John Taffer is the President of Bar & Nightclub Media and the Host of Spike TVs Bar Rescue (new episodes start October 6th!). I sat down (ok, had a call) with Mr. Taffer recently to discuss the new season of Bar Rescue, his new book and his years in the bar business.  John has been creating and running bars for over 35 years. To say the least, he’s seen it all.

How did you get … Read more

San Francisco has a lot to offer in terms of food and drink with almost every street in the city’s 49-square miles filled with restaurants and bars. The best part? Some of those bars are breweries, too!

I decided to take a trip to the less-known Social Kitchen & Brewery and I am definitely glad I did. Social Kitchen is a semi-recent addition to the Inner Sunset district. Not even two-years old, it brings some … Read more

The eyes of the world will all be on the two-storied fields this Championship Sunday. The big question is: where will you be to enjoy it? If you can’t make it to the game, I’m here to showcase the best places for you to watch, celebrate and most importantly pound the best local brews your bartender can pour! 

Kezar Pub, San Francisco, California – This Haight-Ashbury watering hole has a rich pub atmosphere where fans

… Read more

Hopefully dad appreciates you just the way you are, but these items can’t hurt in helping him love you just a little bit more …

Highland Park 50

With only 275 bottles produced, this prestigious edition is set to become an exclusive collectors’ item.

Bottled at 44.8% ABV, Highland Park 50 Years Old is a vatting of five refill oak casks distilled in 1960.  This higher proof brings out richness of this special whisky.

Each … Read more

This week’s collections of libatious links!

Brian Rea has cranked out another issue of The Barkeeper. A must read.
A deer tries to get a drink in an Ohio bar, destruction ensues.
San Francisco’s Broken Record has Four Roses Bourbon on tap. Yes, whiskey on tap!
Snooth names the five most overused wine words.
The Dog Whisperer is not a friend of alcoholics.
Anchor Steam gets an award.
Adam Morganstern shares his top 10 wines

… Read more

Despite the sobering effect of the current economy this year’s Nightclub and Bar Convention and Trade Show was once again a reason to celebrate an industry built by the hardy entrepreneurs who made America great. In this spirit, the exhibitors and speakers this year showed that despite adversity the future is bright.

This year saw many specialty products aimed at creating a more interesting cocktail experience. From the naughty Filthy Food, with their conversation starting … Read more

Portland has a lot of fine drinking opportunities, with great bars and wineries in addition to about 30 local breweries. Even the gas stations have a pretty sweet beer fridge.

If you like beer, then Rogue Ales is certainly a familiar name. Its Dead Guy Ale has made it a big name in craft brewing. If you’re ever in Portland, Oregon, pay a visit to its distillery and public house. In addition to a big … Read more

I was doing some research on tequila and mezcal, and one bar was consistently mentioned with raves: Mayahuel in New York.

Tequila has often gotten a bad rap, due to its associations with spring break, hangovers, and the whole “eat the worm” thing. But it’s a very versatile spirit, as is its often-ignored cousin mezcal.

Mayahuel bartender Phil Ward loves the agave spirits, as evidenced by this great quote from his interview with BlackBook:… Read more