Shaking things up: Local bartenders take center stage

By Alexis Larsen, Dine Out Dayton Correspondent
March 26, 2025

Two exciting events in April are literally shaking things up by celebrating the creativity, skill, and flair of our local bartenders, the true magic-makers behind the bar.

One is a tried and true event from the mind of MVRA executive director Amy Zahora that has been crowning the best and brightest in talent behind local bars for a decade and the other is brand new event at the Dayton Art Institute that’s looking to shed a similar spotlight on what goes into a good cocktail with mixing, muddling, and magic to create something that that wows your taste buds and celebrates the art of the pour.

Both events will loudly celebrate the creativity, competition, and craft of the cocktail. Whether you’re a die-hard mixology fan or just looking for a fun night out, these events promise to shake up your calendar in the best way possible.

🍸 Curated: Cocktails with a Cause
When: April 3, 2025 | 6–9 p.m.
Where: The Dayton Art Institute
Admission: $150
Reserve tickets

New for 2025, Curated invites guests to sip and support the arts in style. Hosted by the Dayton Art Institute, this elegant evening blends mixology with mission, spotlighting 15 handcrafted cocktails created by some of the region’s most talented bartenders.

Each guest receives a punch card to sample a variety of inspired concoctions, paired with small bites from Bernstein’s Fine Catering. But the creativity doesn’t stop at the glass—bartenders will compete in two donate-to-vote challenges: one for crowd-favorite cocktail and another for most creative bar setup. Winners walk away with a prize basket and, of course, ultimate bragging rights.

All proceeds support the conservation of one of DAI’s treasured artworks, so every sip helps. It’s the perfect mix of good taste and good cause. Dewberry 1850, Hotel Versailles + Silas Creative Kitchen, Manna Uptown, Smith’s Boat House, and Wheat Penny are all MVRA restaurant members that will be participating in this first-time event.

🥊 Buckeye Vodka Battle of the Bartenders: Get Ready to Rumble
When: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 | 6–9:30 p.m.
Where: The Steam Plant
Admission: $40, $70 for a VIP ticket
Reserve tickets

Ten years ago when Zahora came up with the Battle of the Bartenders it started out small and fast tracked into a sell-out crowd pleaser. From her experience with the restaurant industry, Zahora knew that bartenders don’t just pour drinks—they set the vibe. They’re part artist, part entertainer, part flavor genius. From the first shake to the final garnish, they turn cocktails into conversations and nights out into memories. This fan-favorite event returns bigger and bolder for its 10th anniversary, and the buzz is already building.

“Chefs bring the heat, but bartenders bring the spark. It’s not just about what’s in the glass—it’s how it makes you feel. Great bartenders don’t just serve—they elevate. They’re the heartbeat of the bar and the secret sauce of every unforgettable dining experience,” said Zahora. “The Buckeye Vodka Battle of the Bartenders is back for its tenth year in 2025—and it’s going to be bigger, bolder, and more fun than ever. This is Dayton’s original showdown that puts our amazing bartenders center stage. These folks aren’t just slinging drinks—they’re crafting cocktail magic. They’ve got the talent, the creativity, and the flavor combos that’ll blow your mind. It’s like art in a glass, and they’re the artists shaking things up behind the bar.”

All eyes are on defending champ Louis Connely (Meadowlark) and People’s Choice favorite Marci Johannes (Mr. Boro’s Tavern) as they prepare to go shaker-to-shaker against a strong line-up of other competitors for the 2025 crown. Guests will enjoy Buckeye Vodka cocktails crafted by top local bartenders and sample dishes from some of the Miami Valley’s finest restaurants.

What started as Dayton’s first bartender-focused event has grown into a thrilling annual showdown that fuses flavor, flair, and fierce competition. With cocktails flowing, chefs dishing out bites, and bartenders battling for the belt—it’s a night not to be missed.

It’s sometimes easy to forget just what a good bartender brings to the table. Bartenders aren’t just the folks pouring your drink—they’re the life of the party, the flavor wizards, and the secret sauce behind an unforgettable night out. A truly great bartender doesn’t just serve cocktails—they set the mood, shake things up (literally), and keep the good vibes flowing from the very first sip. They’re flavor artists who know just how to blend the unexpected into something totally delicious—and make it look effortless while doing it. It’s their mix of skill, creativity, and personality that turns an ordinary evening into something special.

Past winners of the MVRA Battle of the Bartenders are:
2024: Louis Connelly, Meadowlark, “Shanghai Noon”
2023: Thomas Morris, Wheat Penny, “Stop and Smell the Roses”
2020: Roland Eliason, The Winds “Gold Blooded”
2019: Carolyn Porter, Wheat Penny “Dutchess of Earl”
2018: Brock McKibben, Wheat Penny ” Merchant’s Wife”
2017: Bill Castro, El Meson “Tamiami Miami”
2016: Nikolaus Hunt, Coco’s Bistro “Coco’s Ruby Slipper”
2015: Amber Brady, Lily’s Bistro “Rosemary’s Babee”
2014: Dustin Wade, Meadowlark “The Root of All Evil”

And that’s just some of the people that these two upcoming events in April aim to celebrate and spotlight — the talent, creativity, and passion of Dayton’s bartenders—the unsung heroes behind every great night out. I’ve judged this competition since its inception taking copious notes and being blown away by the talent behind our bars. I have no doubt that this year will be no exception.