her customers are her extended family at this Lynnwood bar

Her customers are her extended family at this Lynnwood bar

Traci Lamb, bartender at Just Left Pub & Grill, is an extrovert who loves to get know people.

Her customers are her extended family at this Lynnwood bar
Their goals from behind the bar: Make your drink — and your day

Their goals from behind the bar: Make your drink — and your day

Husband-and-wife bartenders Kris and Kali Kelnero open their own place in downtown Edmonds.

Their goals from behind the bar: Make your drink — and your day
He went from an ID-checking doorman to a certified cicerone

He went from an ID-checking doorman to a certified cicerone

Blake Fitzgerald shares his extensive beer knowledge at Josh’s Taps and Caps in Snohomish.

He went from an ID-checking doorman to a certified cicerone
She may be new to bartending, but everyone knows her name

She may be new to bartending, but everyone knows her name

Amanda Biship is the bartender at The Clubhouse Bar and Grill in Everett, where it feels like family.

She may be new to bartending, but everyone knows her name
Mark Evich is the bar manager of The Cove Restaurant and Lounge in Lynnwood. With a career spanning 28 years, he calls himself a “sage.” (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

He’s seen it all after 28 years tending bar — but it’s a long story

Mark Evich of The Cove Restaurant and Lounge in Lynnwood says obscure cocktails are his biggest challenge.

Mark Evich is the bar manager of The Cove Restaurant and Lounge in Lynnwood. With a career spanning 28 years, he calls himself a “sage.” (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Niles Peacock, bar manager at 190 Sunset in Edmonds. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Popular Edmonds mixologist is ready to open his own business

The new joint in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood will have a familiar name: Niles Peacock Kitchen and Bar.

Niles Peacock, bar manager at 190 Sunset in Edmonds. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
The bar’s had different names, but she’s always called it home

The bar’s had different names, but she’s always called it home

Deanna VanderVate pours drinks at The Paddle Pub, formerly the Roadhouse Bar & Grill.

The bar’s had different names, but she’s always called it home
Megan Bingaman tends bar for Village Taphouse & Grill in Marysville. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

This friendly bartender makes a mean margarita in Marysville

Megan Bingaman broke into the business after she got sick of her desk job.

Megan Bingaman tends bar for Village Taphouse & Grill in Marysville. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
He enjoys talking about cocktails as much as making them

He enjoys talking about cocktails as much as making them

Jason Castro loves to explain the history behind the drinks at Fred’s Rivertown Alehouse in Snohomish.

He enjoys talking about cocktails as much as making them
Cameron McCaffree, 26, is a bartender at The Anchor Pub in Everett. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

From millennials to elders, he serves ‘em all at the Anchor

Cameron McCaffree says he enjoys the historic Everett bar’s diverse, colorful customers.

Cameron McCaffree, 26, is a bartender at The Anchor Pub in Everett. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
The A-Team has poured beers at Bothell’s The Bine since Day 1

The A-Team has poured beers at Bothell’s The Bine since Day 1

Bartenders Mallory Galash, Alethea Kendrick and Valerie Hackett have become close friends.

The A-Team has poured beers at Bothell’s The Bine since Day 1
Nicole Geer’s listening skills once netted her a $500 tip

Nicole Geer’s listening skills once netted her a $500 tip

Accounting wasn’t a good fit for this “super-friendly” person, so she switched to bartending.

Nicole Geer’s listening skills once netted her a $500 tip
This Mill Creek bartender thrives when the place is slammed

This Mill Creek bartender thrives when the place is slammed

Jessie Meyers feels a rush of accomplishment when she makes everyone happy.

This Mill Creek bartender thrives when the place is slammed
Kuhnle’s Tavern bartender pours them as she sees them

Kuhnle’s Tavern bartender pours them as she sees them

Denise McKenzie has learned a few things after 12 years at the venerable Marysville bar.

Kuhnle’s Tavern bartender pours them as she sees them
This big personality tends a tiny Edmonds bar

This big personality tends a tiny Edmonds bar

Desmond van Rensburg says people skills are as vital as mixology knowledge.

This big personality tends a tiny Edmonds bar