Bartender Awards Winners 2025

On Monday night, September 29, Motif celebrated the denizens that keep this city liquored up! Thanks so much to R1 Indoor Karting for hosting and sponsoring us, and for musicians and performers Providence Drum Troupe, Danielle Riley, The Bimbo Factory, and DJ Steeley Chris! 

Also, big shoutout to O’Brien & Brough for sponsoring our mixology competition! Drinks were poured, awards were handed, and people had a good time! 

Our live mixology contest was incredibly close, with Nichole Bonollo of Sippin’ Pretty Mobile Bar eking out a win with a delicious Plum & Proper cocktail, nudging out Patrick Hamilton (Skeff’s) with his satisfying Redemption Arc, both crafted lovingly with sponsor ingredient Lime Rock Gin from O’Brien & Brough. The stein-hoisting competition was a route with Sport’s Tap’s Steve Sharp holding a full stein, provided by the German-American Cultural Society, aloft for over five minutes. Sharp’s left arm came in second. A close game of nickels, like the classic quarters but played with wooden nickels from ’Gansett Brewery, was also won by Sharp, and Jacob took top honors in a live “blind pour” contest, where bartenders tried to pour a perfect shot without looking (alcohol donated by our friends at High Spirits liquors in Providence). 

Bartender in an Unexpected Location (e.g. popups, etc.), Friendliest Bartender, 2nd most votes overall

Bri Duffy (Glitz & Garnish)

Duffy wears a lot of hats across a half dozen businesses, and somehow makes it all work. In a bartending context, she owns Glitz & Garnish, a luxury mobile bartending company. “We do craft cocktails,” she explains. “We do beer and wine and we just added a new coffee bar as well. So a lot of weddings, private events, backyard parties.” Sonya Priest interviewed Duffy at the awards show: 

Sonya Priest (Motif): How long have you been in business?

Bri Duffy: Five years now. I rebranded about two years ago when I realized my branding didn’t fit some of the higher-end stuff I was going to. But I have been bartending… I am in my 22nd year.

SP: I used to bartend. I don’t know how you do it. For me, the late nights were an issue.. 

BD: I am a night owl. Even on my nights when I’m not working, I go to bed at 4 or 5am. So bartending is perfect.

SP: What’s your favorite part about bartending?

BD: The connection that you have with the consumer. I think what people don’t realize is we’re always a big part of somebody’s day, right? You can walk into the bar, and we can change your whole day around for the better.

Although I think people don’t really understand that as a bartender, we’re also having bad days [sometimes], and we can’t show it because we are customer facing. Got to be strong. So a lot of times, customers are actually doing more for me to get me out of my headspace and my into my element, than I’m really doing for them.

SP: Can you tell me about any of the wild experiences you’ve had as a bartender…

BD: Well, when I was 16 years old, I was actually bartending in a strip club. It was back in the day when they didn’t check IDs and stuff like that. So probably my favorite… Am I censored here? 

SP: No censoring!

BD: So, one of my favorite bartending stories is: I was bartending upstairs in one of the gentlemen’s clubs and a dancer came over and asked me if I could bring a bottle of champagne to the champagne room. And when I walked into the champagne room to crack this bottle of Dom open, she asked me if I would slap the gentleman that was sitting there across the face. As hard as I could… And that was the night that I made a thousand dollars for one great right hand.

Live Quarters Contest, Live Beer Stein Hoisting Competition

Steve Sharp

The awards featured three real-time competitions, and Steve Sharp won both the Quarters competition, sponsored by Gansett and using that brewery’s famous wooden nickels in place of quarters; and the beer stein hoisting contest. The sometimes-strong man competitor actually took  first place in stein hoisting with his right arm, and second place with his left. Mike Ryan caught up with Sharp at What Cheer in PVD.

Mike Ryan (Motif): Had you done that before? 

