Best restaurant and best resort are important categories in the annual Best of Marathon people’s choice awards. But nothing is more significant and momentous than crowning the Best Bartender.

A good bartender has an outgoing personality, the ability to work well in a team, tact and diplomacy for dealing with difficult situations, and physical fitness and stamina to work long, hard hours. Andy Sharf, Ed Tonkay and Brian “Cheddar” Geitz possess none of these qualities, and yet we love them.

Vote at keysweekly.com/bom until 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21. Winners announced at gala on Saturday, Sept. 29.

Brian “Cheddar” Geitz

Overseas Pub and Grill
Campaign slogan: Vote for anyone else

How many years have you been bartending?
14 years

First bartending gig:
O’Malley’s on Fourth Avenue in Tuscon, Arizona

What has bartending taught you about life?
Cash is king

Pet peeve at the bar?
Whistling to get our attention.

Finish these sentences…

At the bar, no one should ever…
Ask us to make our favorite shot. You won’t like what we take shots of!

People don’t realize that bartenders can…
Hear everything.

Making a drink is similar to…
As my Swedish friend used to say “rahaa nopeasti” – which means, making money, because the more drinks I make, the more money I make!

I probably got nominated (by the voters) because…
People think I’m Andy

Andy Sharf

Overseas Pub & Grill
Campaign slogan: Vote for Cheddar

How many years have you been bartending?
12 years

First bartending gig:
A tourist trap in North Carolina.

What has bartending taught you about life?
Wherever you are, always make friends with your local bartender as he/she always has the inside knowledge on what to do and where not to go. And don’t smoke crack.

Pet peeve at the bar?
Stage 5 clingers.

Finish these sentences…

At the bar, no one should ever…
Ask for a drink in a coconut. They should also know when to go home.

People don’t realize that bartenders can…
Remember everything, like who you are and what you did…

Making a drink is similar to…
#BreakingBad

I probably got nominated (by the voters) because…
People think I’m Cheddar.

Ed Tonkay

Havana Jack’s
Campaign slogan: Support your local bartenders

How many years have you been bartending?
25 years

First bartending gig:
Front Row Sports Bar in the Poconos, PA

What has bartending taught you about life?
I like sober people, the Cowboys suck and 9-to-5 jobs are terrible.

Pet peeve at the bar?
No tip.

Finish these sentences…

At the bar, no one should ever…
Ask the bartender if they know how to make something.

People don’t realize that bartenders can…
Make your life hell if they want to.

Making a drink is similar to…
Making love to a woman.

I probably got nominated (by the voters) because…
Of my guns, and I ride around town with my shirt off.