32 Iconic TV and Movie Bartenders Who Shook Up Our Screens

A multitude of exceptional bartender characters can be found in the annals of film and television. Characters such as Sam Malone from Cheers and Moe from The Simpsons, who are not only quick-witted with a joke but also ready to listen when you need someone to share your job woes. They serve up strong drinks and beverages while their customers celebrate, console, congratulate, and commiserate – all the activities that take place at your neighborhood bar. This compilation aims to honor all those fantastic bartender characters in movies and television shows.

Sam Malone – Cheers

Absolutely, Sam Malone deserves a spot on this list. Not only was he the proprietor (part-time, at least) but also the manager of the iconic Cheers bar in Boston’s Back Bay. For an impressive eleven seasons, Ted Danson portrayed Sam, who was known for pouring fantastic drinks and chilled beers for Norm, Cliff, and the rest of the regular patrons.

Isaac Washington – The Love Boat

On a cruise ship, the person most valued by many is often the bartender. Nowadays, large cruise ships may employ numerous bartenders, but in the past, the Pacific Princess, famously known as “The Love Boat,” had just one – Isaac Washington, played by Ted Lange. Back then, Isaac seemed to be the only bartender patrons ever requested a drink from, and he always served with a friendly smile.

Marion Ravenwood – Raiders Of The Lost Ark

Marion Ravenwood (played by Karen Allen) sought solace from her troubles and estranged lover by establishing a small, cozy tavern in Nepal, complete with a crackling fire and strong spirits to comfort its patrons during the chilly evenings. However, this peace was short-lived when her ex-boyfriend arrived, searching for her father, in the film Raiders Of The Lost Ark.

Lloyd – The Shining

At The Overlook Hotel, where Jack (Jack Nicholson) resides, there aren’t many individuals for him to converse with. However, whether Jack invents Lloyd or the supernatural brings him into existence, it swiftly becomes clear that he is not the amiable bartender we typically associate with hotel bars. Yet, he demonstrates proficiency in whipping up a large number of martinis in a short period.

Guinan – Star Trek: The Next Generation

After a hard day at work on the USS Enterprise, even the crew members need some time to relax and enjoy a beverage or two. On Star Trek: The Next Generation, they often visit Ten-Forward lounge, where Guinan, portrayed by the renowned actress Whoopi Goldberg, serves unique drinks.

Al Swearengen – Deadwood

Al Swearengen serves as the rough-tongued, malicious, and lawless owner of the Gem Saloon on the TV series Deadwood. Masterfully portrayed by Ian McShane, Swearengen transcends his role as a bartender, holding the most influential position in town and being the most prone to resorting to or inciting violence amidst a city teeming with chaos.

Horace – The Family Guy

Over the course of eleven seasons (or more if you count show-time), Horace played the role of both owner and bartender at The Drunken Clam, a favorite hangout for Peter and his friends in Family Guy. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how many years Horace was pouring drinks, given that he seems to be present in almost every flashback to the bar. As for how long he’s been there, it’s anyone’s guess. Unfortunately, we said goodbye to Horace during Season 11 when he passed away, prompting Peter and his friends to go all out to save “The Clam.

Razor Charlie – From Dusk Till Dawn

In the film “From Dusk Till Dawn,” the character Razor Charlie, portrayed by the intimidating yet impressive Danny Trejo, doesn’t appear extensively. Initially seen trying to maintain control of the bar with an iron grip at the start of the movie, he encounters a group that he should have avoided confronting.

Brian Flanagan – Cocktail

As Brian Flanagan, I was a mediocre mixologist at the start of the 80’s flick ‘Cocktail,’ a film that unfortunately hasn’t aged gracefully. However, my encounter with the seasoned Doug (played by Bryan Brown) changed everything. Doug, the master of every bar trick known to man, quickly transformed me from an amateur into a dynamic duo behind the counter. Together, we became more performers than servers, turning our workstation into a stage for our bottle-flipping acts. Although the movie’s longevity may be questionable, it certainly boasts an impressive soundtrack.

