Story & Photos by Nicole Pearo Taylor
Dave Abramson of Pizzeria Paradiso
Before moving to the bar a few months ago, Dave Abramson spent three years learning the ins and outs of the beer menu as a server. He’s quick to introduce people to something they may not have tried before. But even he recognizes light beers have their place—on a hot day at the ballpark; this Montgomery County native is a true Nats fan.
On Tap: What is the best part about working here?
Dave Abramson: Having to know this extensive list. We have 13 rotating beers downstairs. We have a few hand pumped casks too. We have 225 bottles that stay the same, but the draft list changes all the time.
OT: What is that learning process like?
DA: Once a month all the servers and bartenders attend a beer class. Some went another step further and got the Cicerone training. It’s basically like a sommelier class for beer. I completed the first step of the training.
OT: Can you describe the “regular crowd”?
DA: One third beer nerds, one third students, and one third tourists. We actually get a lot of European tourists in here; we must be mentioned in a tour book or something.
OT: What is the best item on the food menu?
DA: Well, it’s obviously going to be a pizza. For me, it’s the Macellaio, it’s Italian for “butcher” so it’s the meat pizza. The new sauce they have on it is incredible.
OT: What are you most looking forward to about Fall?
DA: Two things really, I’m going to the taping of the Colbert Report on Halloween and hoping to watch the Nats win the World Series.
Catch Dave behind the bar Friday through Tuesday nights.
Pizzeria Paradiso is a craft beer bar and a craft pizza bar all in one. The Georgetown location is popular with students who know where to find a good deal, but is bustling with beer nerds and tourists too. Check them out in October for a beer list devoted to the fest beers, pumpkin beers and ciders. They’ll even have a few seasonal pizzas to pair them with.
Pizzeria Paradiso: 3282 M St. NW, DC; 202-337-1245; www.eatyourpizza.com
Mandy Brown of Pizzeria Da Marco
Mandy Brown may be younger than most bartenders, but she’s got skills and charm well beyond her years. She worked her way up from hostess to server to bartender, and is enjoying every moment of the climb. Stop by in October to wish her a happy birthday—this youngster turns 21 on October 6.
On Tap: What is the best part about working here?
Mandy Brown: I love this place to death. My coworkers are the best—it really is like a family. Maybe sometimes a dysfunctional family (laughs) but we all have so much fun. Coming to work is not a chore.
OT: What’s the most unique beer you’ve got on tap?
MB: Hop Pocket Pils. Our owners are big on supporting local businesses. The brewers of Hop Pocket, the Tuppers, live in Bethesda. I always try to encourage people to try something new. We’ve got 41 beers in the bottle! But a lot of people are focused on what they know.
OT: Best item on the food menu?
MB: The food is so good here, that is a hard question. I eat everything. Literally everything. My favorite pizza is probably the Salame pizza or the Little Italy pizza. They stay true to the Neapolitan recipes here.
OT: What are your favorite neighborhood spots?
MB: I live in Takoma Park. Mark’s Kitchen is my favorite. I grew up on Mark’s. They’ve been there since, like, before I was born.
OT: What are you most looking forward to about Fall?
MB: My birthday. I turn 21 on October 6. It’s definitely going to be a going out night!
Catch Mandy behind the bar Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Pizzeria Da Marco opened a little over a year ago, offering Bethesda locals a new outdoor dining destination and a hip spot for beers or wine at happy hour. In Italy, they don’t serve martinis and at a pizzeria, it’s a beer and wine experience. Pizzeria Da Marco translates that to the culture of their restaurant. Their oven-fired pizzas are made in the true Neapolitan style. Stop by for $5 pizzas on Monday and Tuesday nights, and other specials throughout the week.
Pizzeria Da Marco: 8008 Woodmont Ave. Bethesda, MD; 301-654-6083; www.pizzeriadamarco.net
Paul Sargent of Bugsy's
Paul Sargent is a welcoming bartender that makes a mean Cosmo (try not to tell the beer drinkers). He got his start on the bar one day while he was working on the door and the bartender didn’t show up. This Alexandria native is beaming with local pride and, without a doubt, bartender pride.
On Tap: What are your favorite beers?
Paul Sargent: I enjoy trying new things like Port City or Dogfish Head. All the local breweries are important to me. It’s a part of VA/DC heritage, if it’s from this area you got to try it; it’s a matter of pride.
OT: What is your favorite drink to make?
PS: I love pouring beers, but it’s a sports bar and everyone thinks it’s hysterical that I make a mean cosmo. I may not be a “mixologist”, but my cosmo is just as good as theirs. And when did the term “bartender” stop being sufficient? I’m proud to be a bartender!
OT: What’s your favorite thing about growing up around here?
PS: It’s the center of the universe! Things that happen here affect everything – things in china, in Hawaii. We were lucky to grow up within 3 miles of the Capitol and the White House. On top of that, you’ve got the Eastern Shore, and Alexandria is 300 years old! You can’t beat it. It’s got a story.
OT: Where can you be found when you are not working?
PS: The Pug. I’m creature of habit. When I go to new bars, I feel like I am cheating on my regular haunts. I used to work at the Pug, I helped build that bar in 2008, literally with a hammer and nails.
Catch Paul behind the bar Monday through Friday.
Bugsy’s Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar has been a mainstay on Alexandria’s King Street since the 80s, back when former NHL player Bryan Watson decided to open a spot. The regulars are greeted with their favorite beers already in hand, and the old school bar looks like something Washington himself would have visited. With history, tasty pizza, and sports games on every TV, it’s a comfortable spot with the spirit of Old Town.
Bugsy’s Pizza: 111 King St. Alexandria VA; 703-683-0313; www.bugsyspizza.com
