Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Behind the Bar at Center City Sips: Vincent Martinez of Tequila's Restaurant

by Drink Philly on Jul 17, 2018 in Culture

 
For this edition of Behind the Bar, we talked to Vincent Martinez, who has worked at Tequila’s Restaurant, a Philadelphia institution, for 26 years. Born and raised in South Philly, Martinez still lives there, and we chatted about his best Sips advice, garnishes, and his background in stand-up comedy.
 
Drink Philly (DP): Tell me a little bit about the place.
Vincent Martinez (VM): Tequila’s has been around for 31 years and is, of course, a Mexican restaurant. We serve authentic cuisine and we currently have 80 different kinds of tequila. I don’t know of any other restaurant with a selection like ours anywhere else in Philadelphia.
 
DP: Have you bartended elsewhere?
VM: I worked at Victor Cafe for a couple of years, but I started out in hotels.
 
DP: What’s trendy right now?
VM: Mezcal is a big thing right now, and tequila has been strong for a while now. When we first opened, we only had five tequilas, and our collection has seriously grown.
 
DP: What are some trends you wish would die?
VM: I don’t like garnishes. I don’t think you need them if you make a drink properly.
 
DP: Any predictions about where the industry might go next?
VM: I think right now, we’re seeing a lot of craft cocktails, but this isn’t a new thing. The classics have stuck around for a reason.
 
 
DP: One unexpected fact about you?
VM: I was an actor, a stand-up comedian, and I’m still an artist - I paint.
 
DP: What’s your favorite thing about Sips?
VM: For us, it means we're always guaranteed a good crowd on Wednesdays, which could potentially be a slow day, and we also get repeat customers from it.
 
 
DP: Favorite beer?
VM: I’m actually allergic to beer, so, any beer without barley!
 
DP: Favorite liquor?
VM: I like tequila to work with - it’s harder to make a drink with tequila in it because it’s so prominent, which is why most tequila drinks have citrus in them, since it helps tone it down. I like to drink single malt scotch.
 
DP: Favorite cocktail?
VM: I’m not really a cocktail person. I prefer spirits straight.
 
DP: What advice do you have for guests going to Sips?
VM: Take a chance and try something you've never had before. Don't be afraid to educate your palate.
 
 
DP: Favorite bar joke?
VM: A horse walks into a bar, and the bartender says, why the long face?
 
DP: What’s your favorite kind of customer?
VM: The kind that tips well! But really, someone who’s educated and knows what they want. It makes my job easier.
 
DP: What do you think the essentials are for a good home bar?
VM: One gin, one vodka, one blended scotch, one good tequila, and maybe one good mezcal.
 
DP: Where do you go for a drink when you’re not working?
VM: I like Monk’s - Rick is great there - and I also like hanging out at Misconduct Tavern to watch the game.
 
DP: What do you recommend after Sips?
VM: Stay for dinner - or go home and take a nap! The best thing about Sips is that you get to try somewhere you haven't been, so the best thing is to stay. If you stick around at Tequila's, you'll get 15% off your dinner bill, so it's worth it.
 

Shut Up & Drink: mezcal, lime juice, Creme Yvette, Averna.
 
DP: What’s the secret to being a great bartender?
VM: I think you have to have a lot of personality. If you don’t have that, you’re not going to make money. People want to be entertained, and if you can expose who you are, guests will appreciate that.
 
DP: If you could have a drink with any famous person, living or dead, who would it be and what would you drink?
VM: Vincent Van Gogh, one of my favorite artists, and we’d drink absinthe, because I’d want to live dangerously.
 
Photos via Drink Philly

Tags: Behind the Bar
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Pamper Yourself at These Spas with Bars in Philadelphia

Pamper Yourself at These Spas with Bars in Philadelphia

Whether you're going solo or heading out with friends, we've got just the place for your to relax and enjoy a good drink...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Apr 5, 2023
The Best Mocktails, Zero Proof, & Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Philadelphia

The Best Mocktails, Zero Proof, & Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Philadelphia

Not drinking alcohol tonight? These bars and restaurants have you covered with inventive, thoughtful, and down...read more ›

by Michelle Cassidy Jan 11, 2023
Inflation Hits PA Wine & Spirits with 4% Price Increase Across 3,500 Products

Inflation Hits PA Wine & Spirits with 4% Price Increase Across 3,500 Products

The PLCB, announced that a 4% price increase would go into effect on 3,554 of its most popular wine and spirit...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Jan 9, 2023
SPONSORED
The Best Cocktail Bars in Philadelphia

The Best Cocktail Bars in Philadelphia

Here it is - the definitive list of Philadelphia's best cocktail bars....read more ›

by Drink Philly Dec 13, 2017
The Philly Distiller Who Got Laid Off and Moved to Hawaii to Make Gin

The Philly Distiller Who Got Laid Off and Moved to Hawaii to Make Gin

In this segment we speak to Olivia Babiec, the former Philadelphia Distiller who moved to Hawaii to make gin...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Jan 5, 2023
Bars & Restaurants that Host Private Events in Philadelphia

Bars & Restaurants that Host Private Events in Philadelphia

Holidays, birthdays, weddings, or any private event - Philadelphia has you covered...read more ›

by Drink Philly Dec 5, 2022
Where to Celebrate Philly Cider Week 2022, October 23-30

Where to Celebrate Philly Cider Week 2022, October 23-30

The fourth annual Philadelphia Cider Week is being celebrated from Sunday, October 23 through Sunday, October 30...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Oct 21, 2022
Enjoy Fall Weather & PA Ciders in a Historic Setting at CiderFest, October 15 & 16

Enjoy Fall Weather & PA Ciders in a Historic Setting at CiderFest, October 15 & 16

Fall is here and what better way to celebrate than at CiderFest at the historic Woodford Mansion in Fairmount ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Oct 13, 2022
WitchCraft: Halloween Themed Beer Fest in the Middle of the NJ Woods Returns October 14 & 15

WitchCraft: Halloween Themed Beer Fest in the Middle of the NJ Woods Returns October 14 & 15

The team behind the Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival have conjured up a spellbinding event - WitchCraft - a...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Oct 12, 2022
LMNO: An Inside Look at Their 'Choose Your Own Adventure' Cocktail Menu

LMNO: An Inside Look at Their 'Choose Your Own Adventure' Cocktail Menu

Fishtown has a new Baja Mexican destination for tequila and mezcal fans...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 14, 2022
SPONSORED
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close