Ed Wright — Social House News
What do Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City and Rochester, Michigan have in common?
Establishments in these cities’ respective downtowns are among 10 of the best new cocktail bars in the United States, according to Spirited Awards, which annually recognizes beverage professionals, products and establishments across every facet of the spirits and cocktail industry on a global scale.
Earning the praise for Rochester is The Eastman Cocktail Bar, which was opened in 2023 by Nathan Hamood and his business partner Trevor Wheeler.
“I’ve been bartending since the early-2000s and I’ve always wanted to be on one of (the Spirited Awards) lists in some form or fashion…”
“The fact that we got picked among the top 10 new cocktail bars in the Central Region and we’re not in a major-metropolitan city means a lot to us. You look at the list and see Chicago, New York, L.A. then Rochester, Michigan … well it’s really cool to be on there.”
Trevor Wheeler
The Spirited Awards
The Spirited Awards are comprised of industry accolades, both U.S. and International, and a few highly coveted, overall awards that transcend regionality including World’s Best Cocktail Bar, World’s Best Cocktail Menu, and Tales Visionary Award.
