Welcome to Dogwood Southern Table & Bar. We are so proud of our beloved bar, and can’t wait to show it off.
Come Inside Our Southern Bar: What is it like inside the Dogwood bar? Drenched in Southern charm and warmth, the bar features two fireplaces, a concrete bar with 16 seats, two single-slab live edge farm tables, and lots of delicious libations!
According to Bar Manager Brian Lorusso, the atmosphere at the Dogwood bar is social and fun, with lots of interaction and love of the drink
“Dogwood Bar aims to be innovative, interactive, and fun,” explains Lorusso, “with a real dedicat
ion to the craft of bartending. We will change the menu often and always have lots of fun “projects” waiting to be tasted at the bar.”
What is Lorusso’s favorite part of his job? “It’s talking with people who care about spirits
as much as I do,” he explains. “And creating lasting connections with bar guests.”
Even though our bar is a thing of beauty, it’s our people who create the feeling of true Southern hospitality. “The feel of the bar is warm, inviting, and comfortable,” says Lorusso, “like a big hug from Margueritte Andresen.”
Here’s our all-star lineup: Brian Lorusso “The Hammer,” Brittany Kellum “BK the Great,” Laura Southwell “Mary from Minnie,” JoAn Cook “Short Stack or JoJo,” and James Murphy “Toenail Murphy.”
According to Lorusso, the entire team works as a unit and brings their unique palates and backgrounds to the table. “They are knowledgeable, hardworking, kind, caring, good-looking, and immaculately dressed,” says Lorusso.
What’s his secret to success when it comes to running the Dogwood Bar? “No chance I am sharing that information with anyone,” he says. “No one. Never.”
Lorusso has an interesting philosophy when it comes to creating new drinks for his guests.
“I enjoy reading food and beverage books and cooking, so I like to think I take that knowledge base and transfer it when making drinks,” says Lorusso. “I like to make sure the ingredient and/or season shines through.”
What are his favorite drinks to make? “Bud light, vodka tonic…just kidding,” jokes Lorusso. “My favorite drink is the one I have never had before. I like to try new things.”
And the most popular drink requests from customers? “Right now,” says Lorusso, “anything with bourbon. Bourbon is having a moment and people want to explore that.”
How does this one-of-a-kind barkeep spend his time when he’s not at work?
“I’m married to the smartest, most beautiful woman in the world,” says Lorusso. “I also like going to the gym–mostly on chest days. I also really enjoy chewing gum, gardening, fancy scarves, and juicing,” jokes Lorusso.
We look forward to seeing you at Dogwood Southern Table & Bar. Come in, make some new friends, and allow us the pleasure of serving you one of our unforgettable drinks. Please follow us at: @barkeepbrian @dogwoodsoutherntable
You can also follow our Metropolitan barkeep extraordinaire, Captain Jeffrey Keiser, at: @midtown_muddler