Watch Hey Bartender

Hey Bartender, directed by Douglas Tirola, is a documentary that explores the art of bartending and the people behind the bar. The film showcases the stories of two bartenders, Steve Schneider and Steve Carpentieri, as well as the history and evolution of the bartending industry in the United States. The documentary starts by introducing its audience to the world of bartending, featuring interviews with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Tony Abou-Ganim and Eric Alperin. These industry veterans describe what it means to be a bartender and the role they play in the lives of their customers. They also discuss how bartending has changed over the years, leading to the creation of the craft cocktail movement.

The film then shifts its focus to the two featured bartenders, Steve Schneider and Steve Carpentieri. Steve Schneider is a bartender from New York City who is working at the famous Employees Only bar in the West Village. He is a skilled bartender who has won multiple awards and is considered one of the best in the business. Steve Carpentieri is the owner of Dunville's in Westport, Connecticut. He has been in the business for over 30 years and is passionate about his craft.

As the film follows the stories of both Steve Schneider and Steve Carpentieri, it provides insights into the life of a bartender. It shows the long hours, dedication, and hard work that goes into creating the perfect drink. It also features interviews with regular customers who appreciate the camaraderie and community that bars provide.

The documentary also explores the history of bartending, from its early days in the colonial era, to the rise of speakeasies during prohibition, to the current craft cocktail movement. It provides a glimpse into how bartending has evolved over the years, and how different bartenders have put their own stamp on the profession.

Throughout the film, there are interviews with a variety of people, including bar owners, mixologists, beverage industry executives, and customers. These interviews help to paint a comprehensive picture of the bartending industry and the role it plays in American society.

Hey Bartender also shows the impact that bartending can have on people's lives. Whether it is through the friendships that are formed over a drink or the personal connections that are made, bartenders have the ability to shape people's experiences and memories. The film does an excellent job of capturing this, and it is clear that the stories of Steve Schneider and Steve Carpentieri are just two examples of the many bartenders who have left a lasting impression on their customers.

Overall, Hey Bartender is a fascinating documentary that provides a unique perspective on the bartending industry. Through the stories of two bartenders, it showcases the hard work, dedication, and passion that goes into creating the perfect drink. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the craft cocktail movement or the history of bartending.

Hey Bartender is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 44.