A man with glasses, a beard, and wearing a gray shirt with a dark checked blazer, standing indoors near a wooden wall and a potted plant.

Ryan Ota

Director of Beverage Operations

Ryan Ota, stumbled upon his fascination with mixology at a young age, perhaps younger than it should have, at 18 years old. Growing up in the vibrant city of San Jose allowed his passion for crafting beverages to flourish, going on to later attend bartending school. His first job at City Bar & Grill at the Hilton in San Jose exposed him to the art of handcrafted cocktails, fresh ingredients, and refined techniques, amidst an era dominated by heavily preserved mixers and syrups.

In 2021, Ota won the National Cocktail Competition for iichiko Saiten Shochu. However, it was his tenure at Paper Plane, a M.O. Hospitality Group concept, that defined the pivotal moments in his career. Joining as one of the opening-day bartenders, Ryan's dedication and skill saw him rise through the ranks to become the bar manager. Under his leadership, Paper Plane garnered national recognition, earning top honors in cocktail competitions and accolades from industry experts.

Now, as the visionary behind the beverage program at Eos & Nyx, Ryan aims to continue his legacy of innovation and excellence. Drawing inspiration from Mediterranean flavors and his own Japanese heritage, Ryan crafts signature cocktails that tantalize the palate and push the boundaries of mixology.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Ryan finds joy in spending time with his family, exploring new culinary experiences through travel, and indulging in his love for cinema. A connoisseur of comedy films, Ryan's penchant for movie quotes often brings a lighthearted charm to his interactions with colleagues and patrons alike.

With a rotating conveyor belt of spirits and a commitment to introducing guests to new and exciting flavors, Ryan Ota's passion for mixology continues to elevate the spirits landscape, one sip at a time.