Columbia’s Beloved Bartender Grant McCloskey Set to Leave for Philadelphia

Columbia’s Beloved Bartender Grant McCloskey Announces Move to Philadelphia

COLUMBIA — It’s a bittersweet day for Columbia’s craft cocktail scene as one of its kind-hearted and talented bartenders, Grant McCloskey, has decided to make a big move. After gifting the Capital City with delicious concoctions and a passion for mixology for over eight years, McCloskey recently announced he will be leaving to set up shop in Philadelphia, starting in October.

McCloskey took to social media on September 6 to share the news, expressing his excitement and eagerness for the challenges ahead. “I’m excited because it’s another challenge, it’s another opportunity to see where my ceiling is and to push what I’m doing, push myself a lot harder than I am right now,” he said, speaking about the move. Columbia has certainly seen him grow into a mixology maven, and his departure marks the end of an era for many local food enthusiasts.

A Brief Journey Through Columbia’s Bartending Scene

The journey started for McCloskey back in 2016 at Cafe Strudel in West Columbia. After a brief stint in Austin, Texas, he returned to work at The Aristocrat in downtown Columbia, where he served as bar manager. His creativity bloomed when he took over the bar program at Ratio, a small plates restaurant offering Peruvian cuisine. Opening later in 2020, Ratio quickly captivated the taste buds of locals despite the ongoing pandemic.

“He definitely opened my eyes to trying new drinks,” said chef-owner Javier Uriarte, praising McCloskey for his unique vision in drink crafting. McCloskey tailored the drink menu to complement Uriarte’s inventive tapas, making Ratio a vibrant spot to visit in Northeast Columbia.

The Hollow and Local Impact

This past March, McCloskey took the opportunity to lead the bar program at The Hollow, an upscale eatery in the Vista that specializes in wild game. The restaurant is relatively new, having taken over the former space of Jason’s Deli, and McCloskey’s role has been pivotal in establishing a robust cocktail program right from the start.

Chris Fitz, the owner of The Hollow and a longtime friend of McCloskey, showered him with compliments, stating, “Grant has been instrumental in helping get the new restaurant’s cocktail program off the ground.” It’s clear that McCloskey’s talent goes beyond just creating drinks; he fosters friendships and builds strong connections within the industry.

A Celebrated Run with Community Engagement

Aside from mixing drinks, McCloskey engaged wholeheartedly with the community, lending his talents to various local events, such as the Columbia Food & Wine Festival. He frequently participated in cocktail competitions, gaining recognition as a well-respected figure in Columbia’s beverage scene. “We’ve got a boatload of restaurants right now that are stepping their game up, and I think Grant was really invested in that,” Fitz added, highlighting the momentum occurring in the city’s culinary offerings.

Reflecting on his experience, McCloskey shared, “It’s been such a cool opportunity to be a part of the cocktail scene in Columbia at the time that I’ve been here.” While he acknowledges the bittersweet nature of leaving, particularly amid some recent restaurant closures in the area, he remains hopeful for the future of Columbia’s dining scene.

Looking Ahead

As McCloskey prepares for his next adventure in Philadelphia, he plans to help transition The Hollow’s bar staff over the next few weeks, ensuring they are set up for success without him. McCloskey leaves behind not just a legacy of creativity and love for craft cocktails but also a community that has embraced him over the years.

His departure will surely be felt across Columbia, but as he moves onwards and upwards, we wish Grant McCloskey all the best for new beginnings in the City of Brotherly Love!