BajaNomad - Trick question. Who's your most memorable Baja bartender?

Trick question. Who's your most memorable Baja bartender?

Osprey - 1-30-2012 at 11:34 AM

The reason this is a trick question is that the longer you sit at a bar in Baja, the more time you'll have to relish the day, the freedom to do what you want to do, not what somebody else wants you to do. At these times you might take in enough ethanol to forget who put the good stuff right there where you could grab it.

Por ejemplo: I can see some of their faces, their smiles but I'll be damned if I can remember their names. Can you?

24baja - 1-30-2012 at 11:35 AM

Manny at the Hotel Punta Colorado as the Occupational Bartender and my husband when we are in BOLA, who knows how much vodka to mix in the Penafel.

[Edited on 1-30-2012 by 24baja]

[Edited on 1-30-2012 by 24baja]

The Gull - 1-30-2012 at 11:39 AM

Ricky at Ricky's Place 2 km south of Calafia.

DENNIS - 1-30-2012 at 11:39 AM

My fave....Chuy Gonzales.......deceased owner of Los Gordos at La Bufadora. One of a kind, for sure.
I've outlived all my other favorites as well. Bartending in Tequilandia is tough duty.

vandenberg - 1-30-2012 at 11:47 AM

Jorge,
been to many establishments all over Baja, north and south, and never saw a bartender that would work for me. :biggrin:

Dave - 1-30-2012 at 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull
Ricky at Ricky's Place 2 km south of Calafia.

Really??? Couldn't stand "the laugh".

Used to be a bartender who worked most of the gringo joints appropriately named Dennis.

As long as you tipped well you could drink for free.

Free was good.

DENNIS - 1-30-2012 at 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
As long as you tipped well you could drink for free.
Free was good.

Age-old worldwide trick, but you've got it backwards. First, the bartender gives the "on the house" c-cktail....then the tips flow in kind. :light:

Dave - 1-30-2012 at 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Age-old worldwide trick, but you've got it backwards. First, the bartender gives the "on the house" c-cktail....then the tips flow in kind. :light:

Nope. He actually knew his customer and how he would tip. The bill was adjusted accordingly. He'd bring in his own booze. Got to where if he knew you well he'd provide a preferred brand. Worked at one joint for three years before the owner wised up and fired him.

Great guy...everyone loved Dennis. :lol:

LaTijereta - 1-30-2012 at 01:07 PM

Back in 1982 Vincente was the bartender at the Pelaconos Bar at the Mission Hotel..Best Cuba Libre in Loreto..
Still at it today 30years later at Vic's Bar in Loreto...
Always happy and with 30 years experiance it's like having "Skeet" for a bartender with all the stories :lol:

BobM - 1-30-2012 at 01:52 PM

I can't seem to remeber

Terry28 - 1-30-2012 at 02:35 PM

His name was Dennis Murphy and he worked at several places south of Rosarito.
He was a pretty big guy and had health problems at the end of his career. And your correct, a nice guy.

vandenberg - 1-30-2012 at 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LaTijereta
Back in 1982 Vincente was the bartender at the Pelicanos Bar at the Mission Hotel..Best Cuba Libre in Loreto..
Still at it today 30years later at Vic's Bar in Loreto...
Always happy and with 30 years experience it's like having "Skeet" for a bartender with all the stories :lol:

Remember him well and seen him at Vic's. His stories are good, but if you expect servicio rapido, he's definitely not your guy. Anowners nightmare.

sancho - 1-30-2012 at 03:21 PM

Can't remember a bartender by name, but the Bar
we made a daily hangout was 2 doors south from
the Los Arcos Hotel, , La Paz, the owner was called Rigo,
on the corner of I believe
Allende. Those were the days, living right on the edge.
There is an older gentleman works in the Miramar Bar San Felipe, who I've seen for 30 yrs.
Then there was this place in Vallarta, Barra de Navidad,
etc.

vandenberg - 1-30-2012 at 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sancho
Can't remember a bartender by name, but the Bar
we made a daily hangout was 2 doors south from
the Los Arcos Hotel, , La Paz, the owner was called Rigo,

Was called Rigo's. Rigoberto was a friend of ours. Visited us in Sacramento. Changed the name to "the Montana saloon" for Joe Momtana. Lots of 49er pictures and the 9er colors. Was a yachtie hangout. Cheap beer and booze. Was indeed a fun place to go. Don't recall a bartender.

