Making Bars Better
Frank Caiafa ~ Advisor ~ Mixologist ~ Creative
Handle Bars NYC / Global
Bar & Hospitality Consultants
Cocktail and bar know-how and the business acumen to go along with it
Frank Caiafa
I’m the founder of Handle Bars NYC / Global Inc., a beverage management and creative strategy firm I’ve led since 2008. We specialize in comprehensive beverage operations — from third-party collaborations, concept development and training to events, bar and menu design, and brand-building for both hospitality venues and spirits companies.
In recent years, I served as the inaugural Spirits Portfolio Director at Banville Wine Merchants, where I helped build a best-in-class global spirits’ catalog.
Previously, I was the Director of Food & Beverage at The Lexington Hotel NYC, including the launch of its signature outlet, The Stayton Room.
Prior to that, I held a twelve-year leadership role at The Waldorf Astoria New York as Beverage Director of the iconic outlet Peacock Alley and La Chine, until the hotel’s renovation.
I’m also the author of The Waldorf Astoria Bar Book (Penguin), a 2017 James Beard Award finalist and Spirited Award nominee — a modern update of the hotel’s historic cocktail books.
Always seeking to elevate the guest experience through thoughtful design, hospitality, and storytelling — one glass at a time.
Handle Bars NYC / Global Inc, has been called upon for its expertise in a wide array of concepts. Selected projects include, The Arizona Biltmore, The InterContinental NY Barclay, M Social Times Square, The Towers of The Waldorf Astoria, The NY Hilton Midtown, The Fairmont Austin, The Inn at Perry Cabin (St. Michaels, MD), The Long Bar at The Waldorf Astoria in Shanghai, The Garden City Hotel, Waterstone Resort & Marina in Boca Raton and the lauded NoHo bar, The Vault at Pfaff's, among others. I was also the opening Beverage Director of Battery Gardens in Battery Park.
My writing, recipes, reviews, and illustrations have appeared in publications such as The New York Times, Whisky Advocate, Wine Enthusiast, Forbes, Punch, and Barleycorn Drinks and numerous bar and beverage books. I’ve also served as a judge at many high-profile industry events, including blind tastings and cocktail competitions.