Eric Alperin’s first experience behind the stick was at The Screening Room in New York City, followed by the Michelin-starred Lupa and Sasha Petraske’s Little Branch. In Los Angeles, he created Osteria Mozza’s liquor and cocktail program before opening The Varnish in 2009. The Varnish was a James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Bar Program from 2013 to 2017 and won Best American Cocktail Bar at Tales of the Cocktail in 2012. He is also a co-owner of Half Step in Austin, Texas; the acting Director of Cocktail Bars for Pouring with Heart; and a co-owner of Penny Pound Ice, The Slipper Clutch, Bar Clacson, and The Streamliner at Union Station, all in Los Angeles. He will launch the Red Dog Saloon in Pioneertown, CA in early 2020.