Coach – Cheers

Among the bartenders we dearly miss is “Coach” Ernie Pantusso, who was Sam’s original partner behind the bar on Cheers. In simpler terms, you could say he wasn’t quite all there, missing a few bottles from his case. Regrettably, when actor Nicholas Colasanto passed away after Season 3, Coach also left us for the heavenly bar and we’ve been grieving his absence since then.

Butchie – The Wire

To put it straightforwardly, even though Butchie from “The Wire” is an incredible character portrayed by S. Robert Morgan, I have to admit that his establishment might not be my preferred hangout spot. You see, Butchie isn’t just a bartender; he’s more like the banker for Baltimore’s criminal underworld. While he’s unwaveringly loyal, his associates are quite questionable, leaning towards the shady side.

Moe Szyslak – The Simpsons

If not for Moe’s Tavern, Homer Simpson (alongside Lenny, Carl, and particularly Barney) would likely find themselves at a loss during their spare time. The grumpy bartender, despite his surly demeanor on TV, possesses an endearing charm. He can be gruff, unattractive, and quick to anger – especially towards those pesky kids who continually prank-call him – but he is also consistently sincere and authentic.

Rick Blaine – Casablanca

Although not typically classified as a bartender, Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), being an owner and guardian of secrets, has undoubtedly mastered the art of mixing a strong martini after years of managing Rick’s in Casablanca. With likely extensive experience serving drinks across various parts of the globe, he certainly earns his spot on this list.

Spider – GoodFellas

In the movie “GoodFellas,” poor Spider, may he rest in peace, seems to be doing his utmost best. Unfortunately, the character portrayed by Michael Imperioli, who later became famous for “The Sopranos,” just can’t seem to keep Tommy (Joe Pesci) satisfied. Initially, his punishment is getting shot in the foot by the ruthless individual, but things only get more difficult from there. Oh, Spider, you’re not doing well at all.

Wuher – Star Wars

In every small town across the globe, or even the cosmos, there exists a gruff, somewhat prejudiced bartender akin to Wuher from the original Star Wars film. Given the tumultuous nature of Mos Eisley as a den of villains and scoundrels, it’s understandable that running such an establishment requires firm control. However, he’s far from the most welcoming bartender on this list.

Woody Boyd – Cheers

Following the departure of Coach on Cheers, it didn’t take much time for them to bring in Woody Boyd, portrayed by Woody Harrelson, as his replacement. Although Woody was considerably younger than Coach, he shared similar qualities of innocence and, let’s say, a certain level of ignorance that Coach possessed. Fortunately, just like Coach, Woody had an irresistible charm, and the bar (and the show) continued to thrive with this new addition.

Doug Coughlin – Cocktail

Amongst all the bartenders listed, Doug Coughlin (portrayed by Bryan Brown in “Cocktail”) stands out as the most flamboyant. With his skillful bottle flipping and captivating charisma, he can win over a customer effortlessly. Moreover, the spectacle he creates attracts patrons from across the Tri-State region, boosting business significantly.

All Of The Bartenders In Coyote Ugly

In the film “Coyote Ugly,” Lil (played by Maria Bello) is the proprietor of the bar, yet she’s simply one of the exceptional mixologists who pours drinks and stands her ground against the rowdy, inebriated customers every night of the week. Since it’s challenging to pick a favorite, it’s only right to include all of them on this list celebrating fantastic movie bartenders.

Gary – The Big Lebowski

In “The Big Lebowski,” Gary may not physically appear, yet his impact is undeniable, making him worthy of inclusion on this list. His interactions with The Dude (Jeff Bridges) and his fellow bowling alley companions suggest a kind-hearted individual who knows how to make an exceptional White Russian cocktail.

Short Bartender – Desperado

In the credits, the character “Short Bartender,” played by Cheech Marin, from the movie Desperado, appears to be less than thrilled with Steve Buscemi from the get-go. He even subtly tries to advise Buscemi on how to behave in this rough saloon. Unfortunately, his warnings fall on deaf ears, but it’s hard to fault him for the chain of events that follow.