Steve Sharp: Yeah, at Oktoberfest at Mt. Attitash. And then one year, I won that one, so I got to go to California for the national competition..

I went left handed first, to save my right arm for the final round. But I got a high enough score, I could just play around with the second arm.

MR: So there was a little bit of strategy?

SS: Yeah, with this one, yeah.

MR: And you won at Quarters. You’ve done that before, too?

SS: Not so much. Never really did that one.

MR: Where do you bartend? 

SS: Usually here [What Cheer Tavern] or at the Sports Tap. Or sometimes at Ogies’, or Royal Bobcat. And a lot more places I do security.

MR: Which do you like better?

SS: Bartending. You make more money, and it’s happier.

What Cheer Patron: Get to the real question, how hard is it, being confused constantly for Jason Momoa? 

SS: I was Aquaman for Halloween

MR: What’s your favorite part of bartending? 

SS: This is the right balance of social interaction, while still mostly working.

MR: Is there any bartending gig you really want to do that you haven’t done yet?

SS: Not particularly – I’ve done everything from little dive bars to fancy cocktails, small and large events. I bartended at Boston Calling last year; that was intense.

MR: Do you have a craziest story you want to share? 

SS: Well, most of the crazy stuff comes from the bouncer side, or when they’re paying me to be a bouncer while also bartending. A lot of times, in the middle of whatever’s happening, I’d have to go resolve a conflict, then come back and finish making some mixed drink. Right after drunk people were swinging couches at me.

MR: Is that an industry term?

SS: No, I had one night where a patron was causing a ruckus. I walk over and she starts pushing my chest. She pushed hard enough to stumble backwards, backed up onto the couch, fell behind it, then picked it up and swung the whole thing at me. That might have been the craziest.

Favorite Bartender-as-Therapist, Best Multitasker

Sara Facincani (Lops Brewing)

I started bartending at Lops in 2021, right when bars and breweries started to open back up after Covid. When I started, patrons were not able to sit at the bar yet. Even still, I remember having conversations across the whole taproom and making connections with guests. Coming from a healthcare background (where people were not as happy to see me), I definitely gained some skills in making people feel comfortable. In a brewery, this makes every shift sort of feel like I’m hanging out with a bunch of my friends instead of a sea of customers.

I frequently hear feedback from customers both new and old that Lops feels like a warm and welcoming place. Everyone across all identities can come in and enjoy a beer and great conversation. As the bartender, I facilitate relationships not only between myself and customers, but also between customers themselves. I’ve seen friendships blossom from a casual chat at the bar, to going on adventures in the wild. This means that Lops is a genuine third space, and as bartender I am more than just someone pouring beers. The customers that I’ve met on this journey mean so much to me, and it’s a privilege to be a trusted person in their lives.

Lops was opened with the intention of being a spot for everyone to feel welcome, and I am proud to say that we have maintained that throughout our six years (and more to come).

Sonya Priest (Motif): Sarah, tell us about the award you won and where you work.

Sara Facincani: I won Favorite Bartender as Therapist, and I work at Lops Brewing in Woonsocket. Oh my goodness – so, a lot of people, a lot of trauma dumping, a lot of listening, which is really great!

SP: I feel like every bartender is kind of a therapist in a way. Do you ever get somebody that comes in that’s having a great day and asks you how your day’s going and you kind of dump on them? 

SF: No. No, not at all, never.

SP: What’s your favorite part about bartending? 

SF: I just like meeting a lot of people, meeting everyone with a lot of different stories. Yeah. It’s really great. 

Best Multitasker, Sassiest Bartender

Leah Stoddard (The 133 Club, The Hot Club)

Sonya Priest (Motif): Can I ask you why you think you won Sassiest Bartender?

Leah Stoddard: Because I speak my mind. 

SP: So if I say, “Hi, could I please get an espresso martini?” How would you be sassy to me, but still kind of friendly? Do you have a thing that you say or an attitude?

