Lou Bernard | Source | Bar Manager at MITA

Lou Bernard Bio
Lou Bernard is a self-taught luminary in the hospitality industry. Over the past 14 years, Lou has made an indelible mark on the cocktail scene, showcasing his rich Latin American heritage through his innovative mixology.
Born in Venezuela to a Venezuelan mother and Bolivian father, Lou's upbringing was enriched by diverse cultural influences. At the age of 11, he moved to Bolivia, where he resided until he was 15 before immigrating to Virginia at 16 years old. This blend of cultures profoundly shaped his perspective and creativity.
Lou’s journey in the world of cocktails began in earnest in 2017 when he decided to make mixology his full-time pursuit. He embarked on a mission to infuse his liquid creations with the flavors and traditions of his heritage while working at various Washington D.C. bars and restaurants. His experience through various establishments in the hospitality industry led him to The Blaguard, where he played a pivotal role in its recognition as an eight-time winner of the Best Neighborhood Bar award before leaving in mid-2017 to join the opening team of Roy Boys.
His breakout years came during his tenure at Roy Boys, from 2018 to 2022, where he served as manager, partner, and beverage director. Additionally, Lou made significant contributions to the national beverage scene as the beverage director for Casa Kantuta, the first Bolivian cocktail bar in the United States, from 2021 to 2023. At Casa Kantuta, he highlighted singani, Bolivia’s signature spirit distilled in the Andes Mountains.
A firm believer in authenticity, Lou emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself in every endeavor. He takes pride in bringing his genuine self to his work, not only setting himself apart but also fostering a greater appreciation for cultures beyond one's own. Through his craft, Lou continues to feature not only Latin American culture but also the often overlooked richness of Afro-Latinx and Indigenous cultures.
He now heads the cocktail program at MITA, the groundbreaking plant-based Latin American restaurant in Washington D.C., and is the creator of Noches del Caribe, a pop-up concept highlighting Afro-Latinx culture through cocktails and food. Lou’s ultimate goal is to inspire others to embrace and showcase their own uniqueness, enriching the world with their individuality and experiences.
Short Bio
Lou Bernard is a self-taught mixology luminary in the hospitality industry. Over 14 years, he has showcased his rich Latin American heritage through his innovative cocktails. Born in Venezuela and influenced by his Venezuelan and Bolivian roots, Lou moved to Virginia at 16. In 2017, he dedicated himself full-time to mixology, making his mark at Washington D.C.'s top bars, including The Blaguard and Roy Boys. As the beverage director for Casa Kantuta, the first Bolivian cocktail bar in the U.S., he highlighted Bolivia’s signature spirit, singani. Currently, he leads the cocktail program at MITA, a plant-based Latin American restaurant, and runs Noches del Caribe, a pop-up celebrating Afro-Latinx culture. Lou’s work emphasizes authenticity and cultural appreciation, inspiring others to embrace their uniqueness.