Meet David Muhlstein | Bar Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with David Muhlstein and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, what inspires you?
I am inspired by other Bartenders. I love seeing my friends and other creatives doing what they love. I love seeing everyone put passion behind their craft. I love the network of everyone here in Phoenix supporting and building each other up. I think that’s how it should be in this industry. I think Phoenix has an amazing Cocktail scene and its only getting better every month. That really inspires me to stay creative and evolve as a bartender.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am excited for so many things in the future. I’ve been very fortunate to have been a guest bartender at some great Tiki bars out of state. I look forward to doing more of that this. I am also very thankful for the trust and opportunity to put on Tiki Events at other bars throughout the Valley. That’s a special thing when other bars let you come in and feature your cocktails for a night. That’s a lot of trust and a humbling experience that I am very thankful for.

It’s been a labor of love for the past 4 years here in The Captain’s Cabin and it’s been exciting watching this bar grow. It’s been exciting to see the same faces every weekend in my bar. I feel very honored to have so many amazing regulars in this bar. I honestly wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for all of them over the years.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I don’t think that there is one person to thank for all that I has helped me get to where I am today. I think that the Tiki community has been very supportive of me as I’ve grown my bar into what is has become. I also think that my owner has really embraced letting me take the reins. He’s allowed me to be as creative as I’d like and has never really questioned me. I think trust is a very important thing to have in this industry. He has shown me nothing but support in my growth here.

I also am surrounded by many amazing bartenders in this city. Some of whom I speak to about specs, ideas and knowledge. It’s an amazing feeling that I can send a message at anytime to another bartender and another bar and ask for feedback or advice. I think that’s a very special thing here in Phoenix. I don’t ever want to take that for granted.

Website: hulasmoderntiki.com/captainscabin

Instagram: @_CaptainDavid_ @captainscabinphx

Facebook: www.facebook.com/captainscabinphx

Image Credits
Photos by: Nader Abushhab