LS: I just think it’s when people kind of take advantage of us or my coworkers. And then I kind of — snap back. Yeah. I’m a little witty. You don’t just get it, though. You earn it.

SP: How long have you been bartending? 

LS: I’ve been in and out of this industry since 1998. Oh my goodness. Hell yeah. That’s why I’m sassy.

SP: What’s your favorite part?

LS: The people. It really is. As much as I get sassy, it’s the people. You get to meet different people all the time. And your coworkers are great. And just everybody who works in the industry is always great and welcoming.

SP: What’s the most wild experience you’ve had as a bartender, in all your years of bartending?

LS: When I was very new in the industry, I was working St. Patrick’s Day. I got stuck on a double. And this was when we used to do test tube shots. And I was carrying them over my head. The only tray I ever dropped. A kid with a very large, green leprechaun hat hit the tray. And it went right on my head. So my white shirt was then rainbowed. It was so sticky. But it was funny. 

SP: Tell me, why did you win the Best Multitasker award?

LS: Busy Bars. 

SP: What are you doing back there? 

LS: A lot. I work at Busy Bars and I keep moving and — The faster you move, the more money you make.

SP: Are you a multitasker outside of the bar as well? Like in life in general? 

LS nods enthusiastically.

Favorite Music Venue Bartender

Kimberly Hallman (The Parlour, Pump House, Strange Brew)

The Parlour is pretty much the epitome of a local music venue, and it’s one of the 200 or so bars you’re most likely to find Hallman working. What ties that slightly exaggerated number of venues together is that they all have a reputation for hosting exceptional live music. That she is also an accomplished and powerful musical voice in her own right probably doesn’t hurt either. “I’ve been going to nursing school for the past two years, so I’ve pieced together a schedule and picked up a lot of random shifts. I’ve gotten used to juggling a lot.” Hallman also juggles a few band commitments, particularly as the lead singer of the disco band Sleek Physique.

Her own favorite drink? “Any variation of a mai tai. The mai tai is extremely flexible. It doesn’t end up tasting too much like alcohol, and you can make a lot of substitutions without losing the essence of one. At Pump House, for example, they have a lot of weird ingredients. Customers will ask, ‘What did you put in there?’ – in a good way!

“Also if i have the time, I love making espresso martinis so that I can draw pictures in the foam with coffee,” she says (Hallman has an Art degree). “I don’t really drink much anymore, but if i do, it’s a special occasion, and it will be a filthy martini.”

Although she recently completed a nursing degree and is looking for a position in that service industry, she assures fans, “I will always bartend somewhere at somepoint… I didnt realize it’s hereditary in my family – my aunts, cousins… there are a lot of bartenders in my family.” 

Asked for her craziest bartending story, she says, “The one that comes to mind that I think is the most family-friendly would be the time I got to hang with some wrestlers at my bar after hours. Specifically one wrestler — Teddy Hart – who was carrying his persian cat around in his arms like a baby. I couldn’t believe how well behaved this cat was, simply lying on its back in his hands, and after a long time it finally made a noise — a little “mew!” And we all looked and Teddy says, “Oh, yeah, this is Mr. Velvet, and he’s letting me know he needs to use the potty.” We were all like, “WHAT?!” And he says, “Yeah, when I’m not wrestling, I train cats. I’m a cat trainer.” I guess I never expected that could be a real job.

Creator of New / Original Mixed Drinks, Favorite Singing Bartender, most votes overall

Tara Parkhurst (Union Square Bistro)

Sonya Priest (Motif): Tara, can you tell us what award you won?

TP: Favorite Singing Bartender. [first]

SP: I’ve been waiting for this category to walk in! Please, sing for us. What do you really like to sing to your customers? Why did you win this award?

TP: I sing sometimes. I do live music on Thursday nights. Every once in a while when people take a break, I take the mic and … you know.

SP: What’s your go-to song like? 

TP: Teddy Swims.