Mexitron - 1-30-2012 at 03:31 PM

Me! I work at the Seven Sisters Open Air Cantina---occasionally open for a week or two at a time, 24/7 if need be.....serving Blancas, Myron Camping Drinks, Tequila, Bourbon, and Cervezas. Ceviche, Chips and fresh Salsa on the house. Dinner available. La Paloma Maduro Puros along with B &Bs (Bourbon and Baileys) for after-dinner pleasure.

vandenberg - 1-30-2012 at 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mexitron
Me! I work at the Seven Sisters Open Air Cantina---occasionally open for a week or two at a time, 24/7 if need be.....serving Blancas, Myron Camping Drinks, Tequila, Bourbon, and Cervezas. Ceviche, Chips and fresh Salsa on the house. Dinner available. La Paloma Maduro Puros along with B &Bs (Bourbon and Baileys) for after-dinner pleasure.

Coordinates please. :biggrin:

wsdunc - 1-30-2012 at 03:44 PM

Manny from Hotel Punta Colorado is the one I remember

sancho - 1-30-2012 at 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg
Was called Rigo's. Rigoberto was a friend of ours. Visited us in Sacramento. Changed the name to "the Montana saloon" for Joe Momtana

Thanks for the memory boost, he did indeed have a pic
of Montana, his wife and Rigo behind the bar
and yes, few of the Yachties who anchored in the Bay, I
remember a guy named George, had a Hans Christian 36', who was sitting on the hook
there for 7 yrs.

Osprey - 1-30-2012 at 04:26 PM

Before I get to the men I remember a c-cktail waitress in Vegas named Marylyn --- very clever gal. Told me once "Wow, George, sure has been a strange shift so far. Guy came in, left me a hundred dollar tip, left and didn't pay for his drink."

desertcpl - 1-30-2012 at 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sancho
Can't remember a bartender by name, but the Bar
we made a daily hangout was 2 doors south from
the Los Arcos Hotel, , La Paz, the owner was called Rigo,
on the corner of I believe
Allende. Those were the days, living right on the edge.
There is an older gentleman works in the Miramar Bar San Felipe, who I've seen for 30 yrs.
Then there was this place in Vallarta, Barra de Navidad,
etc.

was he name Colorado,, if it is he retired about 2 years ago

bent-rim - 1-30-2012 at 05:37 PM

I have 2 favorite bartenders. Guillermo at Guillermo's in BoLA, he turned me onto Guaycura Damiana and Diego at the Serenidad in Mulege, he makes a great Pina Colada and he took some friends and me to some cave paintings outside of town.

bajadock - 1-30-2012 at 05:44 PM

This thread has potential, thanks.

My favorite bartender only handles private parties. She makes the best marguies with Cointreau and OJ, world class salsa and my favorite mex shrimp c-cktail.

Thanks for reminding me to reserve her again this week.

paranewbi - 1-30-2012 at 06:13 PM

Mario at the Diana in Tecate! Made a smooth 'rita and could help out with any questions you had about Tecate or Mexico. He's the man who made me marry my wife in Mexico after marrying her in the US. Best time she, I and 75 of our best friends ever had.

He's no longer there...tends bar at another place across town. But if you stop in you might see Abraham, he does it well also.

TMW - 1-30-2012 at 06:17 PM

The young man at Mike's Sky Rancho in the late 80s and earily 90s, I forget his name but it was a mean Margarita.

mulegemichael - 1-30-2012 at 06:33 PM

manny at punta colorada is the beyond anything best bartender anyone could ever ask for...and a dear, dear, amigo..now retired and the proud owner of a candy store in downtown la ribera...a wonderful friend that has taken me back and forth from the airport dozens of times.

