Kat Calma
The Dustland Bar | Las Vegas, NV
April 2026
Kat Calma moved from the Philippines to Las Vegas, Nevada when she was six years old, growing up in a family that prioritized doing things for others instead of yourself. So, when she turned 21, Calma knew she wanted to get started in the hospitality industry. She got a job as a cocktail server at Wynn, where she learned the importance of serving people with kindness and care, and not just because you’re on the clock. During her free time, Calma would watch how the bartenders controlled the room, multitasking while entertaining, and immediately knew that’s where she wanted to be.
For Calma, it was difficult to find a bar back position as a woman, so she jumped head first into bartending at Twin Peaks, learning to make margaritas, pour beer, and move quickly. From there, she joined the The Cosmopolitan, where Bartender Mariena Mercer taught her how to build flavor and push boundaries with cocktails. Off the Strip, Calma landed a job at Commonwealth in Downtown, learning managerial skills from Bartender Cesar Ruiz, like how to run a team while balancing assertiveness with respect.
After a few more stints around town, Calma connected with Restaurateur Jen Taler, who was opening a bar with Logan and Roxy Hendrickson and looking for someone to run their beverage program. Calma jumped at the opportunity and joined the team at The Dustland Bar in July 2025. There, Calma offers a cocktail menu featuring 10 specialty drinks, and the focused menu allows for both quality and speed. The bar platforms local artisans and vendors whenever possible, whether that be through the glassware or drinks like the Super Bee with vodka infused with tea from a local tea shop, chamomile-infused grappa, lemon juice, orange blossom honey syrup, egg whites, and cardamom bitters. Calma leads her female-heavy team with an emphasis on education and human connection, and is working to ensure that the Las Vegas cocktail scene gets the attention it deserves.
