Hey Bartender

Hey Bartender is an engaging 2013 documentary that offers viewers a closer look inside the world of modern bartending and the cocktail culture that has swept across the cityscapes. Directed by Douglas Tirola, the film cleverly stitches together narratives from renowned individuals in the field such as Tony Abou-Ganim, Eric Alperin, and Jeff Bell.

The film transports viewers into the heart of the industry, pulling back the curtain to reveal what it really means to be a bartender in the contemporary mixology scene. Centrally, it showcases two bartenders at different stages in their careers: Steve Schneider, ex-marine, who works at the acclaimed establishment Employees Only in New York City, in pursuit of reaching 'Principal Bartender', and Steve Carpentieri, who owns a corner bar in a small town of Connecticut, wishing to bring sophistication to his establishment.

Hey Bartender truly encapsulates and presents the art, passion, and respect involved in modern-day bartending. The film allows viewers into a world that’s more than just pouring spirits into a glass. Instead, it emphasizes how bartending is a craft, requiring a deep understanding of the substances one is working with, the history encased within each bottle, and the ability to create an experience as much as a drink.

The spotlight is also cast on Abou-Ganim, Alperin, and Bell in the film. These bar veterans share their rich experiences, preferences, history, and commentary throughout the movie. Tony Abou-Ganim, a pioneering figure in the revival of the cocktail culture presents his impeccable understanding and passion for the craft. Eric Alperin, known for operating one of Los Angeles' most exceptional cocktail lounges, shares valuable insights on the balance between maintaining trends with originality and substance. Jeff Bell provides a more contemporary perspective serving as a head bartender at PDT (Please Don't Tell), a trendy New York speakeasy. Their narratives, as told through personal experiences, anecdotes, and cocktail recipes, deepen the viewer's understanding and appreciation of this overlooked profession.

An homage to craft cocktails, Hey Bartender delves into the culture surrounding bartending, illustrating how these establishments have evolved from traditional beer-serving joints into intricate spaces that fuse old-world charm with modern sophistication. It traces the roots and trajectory of the cocktail's resurgence from the late 2000s into an industry that has seen an unprecedented meteoric rise in recent years. The emotions, the passion, the exuberance, and sheer creativity that is part of the bartender's world is expressed with sincere commitment in this documentary.

The film is not limited to intimate bar settings, it also captures the rambunctious energy of events like the New Orleans' annual Tales of the Cocktail Festival, where bartenders from around the globe come to compete, learn, and network. It displays in vivid detail, the level of skill, knowledge, and dedication demanded by these competitions that are viewed as the pinnacle of the industry.

Behind the scenes, Hey Bartender also addresses the struggles and challenges of the bartending industry: long hours, problems with licensing and regulation, the financial uncertainties, and the personal sacrifices that often come with the industry are touched upon. Yet, despite these drawbacks, it leaves viewers with an overwhelming sense of the allure and satisfaction derived from the craft, as it instills in viewers a newfound admiration for these unsung artists.

Indeed, Hey Bartender goes beyond the unassuming title. It is an eye-opening expedition into a world less-explored, bringing forth the artistry, resilience, and camaraderie that lends this profession its unique charm. While on the surface it might seem to be a movie about mixing drinks, it truly is a bold testament to human passion, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Both enlightening and engaging, Hey Bartender reminds viewers that the craft of bartending is about creating an experience — a cocktail is simply an extension of the bartender's story and spirit.

Balancing detailed expertise with entertaining narratives, Hey Bartender stands as a must-watch for cocktail enthusiasts, industry professionals, and anyone with an interest in the silent symphony played out behind the bars and speakeasies of our cities. It is a fitting tribute to the art of bartending, capturing its aura and charm through eloquent documentary filmmaking.