AmoPescar - 1-30-2012 at 07:02 PM

Gotta be 'Desertbull'....

Margaritas made on his famous gas powered blender are legendary among Amigos de Baja and Nomads! Served all up and down Baja...

Any one have a picture of him in action??

Miguelamo :yes:

Best ?

MrBillM - 1-30-2012 at 07:28 PM

Pancho.

Or, was it Pablo ?

Pedro ?

Paco ?

Pretty sure it started with a "P".

Maybe not.

Halfway House between Rosarito and Ensenada.

I think.

What was the question ?

Ken Bondy - 1-30-2012 at 07:28 PM

My favorite was a young guy, tall and thin, who worked the bar at Hotel Punta Pescadero in the 70s and 80s. Naturally I can't remember his name but he was very pleasant and very competent. Once I ordered some kind of fruit margarita from him for one of our party. Trying to spanglicize "pear" I used a word that sounded like "pera". He told me that I had just ordered a fart. He was funny, said he got very few orders for farts but he would do the best he could.

Well, Given the Subject

Gypsy Jan - 1-30-2012 at 07:42 PM

It is not strange that your memories are impaired.

The bartender at Carnitas los Panchos in Rosarito makes the best Michelada.

A frozen beer stein is filled with ice and fresh squeezed lime juice and there is chile/lime salt on the rim. My choice is a bottle of Bohemia to add in.

vgabndo - 1-30-2012 at 08:04 PM

Boy its been a long time since I drank, but I remember a night at the Malarrimo bar, there was a young guy who had come up from Cabo. He spoke fair English about equal to my Espanol. We had a really memorable long evening bonding, drinking and learning each others language in that empty bar. He later was a waiter for several years in the restaurant. A handsome guy, anyone who can refresh my memory?

Bajafun777 - 1-30-2012 at 08:14 PM

At the Rosarito Hotel Bar in 80's use to be a bartender by the name of Rudy and he was pretty good at keeping you with a cold one in your hand at all times. Now, I really like Nick at Splash as he keeps you serviced and keeps good conversation going while tending to others sitting at the bar, which is not an easy thing to do when it is packed.LOL Take Care & Travel Safe---"No Hurry, No Worry, Just FUN" bajafun777

Hook - 1-30-2012 at 08:21 PM

I measure bartenders by the quality of their drinks. Congeniality is nice, but it only means you arent drinking with someone more congenial than a bartender. I never drink alone.

I remember:

-the margaritas at the old Punta Chivato Hotel
-the drinks at the Bermejo Bar at Los Arcos in La Paz
-the drinks at The Palm(s) near Primo Tapia/Cantamar.

I would never measure a bartender by the PRICE of their drinks.

vandenberg - 1-30-2012 at 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
the drinks at the Bermejo Bar at Los Arcos in La Paz

No Bermejo Bar. That was the downstairs restaurant.
Bar upstairs was Bar Pelicanos.. Good for watching sunsets.
Help was atrocious.

UnoMas - 1-30-2012 at 08:57 PM

Octavio at Hotel Rancho Buena Vista. Medicating fishermen in the hay day's of the resort for year's. :coolup:

Club A - Calle Revoluccion, Tijuana 1990-4

Ken Cooke - 1-30-2012 at 09:18 PM

This particular bartender carried a whistle around his neck, an unloaded handgun that he liked pointing at his patrons, and was lightning fast while serving.

:!:

Of course, I do have photos! :!:

wessongroup - 1-30-2012 at 09:25 PM

The "Brewery" in Ensenada right across from the old market... years ago .. very fast on cases of beer out the door, in quarts ..... :biggrin:

Punta Chivato"Back in the Day"

KaceyJ - 1-30-2012 at 09:32 PM

Pedro, sometimes his brother Ramon, Chuy ,aka Jesus who last I knew , is now a mesero at equipales, & Pepe- and when the work went home , and the clientele in the mood , Bill Alvarado would stay and work graveyard till the cows came home and the baja sun came up.

