Served Blog Banner Boy: Q&A with bartender Josh Hill of The Swiss and Eleven Eleven

By Ron Swarner on December 4, 2014

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Josh Hill.

Server Banner Boy, Dec. 1-7, 2014

Josh Hill

Josh Hill began bartending at The Swiss Restaurant & Pub shortly after his father, Bob, Jack McQuade and Gayl Bertagni opened the joint in a then sketchy part of downtown Tacoma in 1993. The Swiss was one of the main reasons the neighborhood turned around. Basically, Josh turned 21 and stepped behind the bar. Not only did Josh have a front row seat to the revitalization of downtown Tacoma, he watched the downtown YMCA grow too. Josh was one of the founders of the Y's popular Noon Hoops program. For years he battled many a player underneath the hoop. Today, Josh is still at The Swiss, as well as behind the bar at Peterson Bros. 1111, the Hilltop Tacoma bar and sandwich joint run by Bob Hill's other boys, twins Robbie and Justin Peterson.

Why do you serve?

I serve because following in your father's footsteps is a good thing.

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

My favorite server is the whole crew at The Copper Door. I like to go for a run, and then stop there for beers. It's fun, local, good brew and good company.

What are you most proud to serve?

I like to think I can find the right drink for each person. A couple questions and instinct is all it takes.

What's your current drink of choice?

My drink lately has been a Moscow Mule. Greg at The Top makes the best.

Favorite movie?

Favorite movie is Hoosiers, of course.

What don't you serve?

No drinks with more than two shots. Responsibility is important too, even if the customer doesn't agree.

What's on your radar at 1111 and The Swiss?

At 1111 and the Swiss it's always new. You never know whom you'll meet. That always makes it fun.

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers