Folio Weekly's Best Bartender

Husband, father, and an awesome bartender--David Hammond is the kind of guy that makes you feel welcome when you sit at his bar.

How did you feel when you found out you were nominated and win Best Bartender in St. Augustine?

At first, I was surprised and I was a bit confused because I thought it was a lifetime achievement award having been here so long… haha! All kidding aside, I was honored when I found out that my customers nominated me and even more grateful when I found out I won.

How did you started in the hospitality industry?

I started going to restaurants with my mom at a really young age and acquired a taste for different types of food, not just chicken fingers and pasta. As I grew older my mom and dad, who were social butterflies, took me everywhere so I got into speaking with adults at a young age and became a very social person. That led me to this industry.

Where are you from and where did you start your career?

I’m from Erie Pennsylvania and started my career there as a bartender in a blues club called The Docksider. My grandparents lived in Florida at the time and they were getting older so I wanted to come down and spend some time with them. So, I moved to Florida and got involved with a restaurant called Houston’s and ended up managing with them. Then I got married, ended up in Naples, had kids, and owned a restaurant there.

What restaurant did you own in Naples?

I was a partner in Zoey’s, it was upscale casual.

What brought you to St. Augustine?

I came to St. Augustine to follow my children. My first marriage didn’t work out and my ex—who had temporary custody—was from around this area. I thought St. Augustine was the only cool place to live on the East coast of Florida, which it is. I now have full custody of my kids and I met my wife Pura here.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

I love going to concerts, playing catch and sports with my son, Rocket, and watching my daughter, Mia, perform in drama performances and soccer. My daughter, Logan, is in college now, so I like to get out there to visit her when I can. And, any chance I can get to spend time with my wife and go do something on our own is great.