When we set out to find the best bartender in Chicago, we knew it would be tough. After combing through more than 300 of your nominations, we narrowed the field down to 10. Then we asked you to vote online for your favorite, and 20,000 votes later, only five bartenders–Titus, Laurel, Ed, Tracy and Chad–were left standing. And now it’s up to you to pick the winner.
Read their bios and check out photos on metromix.com. Then meet the fab five in person at the metromix/RedEye party at Gracies (1119 W. Webster Pl., 773-528-1788) at 8 p.m. Thursday, when you’ll see them in action mixing up free samples of their signature cocktails.
After you’ve recovered from your hangover, go to metromix.com and cast your vote for the mixologist with the most–the best bartender in Chicago. And keep voting until Aug. 29–you’ll find out who you picked as tops at the taps in the Sept. 1 issue of metromix/RedEye and on metromix.com.
Ed Judge, 35
Petterino’s
150 N. Dearborn St. 312-422-0150
Signature drink: Margarita, $9.50
What his fans say: “Ed isn’t only just a great bartender, he’s a great guy. He’s a pro all-around.”
Hours: 4-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 4-11 p.m. Fridays
Laurel Tiknis, 32
Underbar
3243 N. Western Ave. 773-404-9363
Signature drink: Maker’s Mark Manhattan, $6.50
What her fans say: “Laurel’s the best–no one can match her wit, charm or ability to brighten up a bad day.”
Hours: 4-10 p.m. Wednesdays; 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays
Titus Mastrangelo, 32
Green Dolphin Street
2200 N. Ashland Ave.
773-395-0066
Slick’s Lounge
1115 N. North Branch St.
312-932-0006
Signature drink: Stoli Around the World, $9
What his fans say: “Titus is not only extremely popular with the ladies but the fellas like him too. Granted, not for his looks but more so for his potent creations.”
Hours: 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Fridays (Slick’s); special engagements and parties (Green Dolphin Street)
Chad Johnson, 27
Bungalow Lounge
1622 W. Belmont Ave. 773-244-0400
Signature drink: Manhattan, $8.50
What his fans say: “Chad may be from Kentucky, but he makes everyone feel like they belong in the city.”
Hours: 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 6 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturdays
Tracy Miller, 28
The Apartment
2251 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-348-5100
Signature drink: Screwball martini, $9
What her fans say: “I’m casting my vote for Tracy. She is the best bartender in all of Chicago!”
Hours: 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Thursdays; 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays; 10:30 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturdays
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Find out more about your favorite bartenders on metromix.com
