Women Bartenders Shake Up Cocktail Scene at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

Angela Leverman and Jennifer Garbarini are leading a new wave of female bartenders redefining hospitality one custom cocktail at a time.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:35pm by Ben Kaplan

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Discover the inspiring stories of Angela Leverman and Jennifer Garbarini, the female bartenders shaking up the cocktail scene at The Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco. As cocktail culture grows bolder, these women are at the forefront of the creative charge, meeting the demands of modern patrons with handcrafted drinks, personalized service, and an eye for Instagram-worthy presentation.

Why it matters

In the hospitality industry, women make up the backbone, but in bartending, the playing field isn't always level. Angela and Jennifer are part of a new generation of female bartenders challenging the status quo and proving that diversity improves the experience for both staff and guests.

The details

Angela Leverman started as a server at a high-volume restaurant, inspired to cross-train as a bartender after seeing the male-dominated team having fun. After honing her skills at other bars, she landed her dream job at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco. Jennifer Garbarini's path to bartending began unexpectedly when she pivoted from a dental hygiene program to working in a restaurant, discovering a passion for crafting custom cocktails. Both women have brought their creativity and personalized approach to The Lounge, meeting the evolving demands of modern cocktail culture.

  • Angela Leverman started cross-training as a bartender in her twenties.
  • Jennifer Garbarini began working in the restaurant industry after deciding against dental hygiene.
  • Angela Leverman joined The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco as a bartender in 2023.
  • Jennifer Garbarini has been crafting cocktails at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco since 2016.

The players

Angela Leverman

A Bay Area native with over a decade of experience in hospitality, Angela discovered her passion for mixology after starting as a server. She is known for her handcrafted cocktails and ability to connect with guests.

Jennifer Garbarini

From Berkeley, Jennifer has been crafting exquisite cocktails since 2001. After making her mark at several prestigious San Francisco establishments, she brought her talent to The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco in 2016.

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What they’re saying

“The best part of bartending is getting to know guests and tailoring a drink to what they enjoy. It turns a simple cocktail into a memorable experience.”

— Angela Leverman, Bartender at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

“There is nothing like seeing a guest beam with joy after tasting a cocktail I have created for them.”

— Jennifer Garbarini, Bartender at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

The takeaway

As cocktail culture grows bolder, women like Angela Leverman and Jennifer Garbarini are leading the creative charge at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, proving that diversity in the bartending industry can elevate the guest experience and redefine modern hospitality.