SP: Teddy Swims, Tara Sings.

TP: That’s right. 

SP: How long have you been bartending? 

TP: A little over six years. I used to work at another restaurant. Now I work at a craft cocktail bar. I love it. We’ve been open a year and a half now. I love creating new cool drinks.

SP: What’s a new drink that you just created?

TP: A rye tai. It’s a rye whiskey mai tai.

SP: That’s awesome. Is your favorite part about bartending the singing?

TP: No. It’s the mixology. I like to create — we’re scientists. Mad scientists behind the bar.

Tara also won Favorite Creator of Original Mixed Drinks. 

SP: So, what’s the newest drink that you’ve made recently? I know you told me you had your favorite.

TP: I told you about the rye tai – that was a new one. I also have a new sangria that I really like. I love sangria. I can’t tell you all my secrets, you have to come and try them out. You tell me what you’re allergic to, I’ll make sure it’s not in the drink.

Favorite Stylish Bartender

Kelley Baranowski (Hot Club, Wally’s Weiners, RI Cruising Cocktails)

Sonya Priest (Motif): Kelly, can you tell us about what award you won?

Kelley Baranowski: I won Most Stylish Bartender 2025.

SP: Look at your outfit! So colorful, so fun. Love it. 

SP: What’s your favorite part about bartending?

KB: I just love that I work in places with a lot of eclectic people. It’s nice to see all different walks of life every day and to just get to people watch.

SP: What’s your favorite color to wear in your outfits? Do you have something consistent that you do?

KB: There’s always the famous bartender, “wear black head to toe,” but what I like to do is accessorize. It doesn’t matter what happens to the clothing: earrings, necklaces, hair, whatever, it’s all about just personal style.

SP: What’s your favorite drink to make?

KB: The one I get to drink at the end of the night, like now.

Favorite Tasting Room Bartender

Mandy Holt (Narragansett Brewery)

Amanda “Mandy” Holt is back again as one of our favorites. Known for her warm personality, quick wit, and deep knowledge of craft beer, Mandy makes every guest feel like part of the family. Whether she’s recommending the perfect pint or sharing stories behind the brewery’s iconic lagers and deep Rhode Island history, her passion for hospitality shines through in every pour. Beloved by regulars and newcomers alike, Mandy embodies the friendly, down-to-earth spirit that makes Narragansett Brewery (and Mandy) a local favorite. 

Favorite Fancy Cocktail Bartender

Neda Khan (Ogie’s Trailer Park, The Avery)

I was at Ogie’s Trailer Park, dressed in (what I thought was) a clever Ralph Wiggum costume and ready to place high enough to win some coveted Simpsons merch at Yoinks “Treehouse of Horror” Trivia night. Though we tanked by the third round, and people didn’t notice, understand, or like my costume, I did manage to try all the specialty cocktails Neda’s well known for mixing up. Buzz Cola (cola and plantation rum) was my favorite, but they all helped make the agony of defeat taste delicious.

A quick look at The Avery’s or Ogie’s regular drink menu shows the thought that goes towards making every custom cocktail unique. There’s creativity, class and a great buzz lurking in every cocktail. And if you time it right, you’ll find popular firebrand Khan serving them up with speed and precision.

– Bobby Forand

Favorite Dive-Bar Bartender

Marissa Iasimone (Deadbeats)

Deadbeats was a big winner at the Bartender Awards, and you can bet that Favorite Dive-Bar Bartender Marissa Iasimone played a huge role in them building their solid reputation. She has been there since they opened their taps over two years ago. Her (now award-) winning personality has brought in regulars who became friends. 

“I met a lot of friends at Deadbeats,” she says. “A lot of great friends.”

You can also find your favorite dive-bar bartender making more friends at Giligan’s, Dolores, and Nicks on Broadway, where she recently started.  

