Drinking in America

Zachariah Pfeifer, bartender at Good Dog Bar in Philadelphia, enjoys working with gin and whiskey and appreciates serving a wide spectrum of patrons. Zachariah notes that some of his most memorable nights behind the bar occur when he sees a packed bar with regulars and new customers intermingling and having a great time together. Zachariah is a man with a keen eye for the social side of bartending and we can’t wait to stop in and have a drink with Zachariah next time we’re in Philadelphia.
 
I walk into Good Dog Bar for the first time, what signature drink do you recommend?
Off our current menu I’d recommend the Lavender Collins (a simple twist of a great classic cocktail,) off my menu a great beer & a shot of rye whiskey.
 
What makes Good Dog Bar so unique?
Good Dog is a “diamond in the rough.” It’s located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia & surrounded by touristy chain restaurants (with a few exceptions.) We offer great food and beer with a down at home feel, outsiders don’t feel out of town and locals are die hard regulars.
 
We noticed that Good Dog Bar describes itself as a “cozy alternative to the ultra-trendy, exclusive type of bar”, can you describe the atmosphere of Good Dog Bar?
All are welcome… accordingly. If you enjoy being social and having a great time we are your spot, for anyone from lawyers to skateboarders. With that said, no matter where you’re from, if you can’t hang after a beer and often forget you’re not in your living room there are plenty of other bars in Philadelphia to satisfy your amateur needs.
 
What’s the one spirit you can’t tend without and why?
Two part answer: 1. In the summertime – gin is a must, most refreshing and diverse in all forms and cocktails. Vodka is for those lacking taste buds. 2. Anytime -whiskey. Question: “what’s a good shot?” Answer: “Whiskey.” Best match for beers, food and life.
 
When selecting ingredients for a cocktail, what’s the most important thing to keep in mind?
Depends a lot on where you work. If volume is big, simplicity is key, never overdo it be it with ingredients or flavors. If your bar is cocktail based, all rules are out the window, just don’t expect your traditional cocktail as fast as your miller lite.
 
Name the most recent drinking trend that’s caught your eye…
This is a moment of wisdom to all you men out there, if you’re trying to be cool and you’re buying a lady a shot, don’t assume she wants something sweet and girly. Take a moment to ask what she wants, this will save you face and money, (though it will take some humor out of the bartenders night.)
 
Favorite new drink to make? Least favorite?
Favorite: anything with gin, sounds weird young’uns but that’s what always came when you ordered a martini… let’s bring it back. Least favorite: anything that ends with the word bomb.
 
Your most memorable night behind the bar was when…
There have been too many memorable nights (good and bad,) enough to write a book, which has been done. For me there are moments when the juke box is loaded with great tunes and I look around to see a bar full of regulars and new customers, interacting and truly enjoying themselves. For that moment in time everyone has checked their shit at the door and people are just people, at that point I know we will be having an amazing night.