VinePair Names Chicago Bartender Katie Renshaw Top Honor

The owner of West Town cocktail bar Bar Bambi earns the national title of Bartender of the Year.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Cocktails

Gouache-painted illustration of a single cocktail coupe with an ice sphere on a wooden surface, evoking sophisticated mixology craft. — Chicago-based mixologist Katie Renshaw has been named Bartender of the Year by VinePair for her innovative techniques at Bar Bambi. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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VinePair has officially recognized Chicago mixologist Katie Renshaw as its Bartender of the Year. Renshaw, who opened her own West Town cocktail bar Bar Bambi earlier this year, has built a decade-long career in the industry.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights the rise of independent hospitality brands and the impact of specialized mixology techniques on the modern cocktail landscape. Renshaw intends to leverage this momentum to develop a broader hospitality mini-empire.

Katie Renshaw has spent 10 years in the industry, previously working at venues like GreenRiver, Etta, and Hawksmoor. Her professional trajectory includes wins at the 2017 Speed Rack Midwest and the 2019 U.S. Bartenders Guild World Class competition.

The players

Katie Renshaw

She is an acclaimed mixologist who owns and operates the Chicago cocktail bar Bar Bambi.

VinePair

It is a prominent digital media company that provides educational content and industry news regarding the wine, beer, and spirits sectors.

The details

At Bar Bambi, which opened in Chicago in 2026, Renshaw employs complex molecular mixology techniques to manipulate the texture and clarity of her drinks. She curated her team by focusing on staff whose personal energy resonates with the specific vision she established for the bar.

2016: Renshaw began her professional career staging at various bars.
2017: She secured a win at the Speed Rack Midwest competition.
2018: She received the Bar Artist of the Year award.
2019: She was named the U.S. Bartenders Guild World Class Bartender of the Year.
2026: The Chicago-based bar Bar Bambi officially opened in the West Town neighborhood.

Culture Shift

Renshaw’s transition from high-profile roles at establishments like GreenRiver to the launch of Bar Bambi reflects a wider movement of veteran hospitality workers prioritizing authentic, owner-led brands. This shifts the focus from large-scale institutional bars to smaller, creator-driven spaces that define modern urban nightlife.

Patrons can expect continued focus on molecular mixology at Bar Bambi, which has cemented its reputation as a premier destination for cocktail enthusiasts in West Town. Local drinkers may find increased interest in the bar following this national accolade, potentially impacting wait times for tables.

The takeaway

Renshaw’s career illustrates that mastery of technical mixology is only one component of success in the hospitality industry. Developing a unique and authentic brand vision is equally vital for those looking to transition from employee to business owner.