– Bobby Forand

Favorite Local Icon

Mike Kelly (Ogie’s Trailer Park, What Cheer Tavern)

Mike Kelly, a force behind the bar at Ogie’s Trailer Park and What Cheer Tavern, is a true fixture in Providence’s nightlife scene. Historically, he owned beloved neighborhood bar E&O on the West Side, and kept it going against all odds for many years, finally succumbing in 2018. As head mixologist and bottlewasher, everybody knew Mike’s name – and still does. You can find him slinging tiki drinks at Ogie’s or mixing up classics at What Cheer, his energy and authenticity define what makes RI’s bar culture so special. A big supporter of all kinds of causes, Mike is often known to jump in and give a helping hand or have fundraisers to support locals in need. We definitely recommend stopping in to meet the legend himself when you have the opportunity. 

Liam Reddy (Lops Brewing)

Funniest Bartender

Liam Reddy has earned this award with his unbeatable mix of charm, wit, and comedic timing. Known for turning every pint into a performance, Liam keeps the taproom lively with his ability to keep guests laughing, which makes each visit a uniquely entertaining experience. With Liam behind the bar, good times are always guaranteed, proving that laughter really is the best pairing for a cold brew.

Favorite New Bartender

Samantha Carroll (Red Stripe)

Samantha Carroll has quickly become a standout behind the bar at Red Stripe, her cocktail crafting skills, and effortless charm are a perfect pairing. Samantha brings a genuine enthusiasm that makes every guest feel welcome. Her attention to detail and easy laugh have made her a fast favorite, so while new, she’s already setting the bar high. 

SP: How long have you been working at Red Stripe? 

SC: A little over two years. 

SP: So you’re not that new. 

SC: Not that new, but new as a bartender – A little over ten months for that.

SP:  What’s your favorite part about bartending?

SC:  I think just the crowd, I like being able to actually communicate and talk to everybody that I have at the bar rather than the little seconds that you get with people at a table because you have so many tables. But you’re never leaving the bar. You never get a second off the bar. So you’re always there.

SP: Did you bartend anywhere else before? Is that your first bartending job? 

SC: My first bartending job. 

SP: First bartending job and two years in you win an award. That says a lot about a person, honestly. What’s the most wild experience you’ve had so far behind the bar?

SC: Hmm… I pressed the panic button by accident. Oh my God. I didn’t know that button, the doorbell behind the bar, was a panic button, and I was curious, so I clicked it, and the cops came. 

SP: Do all bars have a panic button?

SC: Not sure. I believe so. So don’t press the doorbell. It’s not a doorbell.

Favorite Ronin (Bartender With No Specific Home Base)

Piper Rose Bates (Hot Club, Myrtle)

This award was named after the ancient samurai with no specific master; we’re not sure how “ronin” Bates still is – she seems to be at the Hot Club and Myrtle a lot, but her roaming spirit still earned her this nod from many supporters and patrons. I was barhopping a few years ago when a group of us found her working at the Hot Club at the beginning of our evening, and saw her working again at Nick-a-Nees at the end of our roaming. She has been a generous, supporting presence throughout the PVD bar scene for years. Although we couldn’t reach her to interview for this run down, I’ve never known her not to have a smile on her face, and she’s always ready to help anyone who needs it, be they coworker or customer. It’s no coincidence that almost everything we could find on social media was a passing along of news about a charitable event here or a nonprofit fundraiser there, aimed at helping members of our RI community.

– Mike Ryan

Most Write-In Votes – Runner-Up

Gina Slater (Elmhurst Pub)

Gina Slater has clearly made a mark behind the bar at Elmhurst Pub. Her guests appreciate how she consistently brings a friendly smile and personal attention even on the busiest nights. She is known for remembering names, checking in on your day, and making you feel like the most important person at the bar. Whether she’s pouring a straightforward draft, or crafting something special off the menu, Gina’s qualities shine through. It’s easy to see why she drew so much support from fans: She’s not just serving drinks, she’s building connections.

