Zane Harris

Mixologist Zane Harris

Zane Harris is a Seattle-based bartender and co-owner of Rob Roy, a relaxed and inviting bar emphasizing properly made cocktails of the finest quality ingredients. As the first-born child of restaurateurs, Zane was suckled at the teet of the food and beverage industry. From his earliest years, he would sit on the counter next to the stove-top watching his father cook up culinary masterpieces. Zane would try over and over again to stick his hand in the simmering sauces, only to have his protective padre stop him before any harm came to him. Eventually his father allowed him to touch and learn for himself about heat. Zane’s fate was sealed that day: he would not be a chef, but rather a bartender with a deep appreciation of ice (but who still can’t resist the occasional bursts of exposed flame).

Zane worked in his parents’ restaurants throughout his childhood and began bartending as soon as he was legally permitted to do so. Thanks to his culinary background, his inherent creativity, and an almost unhealthy obsession with old cocktail books, Zane quickly became an expert in classic and craft cocktails. He went on to work at Seattle’s now-legendary Vessel, as well as the revered Spur. In 2009, along with his long-time partner Anu Apte, Zane realized his ambition to own and operate his own bar. Rob Roy was the fruit of this ambition, and Zane now acts as co-owner and Bar Manager.

His bar program emphasizes an extensive spirits selection, fresh juices, local produce, housemade syrups and other delectable ingredients, and the utmost attention to the details of crafting perfect drinks. Rob Roy also has leather walls, a reel-to-reel tape deck, and a lamp made of a stuffed hoof.

Zane has been featured in The Seattle Weekly, The Stranger, PM Magazine, Left Coast Libations, Imbibe, San Francisco Chronicle and many other publications. He has consulted for bars and restaurants, been a participant in the Grand Marnier Mixology Summit, performed guest bartending stints in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland and New York and taught classes on spirits and mixology at Seattle’s Sorrento Hotel. He’s also done quite his share of hob-nobbing. And finally, in an informal poll, Zane was voted by his peers as the bartender most likely to survive the Zombiepocalypse. Ask him why and he’ll happily tell you.

by Ted Munat of Left Coast Libations fame