Video: Mixing Up Drinks with the Dorrance’s Vito Lantz

The bartender and former standup comic just wants everyone to have a great time.

Above anything else, bartender Vito Lantz considers himself a host, the Dorrance as his house and a night there is his party. In other words, the former standup comic insists it’s his duty to make guests of the Providence restaurant and bar welcome.

“I want you to have a great time. I don’t ever want to be referred to as a mixologist or a bar chef or any of that other nonsense. I just want to show everybody a fun hang and host a fun party.”

And contrary to the Dorrance’s grandiose surroundings, Lantz says the Providence spot is a place for both people who want something formal and those who are looking for a casual night out. He says it’s not a tuxedo place, but more of a tuxedo T-shirt place. To cater to tastes of all kinds, Lantz is just as happy to make a Manhattan as he is opening a bottle of Miller High Life. “Whatever’s going to put a smile on your face and make your day better, I don’t mind making it.”

While we’re sure Lantz is super talented at opening a bottle of beer, he can make a pretty mean drink. We caught up with him last week for a lesson. Here he makes the Blackberry Beret and the Smoking Gun. 60 Dorrance St., Providence, 401-521-6000, thedorrance.com

You can also join Vito Lantz for a free comedy show at the Grange on the last Sunday of the month at 9 p.m. Check the Grange’s Facebook page for upcoming performances.