Most Write-In Votes

Willow Ashman (Pub 594)

Willow Ashman’s win came straight from the people thanks to an outpouring of love from the Pub 594 community. Known for her passion for the art of bartending, Willow brings a level of dedication that doesn’t go unnoticed. Her team put it best on Instagram: “We’re beyond proud to have one of the best behind our bar.” Whether she’s crafting a classic or experimenting with something new, Willow’s attention to detail and to her patrons makes her an undeniable favorite.

Most Write-In Votes – Runner Up (complete wildcard, not nominated)

Anne Williams (No Problemo)

Anne stepped up behind the bar at No Problemo in New Bedford, MA, and quietly captured the hearts of patrons and colleagues alike. It is no surprise that she came in as a write-in wildcard as she fosters an atmosphere of genuine welcome and fun on every shift. Anne shows up, does her thing, and is proof that sometimes the most appreciated folks can go unnoticed without our great community bringing them into focus.

In an interview with Sonya Priest (Motif) Anne’s friends and colleagues – basically everyone who attended from New Bedford – gave her rave reviews and said that she is currently living her best life in Barcelona. They all agreed that “…Anne Williams is the best person we’ve ever met. The best person. Honestly, the kindest human.” 

Sonya Priest (Motif): This is the biggest group we’ve interviewed all night. I’m gonna start with everyone’s name.

All: It’s Mrs. Dante over here. Nick Durant, Zee, Ethan, Alex, Nicole. 

SP: Where the heck are you guys from?

All: We’re all pretty much from Play Arcade, but we’re here on behalf of Anne Williams from No Problemo.

SP: What was the award that you accepted?

All (We’re going to just keep saying “All,” because the mic moved around faster than we could keep track of): She got write-ins. Not even nominated. She had more write-in votes than anybody. (Laughing)

SP: What is Anne’s favorite part about bartending?

All: Probably the people. I think she hated bartending, but she loved the people. She’s in Barcelona right now, enjoying her life.

SP: How long has Anne been bartending for?

All: 10? Something like that? Oh wow, 10. Like 10-ish? 10-ish? Yeah. She recently decided not to bartend anymore, which is hilarious, because she just won an award for it.

SP: So she doesn’t work there anymore?

All: Left like last weekend. She quit and went to Barcelona. She might come back. Congrats, Anne! Love you, baby. 

Katie Stebenne (Wally’s Weiners / Cigar Bar)
Most Write-In Votes (complete wildcard, not nominated)

With Katie behind the bar, you’ll find genuine warmth, a quick wit, and a serious commitment to service.If you wander in asking for something bold, something comforting, or something simply unexpected, her pours hit the mark. Katie’s win proved you can’t keep a good bartender off the board.

Most Votes Overall: 3rd Place

Victoria Nounpa (The Salon, Troop, Hot Club, Glitz & Garnish)

Meet Victoria Nounpa, an accomplished and dynamic bartender whose presence behind the bar has earned her serious recognition. Working in bars and venues across RI, Victoria’s dedication to her craft and ability to connect with guests has led to her not only winning this award, but also being featured in The Beverage Journal’s “Taste of Rhode Island” showcase for her technique and custom drink recipes. Drop by one of her venues and ask for a “Victoria original,” you’ll likely walk away with something outstanding, thoughtfully made, and tailored to your taste (and typically with local spirits)!

Live Bartending Competition, 2nd Place

Patrick Hamilton

A full-timer at Skeff’s in East Providence, Hamilton also teaches the art of bartending, including special classes on specific, make-at-home styles of crafttails, and he regularly takes part in and wins accolades at Motif’s Monthly Mixology Madness events for his unique creations.

SP: Tell us about winning this!

PH: It was great. The live bartending competition is always super fun to be a part of. Everyone’s drinks were so great, and even to be recognized at all was super amazing. 

