Best Bartender/Mixologist

After journeyman gigs at OTP's Trattoria 141 and Buckhead's Prohibition, Kevin Bragg has fully come into his own behind the decks at 4th & Swift. The Old Fourth Ward eatery doubles as Bragg's personal laboratory for concocting an impressive array of bitters, tinctures, and other spicy and herbaceous potions. But beyond their quirky ingredients - lemongrass-black sesame syrup and sage-infused Pinot Blanc reduction, to name a couple - Bragg's beverages are models of control and balance, creating a delightful interplay of flavors that can only be the product of hours of experimentation and a gift for counterintuitive blending. In other words, his drinks are damn tasty, down to the final sip. And, while Bragg is serious about cocktails, he manages to remain polite and composed when someone orders a Grey Goose and cranberry. Now that takes talent. less...

Back when Paul Calvert worked at the Sound Table, he was a great mixologist. His drinks were remarkable, but when the place filled up, the frenzied pace of a dance club didn't match the careful construction of Calvert's drinks. He could seem a little ... grumpy. Now that Calvert's at Pura Vida, he's a whole new man. His drinks are as good as ever, and he now has the time to be the gracious, knowledgeable, friendly host we always knew he could be. Calvert has gone beyond mixology to become a great bartender. 656 N. Highland Ave. 404-870-9797. puravidatapas.com. less...

Come to the cabaret, old chum — the Dawn and Jeff Friday night sing-a-long boozefest cabaret, that is. These roommates/workmates, (not a couple) sling the drinks fast and strong while keeping the crowd entertained with songs and jokes in a distinct, but not exclusive, Midtown style. Oh yeah, the custom-brewed lagers, usually three choices on tap with a seasonal one or two thrown in, kick ass, too. less...

If neither the more-piercings-than-thou-Midtown-type bartender nor the Coyote-stunning-bottle-flippin'-Buckhead-type holds any appeal for you, the Yacht's tag-team of Gino, Fay-Lynn and Anna are probably just who you're looking for. The trio pour 'em strong, keep 'em comin', remember what yer drinkin' and tell a damn good story when the mood strikes. No nonsense drinkers only. less...