“I think the fact that I’ve been doing this for a while…” Scott Perry, this year’s best male bartender, is first and foremost, modest. The New York native has decades of bartending experience. After graduating from Mira Costa High School, he moved back to New York for 15 years, navigating through the bar backs and fronts of NYC’s busy night scene.
Since returning to the South Bay, Perry has serviced thirsty folks throughout the three beach cities, including 12 years at Hermosa’s Café Boogaloo, one year at Manhattan Beach’s Johnny Memphis’ Smokehouse (which has since closed) and now at Redondo Beach’s popular New York Italian joint Charlie’s.
“Through the years I’ve been doing this, I’ve met a lot of people and the Beach Cities are a tight community,” Perry said. “So if you’re good to people they’ll follow you, or at least come check the place out.”
Charlie’s: 601 N. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach. 310-374-8581. charliesitalian.com
Runner-up: Rico De’Alba, Shellback Tavern. 116 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach. 310-376-7857. shellbacktavern.com