Georgie – The Sopranos

Georgie Santorelli, portrayed by Frank Santorelli, is quite dimwitted on the television series The Sopranos. Although he excels at his role of serving drinks to Tony and his associates at the Bada Bing, he appears to be a complete fool in all other aspects. However, he provides much-needed humor throughout the show.

The Gang In Always Sunny In Philadelphia

As a discerning movie critic, I must confess that the label “great bartenders” might be a tad misleading when it comes to the motley crew from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” Frankly, their skills behind the bar are often as lackluster as their other endeavors. However, let’s not dwell on the negatives; instead, let’s focus our attention elsewhere.

Carl – How I Met Your Mother

In a more straightforward manner: The character Carl from “How I Met Your Mother” can be difficult to gauge. At MacLaren’s Pub, the bar where the series is set and played by Joe Nieves, he can sometimes come off as the kindest individual in the room, but at other times, he displays harshness and unforgivingness. It seems this dual nature might be characteristic of excellent bartenders.

Mark Donnelly – Paradise

On the TV show “Paradise”, Michael Hogan’s character Mark Donnelly isn’t a leading role like many of the bartenders here, but it’s clear that he’s a compassionate individual who does more than just mix strong drinks. He listens to your problems and is ready to offer help. Additionally, he demonstrates his usefulness when he tries to aid Xavier (Sterling K. Brown) in ensuring the safety of his children.

iZac – Futurama

One distinctive aspect of Futurama lies in its futuristic reinterpretation of cultural references, and it doesn’t get any more clever than a robot bartender named “iZac,” reminiscent of Isaac from The Love Boat. While he may not be the most emotionally attuned mixologist, he certainly knows how to serve up a drink.

The Octopus – Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

A bartender with eight arms, such as the octopus in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”, would undoubtedly be superior to a two-armed one during busy periods. Any experienced bartender can attest to the fact that having additional limbs could make a significant difference when the bar is packed and chaos ensues during rush hour. This fellow’s abilities would surely make any server envious.

Jim – Three’s Company

Jim, portrayed by Paul Ainsley, who was the bartender at the iconic Regal Beagle on “Three’s Company,” stands out among all the other staff members at this legendary TV bar. His character doesn’t have many significant roles, but swiftly and efficiently serving drinks is what truly makes an impact on viewers.

Nick Miller – New Girl

In the television series New Girl, Jake Johnson portrays Nick Miller, who is not only a bartender but also one of the principal characters. It’s fitting that he plays this role, given his sharp humor and compassionate personality, which make him ideally suited for the job.

Margo – Gone Girl

In essence, Nick Dunne, portrayed by Ben Affleck in Gone Girl, isn’t exactly an admirable individual. Though he might not reach the level of psychosis as his wife, it’s clear that he’s far from a virtuous character. Interestingly, his sister, Margo (played by Carrie Coon), appears to be quite a decent person. She exhibits strong loyalty, perhaps even excessive, towards her brother and consistently offers assistance at his bar.

Arthur – Passengers

In the science fiction romance movie “Passengers,” the character Arthur bears a striking resemblance to Lloyd from “The Shining,” albeit with an unexpected twist: rather than being a figment of someone’s imagination or a malevolent presence, he is an android. Arthur serves as Jim’s (Chris Pratt) confidant in dealing with his depression, but unfortunately, he lacks the discretion that one would expect from a bartender, which is crucial for maintaining trust among patrons.

Frankie – Road House

In the unconventional 2024 remake of “Road House,” Jessica Williams’ character, Frankie, is determined to preserve her bar in any manner possible. She exhibits loyalty towards her staff, displays courage, and takes on challenges head-on. Beyond her role as a bartender, she demonstrates proficiency in mixing a fine whiskey and serving a cold beer with ease.

Nick – It’s A Wonderful Life

In “It’s A Wonderful Life,” Sheldon Leonard portrayed Nick the Bartender, who wasn’t one to tolerate foolishness and had no patience for his customers’ frivolous talk. This is precisely the kind of no-nonsense attitude that makes an excellent bartender – just keep the drinks flowing.

2025-02-28 17:39