Brad Thomas Parsons

“Bars have always been my sanctuary, a democratic community where everyone is welcome to disappear among the crowd. But when you literally can’t fit in, you’re left with nowhere else to go.” open.substack.com/pub/bradthomas…

Trader Joe’s has a proven history with wine, launching its portfolio of popular Charles Shaw wines. In addition to branded private-label bottles of tequila, vodka, and whiskey, Pronto! marks the chain’s first foray into the amaro category. But is it good? vinepair.com/articles/trade…

Amaro expert and enthusiast Brad Thomas Parsons (@BTParsons) has been sneaking striking bottles of the Italian digestivo back to the States for decades. Here, he explains why the much-misunderstood drink is like catnip for collectors cluboenologique.com/story/amaro-co…

Never too early in the day for apertivo grooves... ht @BTParsons #nowplaying open.spotify.com/playlist/6b6gY…

7/11 is not only Free Slurpee Day, but also the 1-year anniversary of my @substack, LAST CALL, devoted to spirited dispatches on bars & bar culture, drinks & spirits, restaurants & regional foodways, and popular culture. open.substack.com/pub/bradthomas…

@Emily_Sundberg Salumi. Le Pichet. Matt’s in the Market. Mean Sandwich. Market Grill (simply seasoned and grilled salmon or halibut sandwich).

I have 6 hours to kill in Seattle tomorrow Where should I get a fucking banging LUNCH

Three is the magic number.. vinepair.com/articles/class…

When it comes to cocktails, does the number 3 hold some extraordinary influential force beyond mathematics? Find out on my latest at @VinePair, featuring @DavidWondrich, @mixography, @ROSimonson, @CocktailKingdom & @MaisonPremiere. vinepair.com/articles/class…

Snapshots and a recap of my day at the @Specialty_Food Summer Fancy Food Show where thousands of brands from around the world presented everything from candy, confections, charcuterie and cheese; to popcorn, chips, pretzels, and mustards; and so much more. LAST CALL @substack

LUCA. Horse Inn. Valentino’s. Cabalar Meat Co. Pizzeria 211. Passenger Coffee. The Fridge. Lancaster Central Market. In nearby Lititz: Per Diem, Bulls Head Public House. Stoll & Wolfe Distillery.

An Oral History of Brooklyn’s Beloved Long Island Bar (@BTParsons - @VinePair) redef.com/item/64922a583…

The voices of The Long Island Bar, Brooklyn's beloved corner bar. My oral history of LIB on @VinePair. vinepair.com/articles/long-…

Beviamo Italiano! In this week’s LAST CALL @substack dispatch I rewatch “The Talented Mr. Ripley” with an eye toward what the characters are drinking in Italy throughout the film. (Hint: Campari and gin-soaked Martinis). bradthomasparsons.substack.com/p/drinking-ita…

Read an exclusive excerpt of "Jukebox Hero," a new essay of mine from the latest issue of @imbibe magazine about the enduring appeal of the classic bar jukebox in LAST CALL. bradthomasparsons.substack.com/p/jukebox-hero

We are saddened by the news of the passing of actor Rick Dalton, best known for his roles in the hit TV series Bounty Law and The Fireman trilogy. Rick passed away peacefully in his home in Hawaii and is survived by his wife Francesca. RIP Rick Dalton 1933-2023

It’s an All Steely Dan Dive Bar Jukebox with @PAPPADEMAS & @joanlemay, the author and artist behind “QUANTUM CRIMINALS: Ramblers, Wild Gamblers, and Other Sole Survivors from the Songs of Steely Dan.” @substack open.substack.com/pub/bradthomas…

also Joan and I made some Dan playlists and answered some dive-bar essay questions for ⁦@BTParsons⁩’ great Last Call newsletter. hit the link to worry the bottle, mama bradthomasparsons.substack.com/p/dive-bar-juk…

"Like all old bars, we wanted to build a relic that would be here, or somewhere, long after all of us were dirt—whether it’s still here operating or in a collector’s house or in a museum." --Greg Best. Read the @TiconderogaClub chapter from LAST CALL. bradthomasparsons.substack.com/p/the-return-o…

I interviewed @thomasbeller 23 years ago … and things did not go well. I never heard from him again. Read abt. it here in @latimesbooks @latimes latimes.com/entertainment-…

On the occasion of @nybookfair and @BookstoreDay I wrote about my history as a reader (and a writer) and my passionate, though sometimes complicated, relationship with books (mostly the business of books). Read more on LAST CALL @substack: bradthomasparsons.substack.com/p/one-for-the-…