And then for Skeff’s to be selected Favorite Neighborhood Pub was not what I expected at all. I didn’t even know we were up for this, so it was super nice to think that anyone thought that we were, you know, great for that category. That is the nicest honor we could have had. 

SP: What drink were you making tonight in the comp?

PH: I made the Redemption Arc. It was a drink with the O’Brien and Brough Lime Rock Gin, which was super, super tasty. Dry Curaçao, Willy Blanc, and I made a homemade pea flower tea syrup. So it’s a tea that basically brews like this super, super purple color, and it was finished with a Prosecco and a little bit of lemon juice. Super refreshing, super light and effervescent. I was really happy that everyone was as happy with it as I was.

SP: What’s your favorite part about bartending? It sounds like you’re very passionate about the mixology aspect of it.

PH: For sure. And just doing things that are maybe not the everyday drink that you would make at home. I love doing not only that, but I do cocktail classes and things like that. I love not only making drinks that are super elevated and something that you wouldn’t expect, especially at a neighborhood pub, but also teaching everyone how to do that, if you want to do that at home.

BARS

Favorite Dive Bar, Favorite Overall Watering Hole

Deadbeats

Tucked away on a side street in the West End is a friendly bar that people gravitate towards. The space is small, but packs a lot of fun into a small amount of space. The inside has a horror theme with enough decor for you to always find something new. A highlight is the full-sized Ronald McDonald sitting on a bench, which makes for a great photo opp. The outside is cozy and fenced in, making it feel like you’re sitting in someone’s backyard. There are pinball machines and free pickles! There are theme nights with specialty drinks and an adult Ecto Cooler on the drink menu. They host plenty of events, including live bands and horror movies on the big-screen TV.

Sonya Priest (Motif): Marissa, Jeff, and Courtney. I don’t consider deadbeats a dive bar, but I also am from Fall River. So dive bars are different in Fall River than they are in Providence.

Jeff Angel: It’s like we just have a different definition, that we redefined it over the years.

SP: You’re the owner.

JA: Yes, maybe…

SP: Okay. Well, I love your place. It’s so cool. I’m a huge fan. What’s your favorite part about owning a bar?

JA: It’s always the people. That’s why we got into the whole business. 

SP: Are you guys married? How long?

JA: Oh, you know, 10, 20? A year.

SP: Amazing. So you opened a bar together. Why?

JA: I don’t know. We just wanted to, you know, we want to just destroy Providence and make everyone miserable.

SP: How’d you come up with the name?

JA: Well, our clientele. The people we associate with. No, really, we had a million names over the years: I pitched them to Courtney constantly and she’s like, “That sucks. That sucks. That’s okay. That sucks…”

Courtney Angell: It was going to be Weirdos. 

JA: There’s a million… shitheads, dickheads. I knew the zoning board wouldn’t allow it. So Deadbeats was kind of … I think it’s cool. When I told Courtney, she’s like, “That’s it.”

CA: The dead is in Deadbeats.

JA: We’re dead. Dead on the inside.

SP: Do you guys have any special Deadbeats beverages that people like, or theme drinks?

JA: Yeah, we do. 

Marissa Iasimone: Miller High Life.

JA: That is our biggest seller.

JA: Ecto Coolers are our other one, which is like a citrus.

JA: It’s an adult version of the original beverage from Ghostbusters.

SP: Lime green Kool-Aid?

JA: Yeah. The toxic chemical-infused Kool-Aid, but we add booze to it.
– Bobby Forand

Favorite Fancy Drinks and Cocktail Bar

Myrtle

Nestled in a cozy part of East Providence, relative newcomer Myrtle has quickly won the hearts and minds of patrons from far and near. The intriguing, artfully curated venue is overflowing with visual stimulation that creates an arty, vintage vibe. Their aggressive programming has included hundreds of free shows highlighting local talent, and their calendar is one of the fullest around. Owners Natalie Vanlandingham and Tommy Allen have created a space known for being welcoming, for open-minded hosting of an amazing array of entertainment, events, and musical experiences (including Motif’s Spoken Awards) and … clearly, based on this year’s voters … fancy drinks served by friendly bartenders.

