Bartender Qualifications and Expectations
Job Description: The Bartender role is an intermediate level position with 1 to 2 years of experience required, with preference given to candidates with craft cocktail or upscale bar experience. The Bartender is expected to be knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and hospitality-driven, creating a welcoming and elevated experience for all guests seated at the bar or ordering beverages throughout the restaurant. The Bartender is expected to have a strong understanding of classic cocktails, house-crafted cocktails, spirits, beer, wine, and seasonal offerings. Precision, consistency, and respect for technique are essential. A solid understanding of responsible alcohol service and guest safety is required. The Bartender should thrive in a fast-paced environment, maintain composure under pressure, and take pride in both craftsmanship and guest interaction.
Job Duties:
- Acknowledge all guests at the bar in a timely manner with a warm greeting and professional demeanor.
- Engage with guests by offering thoughtful recommendations, explaining cocktail components, spirits, and techniques, and tailoring drinks to guest preferences.
- Acknowledge guests departing the bar with a genuine and polished parting message.
- Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to established recipes, specifications, and presentation standards.
- Execute classic cocktails accurately while maintaining consistency in house cocktails.
- Ensure proper measurement, balance, dilution, and temperature of all beverages.
- Answer phone calls within (2) rings when assigned and provide assistance to guests.
- Be comfortable with Technology:
- Yelp Reservation Platform via IPAD
- Ring in beverage and food orders via Android based Phone and Monitor Screen.
- Communicate clearly with servers and kitchen regarding bar tickets, pacing, allergies, and special requests.
- Maintain bar mise en place, ensuring all garnishes are fresh, juices properly labeled and dated, syrups prepared to specification, and tools organized.
- Ensure proper handling, storage, and rotation of spirits, wine, beer, juices, and perishable bar items.
- Ensure there is adequate backup inventory of glassware, ice, garnishes, and mixers prior to and throughout service.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the bar top, back bar, shelves, and equipment at all times.
- Ensure all candles in bar and lounge areas are cleaned and lit for dinner service.
- Assist with drink running to tables when necessary, maintaining presentation standards.
- Support servers and barbacks as needed to ensure smooth service flow.
- Maintain cleanliness of bar area during service and complete assigned opening and closing duties.
- Monitor guest alcohol consumption and ensure responsible service at all times.
- Ensure any guest ordering alcohol has been properly ID’d.
- Anticipate guest needs and adjust service style accordingly without interrupting service flow.
- Manage multiple tickets efficiently without hyper focusing on one guest over others.
- Confirm all drink orders verbally with guests or servers prior to preparation.
- Have complete understanding of our Beverage Program:
Wine, Beer, Cocktails, Spirits, House Recipes, Seasonal Features, and the days we offer them.
- Maintain working knowledge of the food menu to support pairings, answer questions, and assist servers.
Qualifications:
- 1 to 2 years minimum of bartending experience, preferably in a craft cocktail or upscale bar environment.
- Must be 21 years or older.
- Have a high school diploma or GED. (Or be in the process of acquiring)
- Have a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
- Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Demonstrate attention to detail and consistency in execution.
- Be able to study and memorize cocktail recipes, spirits, wine, and seasonal menus.
- Be flexible when working alternating shifts.
- Be able to stand for long periods of time.
- Have strong organizational and time management skills.
- Have knowledge of responsible alcohol service and local alcohol laws.
- Have an understanding of proper bar technique, sanitation standards, and professional bar etiquette.