Bartender

Bartender

The Bartender plays a key role in providing high-quality beverage service in a busy bar or restaurant environment. This person ensures that guests receive prompt, courteous, safe, and professional service while maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming bar. The Bartender must remain composed in high-volume settings, provide excellent customer service, follow all applicable liquor and health regulations, and work effectively with the rest of the service team.

Key Responsibilities

Bar Setup & Breakdown

• Prepare and organize the bar before each shift, ensuring glassware, ice, mixers, garnishes, napkins, syrups, and bar tools are fully stocked.
• Maintain an organized and well-prepared bar throughout service.
• Restock beverages, supplies, and ingredients as needed.
• Clean and sanitize bar surfaces, equipment, glassware, and work areas.
• Complete end-of-shift closing duties, including cleaning, restocking, securing inventory, and preparing the bar for the next shift.

Beverage Service

• Mix, pour, garnish, and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to recipes and presentation standards.
• Prepare cocktails, wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages efficiently and consistently.
• Maintain strong knowledge of the beverage menu and confidently answer guest questions and make recommendations.
• Monitor guest alcohol consumption and follow responsible beverage service practices.
• Check valid identification and refuse alcohol service when required by law or company policy.
• Maintain appropriate portion control and minimize product waste.

Customer Service & Guest Relations

• Provide friendly, attentive, and professional service to all guests.
• Engage with customers while maintaining appropriate professionalism and awareness of their needs.
• Take accurate beverage orders and serve drinks promptly.
• Address guest questions, concerns, and complaints courteously and escalate issues to management when appropriate.
• Create a welcoming bar environment that encourages positive guest experiences.

Cash Handling & POS

• Accurately enter orders and process cash, credit card, and other payment transactions.
• Operate POS systems efficiently and accurately.
• Maintain accurate tabs and ensure all transactions are properly recorded.
• Reconcile cash and receipts at the end of each shift according to company procedures.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Follow all federal, state, and local liquor laws and health and safety regulations.
• Maintain proper sanitation of the bar, glassware, tools, and work areas.
• Follow responsible alcohol service practices and company policies.
• Monitor guest behavior and respond appropriately to intoxication or other safety concerns.
• Report safety hazards, equipment problems, and inventory concerns to management.

Inventory & Organization

• Monitor beverage and supply inventory throughout each shift.
• Communicate low-stock or out-of-stock items to management.
• Assist with receiving, storing, and organizing beverage deliveries.
• Maintain proper storage and rotation of products.
• Help minimize waste and maintain accurate inventory levels.

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Work effectively with servers, hosts, kitchen staff, bar backs, managers, and other team members.
• Communicate clearly during busy service periods.
• Assist other staff members when needed to maintain smooth restaurant or bar operations.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and menu updates.
• Maintain a professional and positive attitude in fast-paced and high-pressure environments.

Qualifications & Skills

Required:

• Minimum 2 years of bartending experience in a busy, customer-facing environment.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails, wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask efficiently during high-volume service.
• Proficiency with cash handling, POS systems, and basic arithmetic.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid liquor service permit, as required.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift or move supplies as needed.
• Strong reliability, punctuality, and professionalism.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to pass a background check, if required.

Preferred / Helpful:

• Experience in a high-volume bar, restaurant, hotel, or hospitality environment.
• Knowledge of craft cocktails, fine wine, and premium spirits.
• Experience with specialty cocktail preparation and menu development.
• Training or certification in responsible alcohol service.
• Familiarity with POS and inventory management systems.
• Experience handling large crowds or high-volume service periods.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily indoors in a bar, restaurant, or hospitality environment.
• Evening, weekend, and holiday hours may be required.
• The environment may include loud music, dim lighting, crowded spaces, and high customer traffic.
• Requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, and repetitive hand motions may be required.
• May require lifting and carrying beverage cases, supplies, trays, and equipment.
• Must follow all workplace safety, sanitation, and emergency procedures.

Performance Indicators

• Consistently positive guest experiences and customer feedback.
• Accurate cash handling and POS transactions.
• Fast, efficient, and consistent beverage service.
• Clean, organized, and properly stocked bar stations.
• Consistent adherence to recipes and beverage standards.
• Compliance with liquor laws, health regulations, and company policies.
• Effective teamwork and communication during busy shifts.
• Responsible alcohol service and professional handling of difficult situations.

Pay: $7.25 per hour

Work Location: In person