With fun names like Doll’s Eyes and Gnome’s Gold, their mixed drink menu is full of tasty surprises and always features something new or unusual for adventurous taste buds.

– Mike Ryan

Favorite Neighborhood Bar

Skeff’s

It was no surprise to me that the readers of Motif chose Skeff’s Pub as the “Favorite Neighborhood Bar.” Co-owned by Eileen and husband Paul Harvey, Skeff’s, formerly located in Cumberland, has been in its current location since May 2022. When I asked Eileen what she feels makes her pub a local fav she said, “I wanted a place that made everyone feel at home and at Skeff’s you will find that. We treat everyone like family.”

Skeff’s is an authentic Irish pub built on Irish traditions and heritage. It is one of the only two pubs that has Seisùns (jam sessions of musicians, very common in pubs located in Ireland).

In addition, there are trivia nights, live music (often Irish), karaoke, and music bingo.

When you walk into Skeff’s, it is not uncommon to find different groups of people intermingling at the long community table located next to the bar. There’s a pub menu with house-made selections and seasonal specials. The beer list, canned and draft, rotates with plenty of local craft beers to choose from. The cocktails are curated by Eileen’s daughter, Shannon O’Brien, and Patrick Hamilton (see above). Hamilton placed second with his “Redemption Arc” cocktail made with O’Brien and Brough Lime Rock Gin (see below). Hamilton described the work ethic of the staff at Skeff’s: “We have homemade food. We do everything ourselves. If we can do it ourselves, we do it. It’s a labor of love, and we try super hard to put out the best product possible. To be recognized at all in the echelon of a lot of the other bars that were nominated for that, is so, so nice.”

Everyone should be so lucky to have a pub where you feel welcomed and treated like a friend.

– Kelly Currier

Favorite Bar No Longer With Us

Dusk

Dusk was an important part of the PVD arts, music and culture scene for over a decade before unfortunately closing their doors on January 26, 2024. They served as a place for people of all cultures, without judgement. The Dusk team was always welcoming and appreciative of the support of their patrons. They provided a cool spot for people to hang out and/or perform their art. They were at the top of the list for many looking to book or play a show, especially bands looking to establish themselves. Dusk had a reputation for being artist-friendly and fun, and was a common hangout for many, regardless of the event, so there was usually a crowd. The drinks were reasonably priced with a heavy pour.

The Harris Ave building has been renovated and reopened as a “hobby hub and social club,” under the leadership of LitArtsRI. It’s difficult to drive by without having wonderful, yet bittersweet, memories of fun and camaraderie – the kind of unique spot that will be missed and discussed for many years to come. 

“We’re just a couple months shy of being 2 years closed,” says Danielle Tellier-Overshiner. “To see the continued impact and importance that Dusk played in so many people’s lives is somewhat overwhelming. It makes it a lot harder to really let go but it also makes the 11 years that I spent there so much more meaningful. I know Rick [owner Rick Sunderland] and the rest of our amazing staff feel the same way. I truly hope that we live on in Legend like a lot of the bygone, pinnacle venues Providence has had. We appreciate the love then, now, and always.”
– Bobby Forand

Favorite New Bar

Union Square Bistro

Union Square Bistro has built quite the reputation since opening in March 2024. As the Washington Bridge closure at the end of 2023 hurt some businesses, this Riverside gem has thrived with their extensive drink options and a mouth-watering food menu (Zucchini Fries, Maple Bourbon Brussel Sprouts, and Build Your Own Mac and Cheese sound like a fantastic meal). Their recent addition of brunch (they offer breakfast shots!) only adds to the appeal. They have indoor and pet-friendly outdoor patio seating. There is BINGO every Wednesday and live entertainment on most Thursdays.

– Bobby Forand