Eliza Woodman grew up watching her mother wait tables, and gained an early understanding of what true hospitality meant. She started hosting at fifteen, and from there, her connection to hospitality took root. While earning her art degree in Boston, Eliza waited tables at Yard House outside Fenway Park, where her natural “bartender’s disposition” quickly caught people’s attention and led her behind the bar.

Now, as lead bartender at Communion, San Diego’s new rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar in Mission Hills, Eliza has carved out her own lane, one that blends craft and care, competition and connection. Her food-focused approach to cocktails is rooted in balance and restraint: flavor should surprise you, not scream at you.

In our conversation, Eliza shares how creativity has shaped her career, from corporate chain systems to small mom and pop bars. She opens up about what it means to lead a team, build a vibe, and create hospitality that’s “high end, with personality.” We dive into her competitive drive, the double-edged sword of ego, and how authenticity gets tested in an industry that rewards image as much as skill.

We also explore the deeper layers of mental health, burnout, and learning to slow down when the go-go-go of service life becomes all-consuming. Eliza talks about how the same drive that fuels her ambition can also push her toward exhaustion, and how she’s learning to measure success not just in accolades, but in self-worth and peace.

From Yard House to Communion, this episode is a reflection on ambition, artistry, and the ongoing work of finding yourself in an industry that always wants a piece of you.

You can find to all episodes of Wellness On The Rocks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube

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