New York's Best Bartender 2015: Williamsburg, Greenpoint & Bushwick

Been a bartender for: 12 years

Signature drink: Smurf Bomb

The best thing about being a bartender is: I'm the apex predator in the bar and I don't have to see anyone in daylight.

Been a bartender for: 4 years

Signature drink: Forbidden Planet

The best thing about being a bartender is: My favorite aspect of bartending has to be working the busiest nights of the weekend.

Been a bartender for: 2 years

Signature drink: Burn After Writing

The best thing about being a bartender is: Being able to cultivate and create a personal experience for every single customer, while in turn being granted a glimpse into the lives and thoughts of NYC natives and visitors.

Been a bartender for: “Too long.”

Signature drink: Alcohol

The best thing about being a bartender is: A monkey could do my job.

Been a bartender for: 5 years

Been a bartender for: 13 years

Signature drink: Teenage Riot

The best thing about being a bartender is: The people. The flavor. The fact that every single day my job is different. I get to be a psychologist, an artist, a party planner, a DJ, a chef—every day!

Been a bartender for: 4 years

Signature drink: Clockwork orange

The best thing about being a bartender is: Paid to party!

Been a bartender for: 2.5 years

Signature drink: The Travisty

The best thing about being a bartender is: My customers.

Been a bartender for: 9 years

Signature drink: Old Fashioned

The best thing about being a bartender is: The community and then the whiskey.

Been a bartender for: 7-8 years

Signature drink: Russell's Reserve Barrel 69 Old Fashioned

The best thing about being a bartender is: It's one of the few places I don't feel awkward. I love adapting to a changing room, the energy, giving customers an awesome night and making killer drinks—from classic cocktails to shots of Fernet or whiskey to opening a bottle of beer. I love it all.