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Rich Man, Pour Man

Meet the bartenders of the South Bay. Whether a shiny, new hot spot or a classic watering hole, it’s the man behind the bar who makes it memorable. grab a stool and raise a glass to these FIVE mixology masters.

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Mike, Ercoles, Manhattan Beach

When two regulars walk into Ercoles on a Thursday afternoon, the man behind the bar, Mike Benavidez, is already pouring them a drink, no order necessary. That’s what you’d expect from a 24-year veteran of this Manhattan Beach staple, one of the oldest in the town. Ercoles was a family-owned business since 1924, purchased from the Ercoles family by current owner Gary in the ‘70s. More than two decades ago, Hermosa Beach native Mike was running a surf shop over on 10th Street, losing the business during a bad economic climate (sounds familiar). Hired by Jimmy and Julie at Old Venice as a waiter and cook, his new skills caught the attention of Gary, who planned to introduce a grill to the bar. Years later, Mike’s still flipping those famous burgers in between shaking mai tais and pouring beer. “I get a mixed crowd here,” says Mike of his typical clientele. “Construction workers, retired stockbrokers, school teachers, fire and police.” Sure enough, just as he finished that sentence, three 40-something and retired financial guys walk in for a burger and a cocktail. Cheers, gentleman. Could we all be so lucky?

He’s serving:

Ercoles Mai Tai
1 part white rum
1 part orange juice
1 part pineapple juice
splash of sweet and sour
dash of grenadine
dark rum floater

Serve him: A Coors Light or brandy and Baileys with a splash of coffee