Bartender

Proper Hospitality; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Proper Hospitality in Los Angeles is seeking an experienced bartender to join a fast-paced bar team. You will craft cocktails, pour wines and beers, and greet guests with warmth and professionalism.

Responsibilities include maintaining stock, ensuring cleanliness, handling payments, and upselling items while delivering exceptional service in a vibrant hospitality setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous bartender experience preferred.
• Knowledge of cocktails, spirits and beverages.
• Certification in responsible alcohol service preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve cocktails, beers, wines and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Greet guests, take orders, and make recommendations.
• Maintain bar cleanliness, stock, and inventory control.
• Ensure accurate payments and efficient cash handling.
• Upsell drinks and food to boost sales.
• Provide friendly, professional guest service in a high-volume environment.

Skills

Cocktail knowledge

Team leadership

Multitasking

Memorize orders

Customer service

Education

High school diploma

TIPS Certification

Tools

Bar tools

Job description

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Drink Preparation & Service:
• Prepare and serve a variety of cocktails, mixed drinks, beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages to guests according to established recipes and quality standards.
• Greet guests in a friendly and professional manner, taking drink orders, and providing recommendations as needed.
• Ensure all beverages are made and served quickly and accurately, while maintaining high standards of quality, presentation, and taste.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and stocked bar area, including glassware, garnishes, and drink ingredients.
• Engage with guests at the bar to create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere, ensuring their needs are met promptly and courteously.
• Handle guest requests and questions regarding drinks, menu items, and the overall bar experience.
• Upsell additional drinks or food items and promote featured cocktails, drink specials, or happy hour offerings to increase sales.
• Monitor guests\' alcohol consumption, ensuring responsible service of alcohol and maintaining a safe and responsible environment.
• Address any guest complaints or concerns quickly and professionally, escalating to management if necessary.
• Bar Maintenance & Cleanliness:
• Ensure that the bar area, including countertops, floors, and bar tools, is kept clean and organized at all times.
• Regularly clean glassware, utensils, and bar equipment, maintaining hygiene and safety standards.
• Replenish bar stock, including liquor, garnishes, napkins, straws, and glassware, and assist with inventory management.
• Maintain sanitation standards for all bar equipment, including blenders, shakers, coolers, and bar sinks, in accordance with health and safety regulations.
• Inventory Control:
• Assist in tracking bar inventory, including ordering and restocking liquor, mixers, and bar supplies as needed.
• Monitor and report low stock levels and assist in the management of bar inventory to prevent shortages and overstocking.
• Ensure all alcohol is properly stored and secure, following company policies and safety guidelines.
• Work with other bartenders, servers, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth and efficient service throughout the shift.
• Assist in setting up the bar before opening and closing the bar at the end of the shift, ensuring that all equipment is properly stored and cleaned.
• Help train new bartenders and barbacks by sharing knowledge of drink recipes, service techniques, and bar procedures.
• Cash Handling & Transactions:
• Process payments for drinks and food items, ensuring that all transactions are accurate and handled in a timely manner.
• Handle cash, credit card payments, and tips, and maintain proper cash drawer and till procedures.
• Provide guests with accurate bills and ensure the proper closing of tabs.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience as a bartender or in a similar role within the hospitality or service industry is preferred.
• Knowledge of drink recipes, cocktail techniques, and various types of spirits and beverages.
• Certification in responsible alcohol service or bartending (e.g., TIPS, Responsible Beverage Service) is preferred but not required.

Skills/Specialized Knowledge

• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop staff.
• In-depth knowledge of cocktail recipes, bartending tools, and techniques.
• Strong multitasking abilities and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly when it comes to cleanliness and inventory management.
• Ability to remember drink orders, guest preferences, and keep track of tabs in a high-volume environment.

Why Join Proper Hospitality

At Proper, we build experiences that move people — and that begins with the team behind them. As a best-in-class employer, we’re committed to creating one of the Best Places to Work in hospitality by nurturing a culture where creativity, excellence, and humanity thrive together.

Everything we do is grounded in the belief that hospitality is more than a profession - it’s an opportunity to care for others and make lives better. Guided by the Pillars of Proper, we show up with warmth and authenticity (Care Proper), strive for excellence in everything we do (Achieve Proper), think creatively and resourcefully (Imagine Proper), and take pride in the style and culture that make us who we are (Present Proper).

We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we invest deeply in their wellbeing, growth, and sense of belonging. From comprehensive benefits to meaningful development programs, Proper is designed to help you build a career, and a life, that feels as inspiring as the experiences we create for our guests.

Our Best Place to Work initiative is a living commitment — a continuous investment in our people, our culture, and our purpose. We listen, learn, and evolve together to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to imagine boldly, achieve confidently, care deeply, and present themselves authentically.

At Proper, joining the team means more than finding a job — it means joining a community that believes in building beautiful experiences together, for our guests and for one another.

Proper Hospitality is an equal-opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state-protected category.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.