Ultimate Baltimore Bartenders

It takes a good bartender to fork over a cold brew with a smile. It takes a great bartender to know your drink before you utter a word - and refill it before your throat gets even slightly dry. Baltimore has some great bartenders. A lot of them, actually. For b's Ultimate Baltimore Bartender contest, we received more than 100 nominations, representing most neighborhoods. The battle for alcohol-slinging supremacy was fierce -- more than 7,500 votes were cast -- but the results proved Baltimore hearts its bartenders. Your top five is a good mix of personable, innovative and hard-working drink mixers. So belly up to the bar and meet Baltimore's Ultimate Bartenders. We dare you not to go for a beer run after reading. JORDAN BARTEL, B