The Mix with Robert Simonson

The Mix with Robert Simonson

Share this post

The Mix with Robert Simonson
The Mix with Robert Simonson
Recipe: Mexi-Gin

Recipe: Mexi-Gin

Brooklyn Bartender Phil Ward Finally Gets His Martini Bar.

Robert Simonson's avatar
Robert Simonson
Mar 15, 2024
∙ Paid
21

Share this post

The Mix with Robert Simonson
The Mix with Robert Simonson
Recipe: Mexi-Gin
13
1
Share
The Gibson from Altar.

Back on February 26, 2020, I wrote an article for The New York Times about Altar, a new bar in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. It was to be run by veteran cocktail bartender Phil Ward (Flatiron Lounge, Pegu Club, Death & Co., and Mayahuel, which he co-owned). Ward was known for his innovative work with Tequila and Mezcal cocktails; he invented the Oaxaca Old-Fashioned and Division Bell, among many other drinks. But the new bar would focus on Martinis.

The Mix with Robert Simonson is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work and learn more about Phil and Martinis, consider becoming a paid subscriber.

Altar was scheduled to debut exactly four years ago, in March 2020. Well, we all know what happened then. The bar never opened its doors. As the pandemic dragged on, Ward went back to bartending at Chavela’s and Long Island Bar. Eventually, he stepped back from the idea of owning another bar.

When Altar finally opened for business, it did so without him.

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Robert Simonson
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share