And yes ,

They were doubles

Hook - 1-30-2012 at 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
the drinks at the Bermejo Bar at Los Arcos in La Paz

No Bermejo Bar. That was the downstairs restaurant.
Bar upstairs was Bar Pelicanos.. Good for watching sunsets.
Help was atrocious.

I will accede to the name of the bar to more recent visitors..........and the quality of the drinks.

But the help was just fine in the early 80s. Maybe you were there too close to the closing?

BornFisher - 1-30-2012 at 10:31 PM

Nick at Splash......... but ya gatta love Joe-----(and Crazy)....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-J8OXq5_qs

El Camote - 1-30-2012 at 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TW
The young man at Mike's Sky Rancho in the late 80s and earily 90s, I forget his name but it was a mean Margarita.

First time there in spring of '96, the barkeep was Pepe but he wasn't young. Came back in '98 and he was gone. Remember Pepe?

burnrope - 1-30-2012 at 11:11 PM

Whoever is making Margaritas at the El Candil in Mulege.

Desertbull - 1-30-2012 at 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AmoPescar
Gotta be 'Desertbull'....Margaritas made on his famous gas powered blender are legendary among Amigos de Baja and Nomads! Served all up and down Baja...

Any one have a picture of him in action?? Miguelamo :yes:

Haha... https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3205896471498&se...

[Edited on 1-31-2012 by Desertbull]

capt. mike - 1-31-2012 at 09:57 AM

always liked what Alex did for us at Serenidad. stiff drinks, funny conversation - sense of humor.

watizname - 1-31-2012 at 11:01 AM

To those of you who remember the old Punta Chivato hotel. The sign behind the bar stated " These Are Doubles." and there were quite a few times that I can't remember getting lost, or found, after testing the validity of that sign. It was kinda like --betcha can't drink just one>

Martyman - 1-31-2012 at 10:21 PM

I gotta vote for Abran at the Mission Santa Maria in San Quintin. Nice Guy!

dtutko1 - 2-1-2012 at 07:03 AM

A couple people have mentioned the Serinidad. My favorite bartender worked there. Mateo was his name. Don't remember anything about his bar skills, but he took me out fishing one day and we sat over a giant baitball and caught fish until my back hurt. He's well known in the area.

KASHEYDOG - 2-1-2012 at 07:53 AM

I have to cast my vote for Fernando at the Rosarito Beach Hotel. Love his margaritas. And he does some very entertaining and fun bar tricks. Ask him to show you his pet mouse..................

[Edited on 2-1-12 by KASHEYDOG]

FERNANDO NOMAD.jpg - 21kB

Bajafun777 - 2-1-2012 at 11:31 PM

Kasheydog, Yep have to count in Fernando also, as he is good bartender and keeps your drinks coming quickly. You just need to put an empty in the well since an empty cold one just screams for a full one,LOL. He loves to do his mouse trick for the ladies and the ladies do get some loud and continual laughs out of it! Take Care & Travel Safe---- "No Hurry, No Worry, Just FUN" bajafun777

Roberto - 2-4-2012 at 10:41 AM

Anyone stay at the old (now gone) Posada de Englebert? Nice bar, right on the patio, with a nice bartender. Nothing world class, but just a pleasant place to hang out. Nice Coromuel breeze, too!

Roberto - 2-4-2012 at 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
-the drinks at The Palm(s) near Primo Tapia/Cantamar.

I liked it when it was called Palmira. It has gotten progressively nicer since then, but progressively less pleasant at the same time. Just my opinion, of course.

TecateRay - 2-4-2012 at 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by paranewbi
Mario at the Diana in Tecate! Made a smooth 'rita and could help out with any questions you had about Tecate or Mexico. He's the man who made me marry my wife in Mexico after marrying her in the US. Best time she, I and 75 of our best friends ever had.

He's no longer there...tends bar at another place across town. But if you stop in you might see Abraham, he does it well also.

What he said. Plus add Miguel (Mike) at the Bar Diana in Tecate. The place and the bartenders make it a favorite of mine. :tumble:

:tumble

Ken Bondy - 2-4-2012 at 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
Anyone stay at the old (now gone) Posada de Englebert? Nice bar, right on the patio, with a nice bartender. Nothing world class, but just a pleasant place to hang out. Nice Coromuel breeze, too!

