There were several categories that were close calls but none closer than the 2013 Gay Faves Bartender category. Each of the five nominated bartenders had a roll of regulars who logged on in droves to vote for their master mixologist and we hated having to pick only one. So we present the 2013 Gay Faves Close Call spotlight. Get to know so of Nashville’s favorite bartenders. 

Malachi Taylor 

Bartender at Canvas since August 2012

Signature Drink: Long Island/Blue Hawaiians

Favorite Quote: "Is all that we see or seem/But a dream within a dream?" - Edgar Allan Poe

When I’m not working at the bar, I’m_________   (fill in the blank)

I'm either working out, running, or biking somewhere. I like to keep myself busy - I can't really sit in one spot for too long.

The bar is packed, you’re crazy busy, but a patron needs a beverage, how does s/he get your attention?

Simple eye contact works best to get my attention.

Something even your regulars don’t know about you:

I'm a huge nerd. Bring up role playing games and you have a conversation with me that could last for hours.

You’re surrounded constantly by music, what’s your favorite song to work to?

I'm a pretty big Deadmau5 fan, so I enjoy when one of his tracks are playing.

Catch Malachi at Canvas Monday through Friday nights

Will Gronës 

Bartender at Tribe for nearly 7 years

Signature Drink: Chocolate Martini (which he learned from his bartending hero and retired Tribe bartender Loy Carney)

Favorite Quote: "Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear." - Thomas Jefferson 

You’re surrounded constantly by music, what’s your favorite song to work to?

I like anything Shakira, and "Wannabe" by The Spice Girls pretty much makes my night. Yes, I am that gay! 

When I’m not working at the bar, I’m_________ (fill in the blank)

Working on projects around the house, spending quality time with my husband Brad, or working on photography projects.

Something even your regulars don’t know about you:

I love Byzantine art and have a collection of Greek Orthodox Iconography—random I know.

Catch Will at Tribe every week on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Alissa Hardin aka Leelee 

Bartender at Play for 2 ½ years

Signature Drink: I have a couple signatures like “The Britney” and a “Kickass,” but I’m always creating new drinks so it's hard to say what my fave drink is to make.

Favorite Quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi

What do you like about bartending?

The social aspect. I get to see new faces all the time, and I love the loyalty from my regulars—that makes me smile. 

You’re surrounded constantly by music, what’s your favorite song to work to?

"Animals" by Martin Garrix. Did you know he is like 17?!

When I’m not working at the bar, I’m_________   (fill in the blank) 

Traveling, volunteering, running. If I'm not traveling 2 hours west of here visiting my family, I’ll be in a different country somewhere. I try to volunteer as much as I can. Lately, I have been working at a youth center 2-3 days a week. I enjoy running and yoga and anything to help clear my mind and keep me fit.

The bar is packed, you’re crazy busy, but a patron needs a beverage, how does s/he get your attention?

Put money in my face and I will most likely look your direction (laughs). What do you expect?

Catch Alissa behind the bar at Play most Wednesdays through Sundays

Timmy Harkum 

Bartender at Stirrup for 5 ½ years (also an owner)

Signature Drink: I like making layered shots but I also have a few ‘made up’ drinks—some good, some not.

Favorite Quote: Last Call

What do you like about bartending?

 I like everything that goes with it, from meeting new people to hanging out with the regulars. The only thing I really don't like to do is tell somebody that their credit card is declined 

You’re surrounded constantly by music, what’s your favorite song to work to?

We have an internet jukebox at Stirrup, so there are like a million songs on it, but I think my favorite is Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy.” I play it all the time.

When I’m not working at the bar, I’m_________   (fill in the blank)

I am always at Stirrup but in the summer I am at the lake or you can find me at SAM's.

The bar is packed, you’re crazy busy, but a patron needs a beverage, how does s/he get your attention?

Just wave a dollar at me, believe me, I will see it.

Catch Timmy at Stirrup Tuesdays, Fridays and from open to close on Saturdays

Kyle Murans 

Bartender at Mad Donna’s for 4 years

Signature Drink: Martinis. I love to play with flavors.

Favorite Quote: It’s a _­Family Guy_ so I am not sure you can print it.

What do you like about bartending?

I love making drinks—the mixology. I’m one of them dorks who makes mixed drinks at home instead of drinking a beer or a glass of wine.

You’re surrounded constantly by music, what’s your favorite song to work to?

As long it’s upbeat and not slow and draggy, I’m cool. Whenever I hear a slow and whiny song playing at work I always point it out like ‘who died and why are we listening to this, skip it!’

Something even your regulars don’t know about you:

Most of the time people are surprised to find out that I know how to sew. Growing up my mom use to sew a lot so I guess I subconsciously picked it up.  She never thought me how to sew and I never sat there and watched her. I guess from being around and catching glimpses of that I figured out how to do it.   

When I’m not working at the bar, I’m_________   (fill in the blank)

I’m locked up in a basement working on Paige Turner’s outfits. . . kidding . . . about the locked up part. If I’m not hanging out with my friends, then I am playing video games.

The bar is packed, you’re crazy busy, but a patron needs a beverage, how does s/he get your attention? 

I like to treat my bar guests equally so just get in a line with everybody so while I make drinks I can see you out of the corner of my eye. I try to look over the bar and remember the order guests approach the bar. I have really good visual memory so it’s easy for me to do that.

Catch Kyle at Mad Donna’s on Friday nights and Saturday and Sunday Brunches