Celebrity chef Beau MacMillan describes the event as “intense, exciting and wildly entertaining,” much like the man himself, who created the competition in 2015. MacMillan is bringing Bar Brawl back to the Valley starting this Sunday, and promises it will be a “killer season.”
Over four weeks, eight local mixologists will create delicious and imaginative libations as cocktail enthusiasts cheer them on in a spirited, high-energy competition. The winners of the first four battles will face off in the finale on Aug. 31.
“When I first launched Bar Brawl, it helped to spotlight the incredible craft cocktail talent in the Valley,” MacMillan wrote in a statement. “It quickly became a fan favorite, and ever since the last round a few years ago, people have been asking when it would return. With the new intimate, elevated setting of Tell Your Friends with its cool vibe and sought-after energy, it felt like the perfect time and place to bring it back, and we’re extremely excited to do it.”
Starting this weekend, the revived event will take place every Sunday in August at 7:30 p.m. Bartenders from all over the Valley will make their way to Tell Your Friends, the swanky speakeasy underneath The Americano in North Scottsdale.
Since opening in 2024, Tell Your Friends has become a Valley favorite with its sleek design, inventive cocktails, upscale bar bites and live music. It won the Arizona Restaurant Association’s Foodist Award for Iconic Speakeasy Experience and the Bar and Restaurant Expo Industry Excellence Award for Bar of the Year.
Bar Brawl's first iteration took place at the famed Jade Bar at the Sanctuary resort, where MacMillan worked for two decades. It always drew a lively crowd.
“We’re keeping the elements that worked in the past, like the live DJ and high-energy atmosphere, while still enhancing the experience across the board,” MacMillan wrote. “Set in a brand-new venue with a fresh ambiance, this round of Bar Brawl will feature curated cocktails, exclusive bites from The Americano, merch drops and prize giveaways.”
MacMillan will serve as host for the weekly competitions, joined by The Americano’s executive chef Peter McQuaid, a Food Network “Chopped” champion, and Tell Your Friends’ beverage director Ashley Cibor, a former biochemistry major who has worked at some of the Valley’s most celebrated cocktail bars and knows what it takes to win competitions.
“Peter is helping lead the charge behind the scenes, from culinary direction to overall production. Ashley is playing an integral role in shaping the guest experience and event flow,” MacMillan explained.
Bar Brawl is designed for spectators to have just as much fun as the competitors.
“It’s a blast to watch from wherever you’re standing. Think ‘Iron Chef’ meets the Game Show Network,” MacMillan, who is also a seasoned culinary competitor, says. “There’s real skill involved, but just like any great showdown, it also takes strategy, speed, knowledge and a little bit of luck.”
Meet the Bar Brawl competitors
Along with having some fun on Sunday nights, Bar Brawl is about showcasing local talent. MacMillan explained they have "hand-picked top-tier bartenders" to compete, ranging from "seasoned superstars to rising new faces."Here's which bartenders are competing on each date. Reservations can be made on OpenTable.
- Aug. 3: Sydney Erlandson of Little Rituals vs. Dan Choiniere of Toro at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
- Aug. 10: Jason Hoeptner of Hotel Valley Ho vs. Melissa Hejl of Trevor’s Liquor North
- Aug. 17: Abby Kate Larson of The Italiano vs. Moises Castro of Carry On
- Aug. 24: Alex Denney of Pigtails Desert Ridge vs. Matthew Crisp of Liquor Pig
- Aug. 31: The top four contestants will compete in the finale
