Title

Bartender

Also known as: バーテンダ, Бармен, バーテンダー, 王牌酒保, 调酒师, 바텐더

by Araki Joh, Kenji Nagatomo

Score from AniList: 77/100finished21 volumes166 chapters

DramaSlice of Life

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Miwa, a hotel employee tasked with staffing a newly opened bar, is on the hunt for the perfect bartender. There, she meets Ryu Sasakura, a legendary mixologist who once won a world-class bartending competition. Skeptical yet intrigued, Miwa sends him into the interview...and what follows will shake up more than just cocktails! (Source: MANGA MILLION)

Chapters available: 166
Type: Manga

Hoard Verdict

The StoryHoard editorial verdict

★ 4/5

A hotel employee searching for a bartender meets a legendary mixologist whose interview shakes up more than cocktails, in a reflective seinen about craft, pride and the people behind the bar.

Pros

Thoughtful, craft-focused storytelling
Episodic stories with real character
Adult, reflective tone

Cons

Slow, low-stakes structure
Drink lore can be dense for newcomers

Read this if you liked:Oishinbo Blue Period

Read the full take

A hotel employee tasked with staffing a new bar is searching for the perfect bartender. She meets a legendary mixologist who once won a world-class competition, and she is skeptical but intrigued. The premise is a reflective seinen about craft and the people who make it.The strongest element is the craft. The story takes mixing seriously, and each episode reveals something about the characters who drink and serve. The adult tone is thoughtful and unhurried.The weakness is pace. The structure is slow and low-stakes, and the drink lore can be dense for readers who are new to the subject. Readers who want a plot may find it gentle.If you enjoy stories about craft and the quiet lives of working people, it is a rewarding read. It is patient and reflective. Expect careful pours, sharp observations and a bar that becomes a place of second chances.