The 5 Best Bartenders

A skilled bartender knows that great service involves more than mixing drinks. Remembering a regular's favorite order, recommending something new and keeping the conversation flowing can turn an ordinary night out into a memorable experience. From neighborhood taverns to upscale restaurants and lively resort taprooms, Yampa Valley bartenders bring different talents to the job. The Best of the Boat 2026 gives these hospitality professionals their moment in the spotlight.

Alex Post || Oak Creek Tavern

Alex Post is a familiar presence at Oak Creek Tavern, a neighborhood gathering place on Main Street in Oak Creek. The historic establishment has served the South Routt community since 1908 and offers beer, cocktails and other beverages alongside a calendar of live music and special events. The tavern publicly recognized Post in October 2026 with a birthday celebration, describing his contribution to the establishment's welcoming atmosphere. At a business that emphasizes conversation, community and the traditions of a small-town tavern, Post is among the hospitality professionals recognized in this year's Best of the Boat.

Claire Hayes || Storm Peak Brewing Company - Bus Stop

Claire Hayes is recognized in the Best of the Boat 2026 for her work at Storm Peak Brewing Company's Bus Stop taproom near the base of Steamboat Ski Resort. The location combines the brewery's locally produced craft beers with a food menu, offering visitors a place to gather after skiing, snowboarding and other mountain activities. Storm Peak operates its original brewing facility and taproom on Steamboat's west side, along with the Bus Stop location at the resort. Its beer offerings include established favorites and experimental releases, reflecting the brewery's emphasis on craftsmanship and variety.

Tina Rennie || Primrose

Tina Rennie is among the hospitality professionals recognized in the Best of the Boat 2026 for her association with Primrose, a restaurant overlooking the Yampa River in downtown Steamboat Springs. The restaurant specializes in dry-aged USDA Prime beef, Colorado Black Angus steaks and fresh seafood, accompanied by a wine list featuring more than 300 selections from around the world. Primrose also offers a social hour and a bar setting for guests seeking drinks before dinner or an evening gathering. Rennie's nomination highlights the role of bartenders in the restaurant's overall hospitality experience.

Michael Ruby || Yampa Valley Shakers

Michael Ruby brings decades of bartending experience to Yampa Valley Shakers, a mobile bar service he operates in Steamboat Springs. Ruby has also spent many years behind the bar at Gondola Pub & Grill, developing his approach to hospitality through interactions with locals and visitors. His mobile business provides beer, wine and cocktail service for weddings, private parties and other gatherings, with options including portable bars and a converted camper lounge known as Elvis. Ruby works with clients to develop specialty cocktails and beverage menus suited to their events, bringing professional bartending to venues throughout the Yampa Valley.

Omar Bautista || La Fiesta Grill & Cantina

Omar Bautista is recognized in the Best of the Boat 2026 for his association with La Fiesta Grill & Cantina, a Mexican restaurant in Steamboat Springs' Central Park Plaza. The restaurant serves Mexican cuisine in a casual setting, with a beverage program that complements its food offerings. La Fiesta provides a gathering place for residents and visitors seeking a restaurant and cantina experience in the mountain community. Bautista's nomination places him among the local hospitality workers whose contributions are recognized by readers of the Best of the Boat.

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