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San Diego Bartenders on Where They Like To Drink

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Bartenders, mixologists, beverage directors, bar consultants — whatever title they like to go by, our local ladies and gentlemen of drink are shaping San Diego's cocktail scene for the better. From seasonal menus to fresh spins on classic drinks, every day these bar wizards manage to come up with a new take on booze.

But where do they go when they get a (rare) night off? Below, find out where some of San Diego's best bartenders like to go to drink on their own time.


· All Cocktail Week 2013 Coverage [~ESD~]

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Turf Supper Club

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Polite Provisions' Erick Castro a "huge fan" of this Golden Hill stalwart, where he grabs a Ballast Point Big Eye on his way home from work.

Live Wire Bar

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El Dorado's Ryan Kuntz likes the great beer program at this unpretentious neighborhood bar.

The Aero Club Bar

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Brian Lee, Noble Experiment's General Manager, is convinced that The Aero Club is the best bar in San Diego, citing its selection of over 600 whiskeys, friendly bartenders, pool tables, Top Gun pinball and the best jukebox in the city.

Cantina Mayahuel

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Jason O'Bryan, head bartender at URBN North Park & Gang Kitchen, likes to order a Bohemia beer and a shot of tequila at this Normal Heights cantina.

Jayne's Gastropub

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Saltbox's Jen Queen says that her favorite bartender is Jayne's Sarah Ellis, who "makes great drinks, never takes herself too seriously and most importantly, makes me feel at home."

Noble Experiment

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Jsix's Lauren Lathrop Williams heads to Noble Experiment when she wants a drink, in particular the "delicious Collins-based aquavit drink that tastes like rye bread smeared with lemon marmalade."

Cherry Bomb

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Sycamore Den's Eric Johnson recommends this low-key Bankers Hill bar, where he likes to drink a "shepherds (large) pour of Fernet."

El Dorado Cocktail Lounge

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CH Projects' head bartender, Anthony Schmidt, loves old fashioneds, preferring them "stronger, spirit driven and honest." He says the El D is where he first realized the old fashioned's potential as a "showcase for simplicity and high quality ingredients."

Turf Supper Club

Polite Provisions' Erick Castro a "huge fan" of this Golden Hill stalwart, where he grabs a Ballast Point Big Eye on his way home from work.

Live Wire Bar

El Dorado's Ryan Kuntz likes the great beer program at this unpretentious neighborhood bar.

The Aero Club Bar

Brian Lee, Noble Experiment's General Manager, is convinced that The Aero Club is the best bar in San Diego, citing its selection of over 600 whiskeys, friendly bartenders, pool tables, Top Gun pinball and the best jukebox in the city.

Cantina Mayahuel

Jason O'Bryan, head bartender at URBN North Park & Gang Kitchen, likes to order a Bohemia beer and a shot of tequila at this Normal Heights cantina.

Jayne's Gastropub

Saltbox's Jen Queen says that her favorite bartender is Jayne's Sarah Ellis, who "makes great drinks, never takes herself too seriously and most importantly, makes me feel at home."

Noble Experiment

Jsix's Lauren Lathrop Williams heads to Noble Experiment when she wants a drink, in particular the "delicious Collins-based aquavit drink that tastes like rye bread smeared with lemon marmalade."

Cherry Bomb

Sycamore Den's Eric Johnson recommends this low-key Bankers Hill bar, where he likes to drink a "shepherds (large) pour of Fernet."

El Dorado Cocktail Lounge

CH Projects' head bartender, Anthony Schmidt, loves old fashioneds, preferring them "stronger, spirit driven and honest." He says the El D is where he first realized the old fashioned's potential as a "showcase for simplicity and high quality ingredients."

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