Most mobile bars pour drinks and call it a day. The Wandering Tavern shows up in full pirate regalia — or an ugly Christmas sweater, or elegant formalwear — and turns the bar itself into part of the entertainment. Meet The Wandering Tavern on The Wedding Connect , a dry mobile bartending business run by husband-and-wife team Josh and Toni Barnes, traveling throughout Missouri.
Their Story: From Running Conventions to Running the Bar
The Wandering Tavern is a dry mobile bartending business with a twist: Josh and Toni love to dress up. Josh has an alter ego — Captain Raymond Sharptooth the pirate — but the couple can match any theme with any outfit. Tell them your flavor, and they'll bring the vibe to life.
Between the two of them, Josh and Toni have more than 14 years of experience running conventions in the anime and gaming space, and they thought it would be fun to bring that same flair to mobile bartending. At their own wedding, they had a Winter Wonderland theme — and looking back, they realized how much fun it would have been to have a bartender in an ugly Christmas sweater right there with them.
What Sets Them Apart: A Bar That Matches Your Wedding's Theme, Costume and All
The Wandering Tavern provides that extra option of matching any wedding's fun theme, whether that means a full pirate crew, elegant formalwear, or something entirely custom. Their services start at $750 for one straightforward package, with everything else offered as an add-on — keeping the process easy and customizable for every couple.
"We can serve large batch cocktails, beer, wine, or any drinks needed for your event. The client purchases the alcohol, while we serve it, which makes it worry-free and saves them a lot of time, worry, and money."
As a dry hire bar service, the couple purchases their own alcohol and The Wandering Tavern handles everything else — the professional bar setup, the tools, the batch cocktails, and the hospitality. Not sure how much to buy? Their services page covers vision planning consultations and personalized shopping assistance to take the guesswork out of it.
A Favorite Memory: Handing Out Pirate Coins as Santa and Mrs. Claus
Josh and Toni were on a cruise last year when they decided to dress up as Santa and Mrs. Claus. They walked around the whole ship handing out pirate coins and little gifts to children. The look in the parents' and children's eyes was magical and transformative — and it showed the couple just how much magic there is in going out of the way to have a little extra fun.
Something You Might Not Know: A Built-In Karaoke Connection
Something surprising most people don't know is that The Wandering Tavern has a third-party karaoke contact listed right on their website — another way they help couples add an extra layer of fun to their celebration.
- Dry mobile bartending
- Themed costumes & attire
- Large batch cocktails, beer & wine
- Professional bar setup with tools & tables
- Vision planning & personalized shopping assistance
- Karaoke referral
Advice for Couples: Call the Crew That Brings the Fun
The Wandering Tavern's advice for couples currently planning a wedding is simple: call them, because they bring the fun. Whether a couple wants a full costumed theme or elegant, understated attire behind the bar, Josh and Toni are ready to match the vision. Comparing options for your own reception? Browse more wedding bartending services on The Wedding Connect.
Looking Ahead: Becoming a Premium Fantasy-Driven Bartending Brand
Looking to the future, The Wandering Tavern wants to keep providing great memories for every couple and guest they serve. Their goal is to grow into a premium, fantasy-driven dry mobile bartending business that can cater to any kind of event — from weddings to conventions and everything in between. Planning a celebration in the Show-Me State? Explore more wedding vendors in Missouri .
"Raise a glass. Make memories. Enjoy the adventure."
Find The Wandering Tavern
Ready to bring Captain Sharptooth — or a crew dressed for your theme — to your celebration?
- Website: thewanderingtavern.net
- Facebook: The Wandering Tavern on Facebook
- Phone: 573-230-7454
Raise a glass. Make memories. Enjoy the adventure. Message The Wandering Tavern today to start planning yours.