Bistro 27
27 W. Broad St.
780-0086
bistrotwentyseven.com

Second Place: Sean Rapoza, Balliceaux

Third Place: Mattias Hagglund, Comfort

Nary a word can be mentioned about upscale cocktails in Richmond without acknowledging the dean, the chairman of the board, the patron saint of the local mixology scene, Bobby Kruger. With appearances on the Travel Channel and articles about him or by him in numerous periodicals (including this one), Kruger has built up a reputation as one of the best mixers not only in Richmond, but also the entire East Coast. The man of many vests and old-timey bartender outfits recently has been on the move. Earlier this year he was managing partner and drink director at the recently closed Fan House; now he can be found serving up the handcrafted goodness at Bistro 27 on West Broad Street. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and try one of his libations. It’s worth the 30-minute wait. Plus, he uses a blowtorch a lot, which in addition to doing something to the flavor profile of the drink, looks incredibly kick-ass.