Stephanie Mazza doesn’t just consider herself a bartender in one of the most popular tourist destinations, she also considers herself a part of the Las Vegas experience. “People come to Vegas for the atmosphere, to drink and to eat well, and live the life—I love to be able to provide that and be a part of that,” Mazza said.
The experience happens at Public House at Luxor, where Mazza has been tending bar since the Philadelphia-based pub built an outpost in Las Vegas. Coincidentally, Mazza is a South Philly girl, born and raised. “That’s what piqued my interest about working here; I knew the Public House brand,” said Mazza, who moved to Vegas in ’07 and has since worked at some of the hottest nightclubs on the Strip. “Bartending at Public House is more my pace now than when I worked at nightclubs,” she said.
Mazza has some golden rules when it comes to serving her guests. “As a bartender, you have to take what someone is looking for, and figure out how to make it into a drink that would make them happy, what they would like,” explained Mazza, who loves making drinks up on the spot. (She’s also known for making some killer mojitos.) “Also, if someone’s having a bad day, it’s up to me to turn that person’s day around. You must take the time to get to know your guests.
Summer Smash
“Overall, it’s my job to make their time here at Public House, even in Las Vegas, the best experience ever,” she said.
Summer Smash
While food plays a big part at Public House, its drink offerings are seriously impressive. Beer cocktails, bottled, draft and craft beers, wine, champagne—it’s all here, including a delicious handcrafted specialty cocktail list. On that list, you’ll find the Summer Smash, a popular choice as the weather heats up. Made with Hendrick’s gin, muddled cucumber slices, simple syrup, fresh-squeezed lime juice, club soda and fresh-cut cucumber slices, it’s seriously refreshing.
Luxor, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily. 702.262.4525
