Bartender

Vandelay Companies; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision benefits

Flexible schedule

Dining discounts at Vandelay venues

Career growth opportunities

Team-oriented culture

Job summary

Drake’s Hollywood seeks skilled bartenders to join our upscale, high-energy team. You will craft classic cocktails, manage beverage knowledge, and engage guests with polished hospitality that elevates every dining experience.

We value energetic professionals who collaborate with servers, maintain precise service, and uphold safety and standards in a vibrant environment. 21+ with TABC certification preferred.

Qualifications

• Must have strong knowledge of cocktails, wine, and spirits.
• Experience in upscale, high-volume settings preferred.
• Must deliver polished hospitality and guest-centric service.

Responsibilities

• Provide warm, attentive service at the bar and dining room.
• Craft cocktails with precision and adherence to standards.
• Maintain knowledge of beverage program across wine, spirits, beer, and seasonal features.
• Engage guests with recommendations and guidance.
• Ensure proper pacing, presentation, and order accuracy.
• Open and close bar procedures; maintain cleanliness and stock.
• Collaborate with servers and hosts to support smooth operations.
• Uphold responsible alcohol service and guest safety.

Skills

Classic cocktails

Guest service

Wine & spirits

Communication

Education

TABC Certification

Job description

About Drake’s Hollywood

Drake’s Hollywood is an upscale American restaurant inspired by the glamour and sophistication of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Known for its premium steaks and seafood, expertly crafted cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere, Drake’s delivers an elevated dining experience where exceptional hospitality, impeccable execution, and memorable guest experiences take center stage.

At Drake’s Hollywood, dining is about more than great food and beverage. It is about creating moments. From celebratory dinners and business gatherings to spontaneous nights out, our guests come to Drake’s expecting an experience that feels elevated, energetic, and unforgettable. Every detail matters, and every interaction contributes to the atmosphere that defines our brand.

We are passionate about hospitality professionals who understand that exceptional service goes beyond execution. Our team members are polished, confident, engaging, and genuinely invested in creating meaningful connections with guests. They anticipate needs, create memorable experiences, and contribute to an environment where every guest feels welcomed, valued, and excited to return.

About The Opportunity

Bartenders at Drake’s Hollywood are key contributors to the energy, atmosphere, and guest experience that define our brand. More than creating exceptional cocktails, our bartenders serve as ambassadors of the Drake’s Hollywood experience, delivering polished hospitality, engaging with guests, and helping create an environment that feels vibrant, sophisticated, and memorable.

Whether serving guests at the bar or supporting the dining room, bartenders are expected to move with confidence, efficiency, and attention to detail in a dynamic, high-energy environment. This role requires a strong command of classic cocktails, spirits, wine, and beverage knowledge, along with the ability to anticipate guest needs, guide the experience with expertise, and create genuine connections with every guest.

We are seeking individuals who thrive in hospitality-driven environments and understand that exceptional bartending is about more than making drinks. It is about creating moments, elevating celebrations, and contributing to an atmosphere that keeps guests coming back. Successful bartenders bring professionalism, personality, and a passion for hospitality to every interaction while helping ensure each visit exceeds expectations from the very first pour.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide warm, attentive, and professional service to guests at the bar and in support of the dining room.


• Craft cocktails and prepare beverages with precision, consistency, and adherence to Vandelay recipes and standards.


• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of the full beverage program, including wine, spirits, cocktails, beer, and any seasonal features.


• Engage with guests in a genuine and hospitable manner, offering guidance and recommendations that enhance their experience.


• Anticipate guest needs and respond promptly to ensure seamless service.


• Uphold all steps of service, including proper pacing, presentation, and order accuracy.


• Execute opening and closing procedures for the bar, ensuring cleanliness, organization, and full readiness for service.


• Maintain bar inventory, restock supplies, and communicate any product needs or shortages.


• Collaborate closely with servers, hosts, and all team members to support smooth operations and exceptional guest experiences.


• Adhere to all responsible alcohol service guidelines and uphold guest safety at all times.


• Handle guest concerns or complaints with professionalism, warmth, and a solution-oriented approach.


• Participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to continually deepen knowledge and refine technical skills.

Requirements

• At least 21 years old


• Positive attitude, a sense of responsibility and ownership of the position


• Detail-oriented with strong communication skills


• Team-oriented with a strong sense of punctuality and reliability


• Experience in a full-service upscale high volume establishment preferred


• Will be required to complete and pass quizzes on product/job knowledge


• Appetite for creating memorable moments of hospitality for our guests


• Desire to learn and grow within the position and restaurant


• Knowledge and passion for wine, beer, and craft cocktails


• Understanding of classic food, wine service, pairings, and service ware


• TABC Certification, as required


• Certified for food and alcohol service as is required by State and Local Agencies

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds


• Ability to work standing and walking for extended periods of time

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits available


• Flexible schedule


• Professional development and career growth


• Family Meals


• Dining discounts at all Vandelay Hospitality Group concepts


• All Vandelay Hospitality Group restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and the 4th of July so our team can celebrate with their friends and family


• A collaborative, uplifting culture where we take care of our guests by taking care of our people first

If you’re a passionate professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to grow with a company that values hospitality and teamwork, we’d love to hear from you!

Vandelay Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other federal/state protected category.