Cork’s Cigar Bar wins Bradenton Bar Wars competition

Fans of Bradenton’s drinking establishments showed up at Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub and Grill Monday night to cheer on their favorite local bartenders who were competing in the fourth annual Bar Wars competition.

Bartenders and staff from Clancy’s, Cork’s Cigar Bar, Paddy Wagon Irish Pub, Fan-atics Sports Bar & Grille, R.J. Gators Florida Sea Grill & Bar, Swordfish Grill and Island Time Bar & Grill. Events included Best Cocktail (featuring Crown Royal Whisky), a tricycle race and an obstacle course.

A panel of three judges — myself, Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston and Luis Rivero, area manager of Coastal Wine & Spirists of Florida, decided the winner of the Best Cocktail category in a blind taste test.

It was a close competition with Cork’s Cigar Bar winning first place and bragging rights. This will be the third time the Cork’s staff has won the competition. (Clancy’s was the winner of last year’s competition.) Swordfish Grill came in second place and Fan-Atics took third place.

This story was originally published September 26, 2017 at 2:59 PM with the headline "Cork’s Cigar Bar wins Bradenton Bar Wars competition."