Nico Centanni is a confident and skilled bartender at Yardy Rum Bar in Eugene, Oregon. With a decade of experience in the restaurant industry, Centanni knows the ins and outs of the small space behind the bar, allowing him to navigate even the busiest dinner rushes with ease. As he effortlessly garnishes a piña colada and engages in small talk with customers, it’s clear that Centanni is in his element.
Located at 837 Lincoln Street, Yardy Rum Bar exudes the funky charm of Eugene with its cozy dining nooks, beautiful patio, and mismatched glassware. However, Yardy sets itself apart by serving up Caribbean food and drinks, celebrating the vibrant flavors of the West Indies with a Pacific Northwest twist. Centanni, as a co-owner and bar manager, curates a rum-only spirits selection that perfectly complements the restaurant’s culinary offerings.
Centanni’s journey in the restaurant industry began while he was attending the University of Oregon, working in kitchens in Eugene and spending summers as a line cook in the Rocky Mountains. His experience led him through various roles in Eugene and Portland, culminating in the opening of Yardy Rum Bar in January of 2024 with his business partner, Isaiah Martinez.
The decision to focus on rum cocktails at Yardy was a deliberate one, aligning with Martinez’s passion for Caribbean cuisine. Centanni explains that rum is the spirit of choice in the Caribbean, making it a natural fit for the restaurant’s concept. Despite initial nerves about opening a bar with a rum-only menu, Centanni has found success in offering a diverse range of cocktails that cater to every type of drinker.
The cocktail menu at Yardy Rum Bar features classics like the Manhattan and daiquiri, as well as unique offerings such as the Sorrel punch made from Jamaican sorrel buds. Centanni also offers the Nico, a dealer’s choice cocktail that changes daily and showcases fresh, local ingredients alongside rum.
Beyond crafting cocktails, Centanni is passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive space at Yardy. He views his role as a bartender as more than just mixing drinks; it’s about fostering connections and bringing people together over shared experiences of food and drink. The relaxed atmosphere of the bar, with Centanni shaking cocktails behind the polished wooden plank, invites guests to unwind and enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean.
In conclusion, Nico Centanni’s expertise behind the bar at Yardy Rum Bar is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his commitment to creating a memorable dining experience for guests. With a focus on rum cocktails that complement the restaurant’s Caribbean-inspired cuisine, Centanni’s passion shines through in every drink he serves. Visit Yardy Rum Bar to experience the fusion of West Indies flavors and Pacific Northwest ingredients in a vibrant and welcoming setting.