By Megan Rooney
Bradley Swartz has been bartending for over a decade, and comes highly recommended by PA Eats staff. The active and humorous bar manager of Columbia Bar & Grille in Phoenixville enjoys golfing, kayaking, and… Bedazzling? Yes. “I’m magic with a Bedazzler,” he says, “It’s a gift.”
This multi-talented mixologist, 34, grew up in Philadelphia and cites his mother as “the person I aspire to be,” and the Phoenixville people as “phenomenal.”
On a slow night, you can find him watching the Phillies or providing his guests with pick-me-ups.
“The most rewarding part of my job is the opportunity to take a person or people who are having a bad time and turn it around,” he said. “Having that kind of positive impact on a person’s night is the reason I love what I do.” Mom would be proud, don’t you think?
Read on for more fun facts from this month’s featured Bartender, and pay him a visit Thursday through Sunday nights at the historic Columbia Bar & Grille in downtown Phoenixville.
Favorite part of working at CB&G?
Sense of family. You can feel it when you walk in. We have a great staff and the Cashmans (the owners) are the best. And the jokes. We keep each other on our toes. The ownership and management are amazing, and the building’s rich history is great, but mostly the clientele. The Phoenixville area people are phenomenal.
What’s the “regular” crowd like at CB&G?
It’s an incredible mix. Old and young, Christian and Muslim, gay and straight, country and hip hop. We have a little of everything on any given night.
Most popular drink at the bar?
Definitely the espresso martini.
When you’re not working, what other bars do you like to hang out at?
I like most, go to places for the people. If in Phoenixville I can usually be found with Zach and his team at The Bistro or with Rosanne and her great staff at Pepperoncini. Other than that I just enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where I can be myself.
Favorite way to make a slow shift go faster?
Watch the Phillies.
Day crowd or night crowd?
Night crowd—for the vibe.
Best/Worst bar etiquette?
Best: Buying the bar a round. Worst: Definitely those who make out heavily at the bar. It’s unsettling for everyone, and hard to find a polite way to break it up.
Worst pick-up lines you hear?
Are you on the menu?
Favorite summer pastime?
Sitting under a tree and reading a book in the shade.
Favorite sports team and athlete?
The Philadelphia Phillies—of course. Gotta say Shane, he’s all heart.
One thing you can’t live without?
A sense of humor.
If I was to open your fridge right now, what would I find?
That it’s inappropriate to go through others things. But, I usually eat pretty healthy. Lots of yogurt is a given.
It may have seemed like a good idea at the time, but…
Doing a mojito special on a first Friday means a torturous night and 2 hours post-shift dedicated to cleaning mint out of places mint should never be.
On my day off, I can’t wait to…
Go for dinner and a movie. It’s a classic for a reason.
Signature Drink?
The Espressotini; Espresso, Van Gogh Espresso Vodka, Stoli Vanilla Vodka, Splash Godiva Dark and Crème de Cacao. Delicious.
Find Bradley at Columbia Bar & Grille on weekends at 148 Bridge Street in Phoenixville. More info at columbiabarandgrille.com.