Agree, really enjoyed the Posada. The whole experience was very nice. We used to stay there before and after week-long liveaboard dive trips on the old Baja Explorador. Sorry it's gone.

Skeet/Loreto - 2-4-2012 at 03:02 PM

Vinciente at the Old Mission Hotel;

Vinciente I taught how to make Two Eyed Tequillas.

A good Guy and knew how to make good Drinks.

Second would be Nicky at the Hotel Oasis He has been there 30 years that I know of.

Then if you want to got back, Fernando Aguiliar Cunningham the Builder and Founder of the Cafe Ole in Loreto was once a Bartender at the Flying Sportsman.

Skeet

Wingnut - 2-11-2012 at 02:35 PM

Best Bartender (and hardest working) is Rueben at the Tanga Tanga in Cabo.
Best backup bartender and all around waiter Manny at the same Tanga Tanga bar.

capt. mike - 2-11-2012 at 03:35 PM

i have to 2nd those comments about Nicky at Oasis - he is a living icon.

willardguy - 2-11-2012 at 03:45 PM

anyone remember the gay bartender at the "old" old mill back when the bar was that round building in the courtyard that later was a tackle shop and is now long long gone?

BajaGuera - 2-11-2012 at 04:07 PM

Los Gordos' original barkeep was a gentleman named Rafael. He wore a starched and pressed tuxedo shirt and pants with a natty bow tie. His margaritas were great, in 10 oz. glasses and he always added a floater of tequila...and he would keep adding a floater as the glass emptied.
Also in those days, Estella made her own mix from lemons and limes from her garden in TJ

mulegemichael - 2-11-2012 at 05:07 PM

hey jorge...please tell manny that i consider him the finest bartender of all time...really...and quite possibly the finest "person" of all time...what a wonderful guy!...i hope his dulcirena is doing well in la ribera...i just love the guy and his family..and i miss la ribera.

DENNIS - 2-11-2012 at 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGuera
Los Gordos' original barkeep was a gentleman named Rafael. He wore a starched and pressed tuxedo shirt and pants with a natty bow tie. His margaritas were great, in 10 oz. glasses and he always added a floater of tequila...and he would keep adding a floater as the glass emptied.
Also in those days, Estella made her own mix from lemons and limes from her garden in TJ

You mean at The Buf? How long ago was that? When they were across the street?

BajaGuera - 2-11-2012 at 06:25 PM

Dennis - About 1980. I believe he was at the building across the street too, before the fire. When I first came down the Two Turtles was still open - but I would only drink beer from the bottle. Before Abel and Estella took over that building was seriously scary.

DENNIS - 2-11-2012 at 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGuera
Dennis - About 1980. I believe he was at the building across the street too, before the fire. When I first came down the Two Turtles was still open - but I would only drink beer from the bottle. Before Abel and Estella took over that building was seriously scary.

The fire...that was a mess, they say. I wasn't living out there at the time. I had left Toscano's and relocated into Ensenada.
Anyway....the fire, as you remember, took the life of the one-armed maintenance man. Bad humor had it that he was inside having a beer when the fire started, but he wouldn't drop the bottle to open the door and escape. [I know....poor taste]
I was over there a couple of days back for a beer and the place is almost depressing with it's lack of care. It needs to be torn down and rebuilt....facing the water.

bajagrouper - 2-11-2012 at 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LaTijereta
Back in 1982 Vincente was the bartender at the Pelaconos Bar at the Mission Hotel..Best Cuba Libre in Loreto..
Still at it today 30years later at Vic's Bar in Loreto...
Always happy and with 30 years experiance it's like having "Skeet" for a bartender with all the stories :lol:

Got to second Vincente, best Margaritas and his lovely wife Rosa who worked for Mexicana and was able to get me on a "full" flight back to the states..........

Marinero - 2-12-2012 at 01:31 PM

Bill, at the now semi-closed Rancho Buena Vista Hotel.