Public Bar Live | Our Story

Our History

The ownership group all started as bar backs, then bartenders, then managers and now owners. We have come a long way and understand what must be done to build a great team. “I” and “me” have no place in our company. “Us” and “we” hold the highest regard as to how we interact with our co-workers.

Public Bar was established in April of 2009 to bring the best sports bar and nightlife experience to Washington DC. Fast forward to present day, Public Bar has been renamed to Public Bar Live but still holds the same mission and goals with a few added changes as we have evolved and continue to evolve with the needs of our clientele.

Long before Sauf Haus was dreamt up to bring a taste of Bavaria to the District, this Dupont Circle spot served as The Guitar Shop. The Guitar Shop team still reunites yearly over biers and brats 30 years later. Sauf Haus has been named one of the “15 Hottest New Beer Bars in the U.S.” and “DC’s 11 Hottest Rooftop Restaurants & Bars” by Zagat. They’ve also been named an essential Oktoberfest celebration by Thrillist.

Our Mission & Goals

Our employees are the most important assets we have and we want to build a team and a company culture that embraces employee growth and opportunities throughout our different restaurants and eventually providing a career. For our customers, we want to offer elevated experiences combined with great customer service and a welcoming environment where there is something for anybody and everybody. Sports, live music, dancing, night club, DJ’s all under one roof.

John Issa

John Issa has 25+ years in D.C.'s hospitality, rising from entry roles to management and ownership in venues like Element, Insomnia, Spy Club, and more. Starting as a bartender at Public Bar in 2009, he later co-owned Public Bar and Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garten.

Johan Cortes

Johan Cortes began in hospitality early, assisting his parents' restaurant in Venezuela. He moved to the US in 2008, joining Public Bar as a bar back, advancing to bartender and management. In 2014, he joined Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garten, holding various roles. Eventually, he became co-owner of Public Bar Live and Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garten.

Christian Cortes

With 30+ years in hospitality, Christian Cortes began in Venezuela, aiding his parents' restaurant. He later founded "Cangrejo," a thriving beachfront eatery. Relocating to the US, he joined Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garten, ascending from entry level. His focus lies in staff development, fostering a positive workplace, and internal promotion. Christian joined the ownership team in 2019.