Bartender

ARYA STEAKHOUSE

Fine Dining Bartender | Craft Cocktail & Mixology Specialist

Location: Palo Alto, California
Position: Bartender
Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
Experience: Fine Dining & Advanced Craft Mixology Preferred

Key Responsibilities

Craft Cocktails & Advanced Mixology

• Prepare and execute classic, contemporary, and signature craft cocktails with exceptional consistency, precision, and presentation.
• Demonstrate hands-on experience with advanced cocktail techniques, including:
• Batching & Pre-Batching: Accurate recipe scaling, dilution calculations, labeling, storage, and consistency control.
• Fat Washing: Infusing spirits with fats, oils, or other ingredients to develop unique flavor profiles and textures.
• Clarification: Experience with milk clarification, centrifuge clarification, filtration, and other techniques used to produce refined, crystal-clear cocktails.
• Infusions & Extractions: Creating house-made spirit infusions, tinctures, bitters, syrups, shrubs, and cordials.
• Advanced Garnishing: Executing sophisticated garnishes, foams, aromatic elements, and creative presentations.
• Flavor Development: Understanding ingredient balance, acidity, sweetness, bitterness, texture, and dilution.
• Follow standardized recipes, preparation procedures, and presentation specifications.
• Assist with cocktail development, seasonal menu changes, recipe testing, and innovative beverage concepts.
• Maintain organized prep procedures, accurate recipes, and proper ingredient rotation.

Fine Dining Hospitality & Guest Experience

• Deliver polished, attentive, and personalized service consistent with luxury hospitality standards.
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of premium spirits, classic cocktails, wine, Champagne, and food pairings.
• Confidently explain cocktail ingredients, preparation methods, and the inspiration behind signature beverages.
• Engage guests professionally while maintaining an elegant and sophisticated bar atmosphere.
• Anticipate guest preferences and provide thoughtful, personalized recommendations.
• Maintain exceptional composure, efficiency, and professionalism during high-volume service.

Bar Operations & Standards

• Complete daily cocktail preparation, batching, garnishing, and mise en place before service.
• Maintain exceptional cleanliness, organization, and sanitation throughout the bar.
• Monitor beverage inventory, product freshness, waste, and portion control.
• Follow standardized recipes and accurate pouring procedures to maintain beverage cost targets.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, labeling, and dating of all house-made ingredients.
• Collaborate with management and the culinary team to continuously improve beverage quality and guest satisfaction.
• Follow all California responsible alcohol service regulations and food safety standards.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of professional bartending experience, preferably in upscale, fine dining, luxury hotel, or established craft cocktail environments.
• Demonstrated experience preparing high-quality craft cocktails using advanced mixology techniques.
• Hands-on experience with batching, fat washing, clarification, and house-made cocktail ingredients is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of premium spirits, cocktail history, flavor profiles, and modern mixology trends.
• Solid understanding of cocktail recipe development, measurements, dilution, and consistency.
• Experience working with high-end bar equipment and professional cocktail preparation tools.
• Strong knowledge of wine, Champagne, and premium spirits is an advantage.
• Exceptional attention to detail, presentation, cleanliness, and organization.
• Excellent communication skills and a genuine passion for hospitality.
• Ability to multitask and maintain composure in a fast-paced fine dining environment.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Must hold or obtain California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification and any applicable food handler certification.

Pay: $18.70 per hour

Work Location: In person