Danny Shapiro

Scofflaw

Danny Shapiro arrived in Chicago in 2009 by way of Los Angeles, Richmond, Seattle and Buenos Aires. He spent his first months in Chicago taking writing classes at Second City, doing good works at 826CHI and breaking into the vibrant restaurant scene. He quickly became obsessed with the cocktail trade, working under Brandon Wise at Perennial. Instead of studying under comedy writing masters as he originally intended, Shapiro found his real passion was cocktails and spirits. He focused on training as a mixologist, and left Perennial for The Whistler, one of the most celebrated cocktail programs in the country at the time.  Shapiro lists Chicago’s top bartenders as the most influential teachers in his chosen trade: Benjamin Schiller (Berkshire Room), Adam Seger (HUM Botanical Spirit) and Paul McGee (Three Dots and a Dash).  

 As head bartender and partner at Scofflaw, Danny Shapiro approaches his craft with a passion for knowledge and infectious excitement. When he’s not behind the bar, he is often researching recipes or scouring the land for unique spirits. Beware of asking Shapiro to tell you everything he knows about the drink he put in front of you, unless you’ve got a day or two to spare.