Drinking Rye: Luis Cruz of Village Social Rye
Drinking Rye is an occasional feature to meet the bartenders and other professionals running the good times in bars across Rye and its neighboring towns. When you are relaxing, these folks are working hard for you, your friends & family and your taste buds.
Do you have a suggestion for who we should profile on Drinking Rye? Tell us.
Today meet Luis Cruz of Village Social Rye on Purchase Street.
Your Name: Luis Cruz
Your Role: Bartender
Your bar (or restaurant): Village Social Rye
Describe yourself in one word: Friendly
MyRye.com: How long have you been a bartender at Village Social Rye?
I have been a bartender at Village Social Rye for a year.
Previously, where did you work?
I used to work at a restaurant called Half Moon in Dobbs Ferry.
What and when was your first paid job?
My first paid job was cleaning table at a diner.
Describe your path to bartending:
I started as a busboy and then as a server. Eventually, I moved on to bartending.
What are three attributes that make someone a good bartender?
- Be friendly
- Be attentive
- Be able to multitask
Describe your bar’s clientele:
They are humble and friendly. The clientele is respectful, they always say please and thank you.
Describe the atmosphere of your bar:
It has chill vibes and feels like home, it is a good place to be after a long day at work.
Describe the physical attributes of your bar:
It is a pretty big bar. We served food at the bar as well and we can make almost every drink out there.
What’s your favorite drink and why?
My favorite drink is a margarita. The taste is even better you get it with tequila orange liquor and lime.
Match a recommended drink with each occasion:
| Occasion | Recommended Drink |
| Warm summer evening | Aperol Spritz, Margarita |
| Crisp fall afternoon | Old Fashion, Manhattan |
| Cold winter day | Irish coffee |
| Muddy wet spring night | Tom Collins |
| First date | A glass of white wine; “Sauvignon Blanc” |
| Date night | Moscow mule |
| Anniversary | Champagne |
| Breakup | Long Island Iced tea |
| Favorite sports team wins | Beer |
| Hated sports team loses | Jameson whiskey |
| Birthday | Bellini |
What is your favorite bar food and why?
Garlic bread pizza. I love the taste of garlic, cheese, and tomato sauce together.
What’s the most underrated day of week and time of day to enjoy your bar?
Tuesdays are the most underrated day because it is a slow day, but it is better because you get a chance to talk to the other bartenders and get to know your clientele.
Thanks, Luis!
