Bartender

Porchlight; New York (NY); On-site; USD 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Digital Wallet

Health coverage

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Parental leave

Life insurance

Employee assistance

Dining discount

Commuter benefits

Mentorship & learning

Job summary

Porchlight, a neighborhood bar in Chelsea and part of Union Square Hospitality Group, seeks a knowledgeable Bartender with expertise in cocktails, wine, beer and beverage selections to join our service team. You will ensure accurate beverage preparation, maintain bar standards, and help guests discover ideal pairings.

This role supports a fast-paced dining room, collaborates with kitchen and floor staff, and fosters a welcoming environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of bartending or beverage-service experience.
• Fluent English; additional languages a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert beverage knowledge and recommendations.
• Create a welcoming and hospitable bar environment.
• Demonstrate knowledge of cocktails, wine, beer, and beverage offerings.
• Maintain fluency on menu items and ingredients for pairings.
• Follow proper service steps with urgency and grace.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the bar area.
• Communicate effectively with staff, management, and kitchen.

Skills

Bartending experience

English fluency

Job description

Porchlight, from Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, is a true New York neighborhood bar. Since 2015, we've focused on serving up cold drinks with warm hospitality. American bar fare, classic cocktails, live music and good times in the heart of Chelsea. Come on in!

Who you are:

An integral member of the restaurant’s Service team, the Bartender is a wealth of knowledge of all cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, and beverage selections and constantly delivers excellence and hospitality. The Bartender is responsible for production of all beverage orders coming from the dining room guests and must have a high level of food and menu knowledge to be able to support the team on the floor, answer questions from guests regarding beverage selections, and be a leader on the Service team.

What you’ll do:

• Consistently support a culture of Enlightened Hospitality
• Create a welcoming and hospitable environment for all guests at the bar
• Demonstrate sound knowledge of specialty and classic cocktails (ingredients, specs, build), wine, beer, and beverage offerings
• Maintains fluency in all menu items and ingredients with the ability to suggest beverage pairings
• Follows proper steps of service with grace, while maintaining a sense of urgency throughout service
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the bar area, including the seating area
• Communicates effectively with staff members, management, and the kitchen during service
• Consistently support a culture of Enlightened Hospitality

What we need from you:

• 2+ years’ experience as a Bartender or beverage service role, experience in a fast-paced restaurant bar or bar environment is a plus
• Passion for wine, spirits, beer, and N/A beverages
• English fluency and additional languages preferred, but not required
• Ability to stand or walk for long periods of time
• Ability to balance & carry multiple plates, glass racks and or/glasses, and lift objects up to 30 lbs

What you’ll get from us:

At Union Square Hospitality Group, extending Enlightened Hospitality is at the heart of everything we do. We believe our people are our greatest ingredient. Joining our team means becoming part of a culture rooted in care, creativity, and growth. As a Bartender, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive pay: Hourly rate of $11.35/hour plus tips
• Quick access to earnings: Eligibility for the USHG Digital Wallet, where you'll have next‑day access to earnings and flexible saving options
• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus flexible spending options for healthcare and dependent care
• Time to recharge: Generous paid time off and paid parental leave to support life outside of work
• Invest in your future: A matched 401(k) plan to help you grow long‑term savings
• Peace of mind: Life insurance, employee assistance programs, and exclusive access to primary care, mental health, and other wellness services
• Support in times of need: Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing unexpected hardship
• Dining Discount: A 51% dining discount across the entire USHG family of restaurants to share unforgettable meals with friends and loved ones
• Convenience & flexibility:Pre-tax commuter benefits for transit and parking
• Growth and community: Opportunities for learning, mentorship, and collaboration with some of the most passionate people in hospitality

Putting Enlightened Hospitality into Practice

Integral to our culture are our six behaviors. Our behaviors guide how we work together.

• We play to win with humble swagger.Hospitality is a team sport where everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive and belong
• Turn over the rocks and always be connecting dotsto build uplifting experiences and relationships
• Center the salt shakerwith an unwavering commitment to excellence and the values that matter most
• Write a great next chapter.The road to success is paved with mistakes well‑handled
• Bring a charitable assumptionand err on the side of generosity
• Leave our campsite better than we found it;always responsible for the impact of our wake

*The above represents the expected hourly range for this position. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your experience and other job-related factors.

The responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive. This role may be required to take on other duties or projects as necessary to support organizational goals, in alignment with their skills, experience, and the evolving needs of the business.

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.