Bartender

Cowboy San Juan (SJC); San Juan Capistrano (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Nick's in San Juan Capistrano is seeking a bartender to craft drinks, greet guests, and provide a warm, attentive bar experience. You will prepare cocktails, pour wine and beer, and maintain stock while serving alcohol responsibly and per Nick's standards.

Responsibilities include opening and pouring, checking IDs, keeping the bar clean and organized, and handling POS transactions. You will collaborate with servers and the kitchen to ensure guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bartending experience in upscale casual settings preferred.
• Must be 21 years or older with ability to serve alcohol in California.
• Ability to communicate effectively with guests in English.
• California Food Handler Card and RBS certification provided if hired.

Responsibilities

• Welcome guests with a warm greeting and set up the bar.
• Prepare and serve cocktails, beer, and wine to Nick's standards.
• Open and pour wine, beer, and spirits correctly.
• Check IDs and serve alcohol responsibly according to CA law.
• Maintain bar cleanliness, stock, and organization throughout shifts.
• Process guest payments using the POS system.
• Collaborate with servers, kitchen, and expediters to ensure smooth service.

Skills

POS systems

Communication

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

Bartender

Reports To: Management Team

About the Role:

At Nick's, our bartenders create a welcoming, memorable experience for every guest at the bar. You'll craft great drinks, provide warm and attentive service, and make sure everyone who joins us feels comfortable and valued, all while serving alcohol responsibly.

What You'll Do:

• Welcome every guest with a warm, genuine greeting.
• Set up and stock the bar, including beer, wine, spirits, glassware, ice, garnishes, and bar supplies.
• Prepare and serve cocktails, beer, and wine to Nick's recipes and standards.
• Open and pour wine, beer, and spirits properly.
• Check identification and serve alcohol responsibly, in line with California law and company policy.
• Recognize signs of intoxication and follow company procedures to prevent overservice.
• Know our food and drink menus, including specials and product availability.
• Recommend food and drinks, answer guest questions, and share special requests with the kitchen and expo team.
• Serve guests dining at the bar, including delivering food, clearing courses, and offering desserts and after-dinner drinks.
• Cut, store, and maintain the quality of fruit, garnishes, and other bar perishables.
• Accurately process guest payments using the POS system.
• Keep the bar clean, organized, and guest-ready throughout your shift.
• Be a great teammate by helping Servers, Greeters, Server Assistants, Stewards, and Managers whenever needed, filling in for absent team members, and supporting special events.
• Take direction from management and expediters.
• Follow all company policies, procedures, and grooming and appearance standards.
• Show up on time and ready for every shift with a positive attitude, proper uniform, and flashlight.
• Stay flexible when schedules change based on the restaurant's needs.

Requirements

What You'll Bring:

• Prior bartending experience, ideally in an upscale casual restaurant (preferred)
• High school diploma or equivalent (preferred)
• Experience using point-of-sale (POS) systems
• Excellent communication and people skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with guests in English
• Must be at least 21 years old
• California Food Handler Card and Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification (provided if hired)

Location: Varies

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.; walk, stand, bend, and reach for extended periods; occasionally twist; grasp and handle items with hands; and work shifts of 8–10 hours.