If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Chef Antonio “Tony” and Santiago pride themselves in driving quality, excitement and hospitality to each guest every time.
We’ve worked in the food and beverage industry in high-end restaurants and bars across the Bay Area for over 8 years, creating many menus and programs.
In addition to bar and mixology services, we also bring authentic rustic pizzas and Italian fares to your place with a beautiful wood fired oven, capable of catering to small and large groups.
Overview
Hired 124 times
Serves San Jose, CA
Background checked
3 employees
11 years in business
Business hours
SunClosedMonClosed
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2023
2022
2021
Services offered
Beverage types
Event type
Wedding reception
Birthday party
Special occasion
Cocktail party
Event vibe
Low key / casual
Formal / elegant
Upbeat / lively
Club scene
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
101 reviews
5
99%
4
0%
3
0%
2
1%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Karen L.
Jul 27, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
The bartenders were excellent, the service was impeccable and the special cocktails were out of this world! We would definitely use them again and highly recommend for setting a festive mood for your party!
Details: 101 - 125 guests • Birthday party • Upbeat / lively • Private residence • Beer • Liquor / mixed drinks • Wine • Bartender will need to bring the bar • Tip jars allowed • Setup / cleanup • Ice • Coolers
Bartending
Annabel H.
Jun 20, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Santiago and his staff were amazing for our wedding. We had two signature cocktails, mixed drinks, wine and beer. All our guests loved our signature cocktails. Santiago made the process so easy for us and recommended the amount of alcohol we needed to buy (I would listen to him, we increased his recommendations out of fear we'd run out, and had a lot left over). Santiago was also a one stop shop for us, we hired the pizza catering for lunch (pizza was delicious, all our guests loved it!) he was able to provide us with 3 staff members throughout the evening, and we hired all our rentals from him too. Highly recommend working with him!
Details: 101 - 125 guests • Wedding reception • Upbeat / lively • Public venue • Beer • Liquor / mixed drinks • Wine • Non-alcoholic beverages • Bartender will need to bring the bar • Tip jars allowed • Setup / cleanup • Ice • Disposable cups • Coolers • Glassware
Bartending
Bridget C.
Jun 5, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
We enjoyed working with Santiago and his crew - they are a one-stop shop for an amazing party. Santiago was great at helping to plan the rentals for our space, meeting ahead of time to plan for the details (cocktail tables & chairs, menu and speakers and microphone). From pre-party planning to exceeding our expectations on the day of, for our double graduation party. Everyone raved about the food (pizzas, meatballs, caprese appetizers, and salads). The cocktails were also fantastic. And the wood fired brownies plus ice cream were the perfect way to end the double graduation party for our high school and college-aged sons and our guests. I highly recommend working with El Cumbala Bar & Pizza for your next special event!
Details: 51 - 80 guests • Private party • I'm flexible • Mexican / Latin • Drinks • American • Mediterranean • Home • By host
Food Truck or Cart Services
Jada G.
Feb 18, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
We couldn’t be happier with El Cumbala! Santiago and his team bartended for our wedding of 110 guests. They were extremely professional, helpful, flexible, and communicative, assisting with our bar menu and providing guidance on drink ingredients and quantities. Santiago came fully prepared with mixers, garnishes, bar tools, extra cups, ice buckets, and even an additional bar for seamless transitions between cocktail hour and reception.
A highlight was the special tincture he made for our unique signature cocktail, which everyone loved. Santiago and his team were friendly and efficient, pre-batching drinks for busy moments and ensuring there were no lines at the bar. Our guests made several comments all night about how great the bartenders and their drinks were!
Their pricing was very reasonable for the exceptional service we received before and during our event. We highly recommend Santiago and El Cumbala!
Details: 126 - 150 guests • Wedding reception • Low key / casual • Private residence • Beer • Liquor / mixed drinks • Wine • Non-alcoholic beverages • Venue will already have a bar • I'm flexible
Bartending
Sophia L.
Jan 14, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Highly recommend El Cumbala! I hired Santiago and Tony to bartend for my birthday celebration and everyone loved the cocktails! They were very professional and provided great customer service.
Thank you, Santiago for making my birthday party a success.
Details: 50 guests or fewer • Birthday party • I'm flexible • Dessert • Drinks • Home • By host
Food Truck or Cart Services
Credentials
Background Check
Santiago Gomez
FAQs
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
For the last 5yrs I’ve designed and led restaurant programs for several groups around the Bay Area including Classic American, Fine Dining, Asian, Craft Concepts and Mediterranean
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I fell in love with hospitality and beverage early on working as a restaurant manager and bartender. The more I studied the food and bar fare, the more excited I was to deliver a great experience to every guest.
What types of customers have you worked with?
Bachelorette
Birthdays
Weddings
Corporate Events
Wine Strolls
Past Employers:
Restaurants: Straits, LB Steak, Meso
Bars: The Continental, Roots & Rye
