Las Vegas Weekly

Nite Bite: “On The Rocks” starts rolling

Bartending reality TV competition starts shooting in Las Vegas

“On the Rocks” judge Tobin Ellis pours something tasty during a pre-casting event for the NBC show.

Photo: Xania Woodman

Shooting for LX.TV’s second season of bartender battle On The Rocks commenced on Monday, October 19 with some substantial Vegas connections. Representing Las Vegas among the eight competitors is Wynn bartender/mixologist Darby Kelly.

Over the next week, Kelly will go head-to-head in bartending-focused challenges before an esteemed panel of judges to include last year’s $100,000 winner, Stripsteak bartender Amanda Gager as well as BarMagic of Las Vegas’ Tobin Ellis of Social Mixology and two-time Throwdown With Bobby Flay fame.

Despite it’s having been previously rumored that the competition would be centered around Caesars Palace bars, Sunday commenced the long week of shooting on location at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino instead; no mention of why the change. Along with Kelly, seven other competitors from New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami will face-off for the cash and the title of America’s Top Bartender when the show debuts on NBC following Saturday Night Live on November 7, 14 and 21.