OSCAR AMAYA
National Beverage Director & Assistant General Manager
Born and raised in El Salvador, Assistant General Manager and Beverage Director, Oscar Amaya has always thrived in a restaurant setting, getting his first experience behind the bar. Amaya began his career creating libations in 2006 after a close friend suggested he would enjoy and excel at bartending. He was introduced to the owner of the landmark bar and lounge, Local 16 in Washington D.C., and was instantly hooked.
Amaya worked at Local16 for over six years as a bartender, becoming a household name in the D.C. nightlife scene, and ultimately was promoted to bar manager. Thanks to his burgeoning reputation, he then went on to serve as bar manager at several trendy spots throughout the nation’s capital, such as the Penthouse Pool Club, Tropicalla, and the high-end club Rosebar, where he continued to improve and perfect his craft.
In 2015, hungry for new professional challenges and sunny beaches, Amaya moved to Miami, which has been proven to be one of the best decisions of his life. As a result, he has been fortunate to have the opportunity to work at some of the best bars and restaurants, such as Baby Jane and Micheline-starred Ariete, before joining the Rusty Pelican team as head mixologist in the Fall of 2016. Amaya now brings his creativity to the iconic Key Biscayne restaurant and lounge as beverage director and assistant general manager, crafting artful and inventive libations that reflect the refined waterfront atmosphere. Continuing his education, Oscar has successfully completed the Level 1 certification course at the prestigious Court of Master Sommeliers for the title of Master Sommelier, is a certified Sake Sommelier by the Sake Sommelier Association, and is a certified Cigar Sommelier by the International Association of Cigar Sommeliers (IACS). Recently in 2022, Oscar was promoted to the role of Beverage Director and Assistant General Manager of Rusty Pelican Miami, acknowledged as one of the top 100 independent restaurants of 2021.