Embers - Bartender

Embers Inc; Ocean City (MD); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts

Job summary

A high-end steakhouse and seafood restaurant in Ocean City, Maryland, is seeking a skilled Bartender to deliver exceptional service. You'll be responsible for preparing and serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, creating a superb atmosphere, and maintaining brand standards. This role requires a strong background in upscale hospitality, extensive knowledge of drinks, and excellent communication skills. The ideal candidate can multitask effectively and maintain composure under pressure, ensuring an outstanding experience for all guests.

Qualifications

• Strong background in upscale or fine-dining hospitality.
• Excellent communication and guest-engagement skills.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational ability.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a polished, professional representative of the brand.
• Create a refined, engaging bar atmosphere while maintaining efficiency.
• Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for guests.

Skills

Upscale or fine-dining hospitality

Knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, wine, and beer

Excellent communication skills

Strong organizational ability

Ability to multitask under pressure

Situational awareness

Team-oriented mindset

Education

Minimum of 2 years bartending in an upscale environment

Tools

Point-of-sale systems

Job description

Benefits

• Employee discounts

Summary of Position

The Bartender at Embers is a key ambassador of the brand, responsible for delivering refined, attentive, and knowledgeable service while executing a high-level beverage program. This role requires strong product knowledge, technical skill, and an elevated sense of hospitality. Bartenders must engage guests with confidence, anticipate needs, maintain control of the bar environment, and consistently execute beverages to Embers’ standards of excellence.

Work Environment

Embers is an upscale Steakhouse & Seafood style restaurant located on the third floor of our Ocean City venue. The space offers elevated views, an open‑concept kitchen with dual brick ovens, and a sophisticated atmosphere that blends classic lounge influence with modern fine‑dining service. Our menu highlights premium chophouse cuts, fresh seafood, nightly chef‑driven specials, and a curated wine and cocktail program. Operated by the Taustin family for over 80 years, Embers maintains a culture rooted in professionalism, hospitality, and pride in execution.

The Taustin family has been operating businesses in Ocean City for over 80 years giving its customers and employees a family‑oriented atmosphere. Due to the majority of the Embers being an outdoor venue, you will be expected to regularly navigate the stairs when completing tasks relevant to your position including taking patrons to their tables on all levels of the restaurant. You will likely need to enter the kitchen, which is fast paced, noisy, and hot at times.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as a polished, professional representative of the Embers brand at the bar
• Welcome guests with warmth, confidence, and genuine hospitality
• Create a refined, engaging bar atmosphere while maintaining efficiency and control
• Prepare and serve alcoholic and non‑alcoholic beverages for bar guests and the dining room
• Execute classic and house cocktails with consistency, precision, and proper presentation
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of spirits, wine, beer, and cocktail composition
• Educate guests on featured cocktails, premium spirits, and seasonal offerings
• Make thoughtful recommendations based on guest preferences and dining selections
• Accurately check identification and comply with all alcohol service laws
• Enter food and beverage orders into the POS system with accuracy and attention to detail
• Upsell responsibly and effectively to enhance the guest experience
• Monitor guest satisfaction and anticipate needs throughout service
• Maintain awareness of guest alcohol consumption and act responsibly at all times
• Professionally address guest concerns and assist in de‑escalation when necessary
• Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked bar station at all times
• Prepare garnishes, juices, syrups, and mise en place according to Embers standards
• Assist with inventory counts and communicate product needs to management
• Contribute ideas for seasonal cocktails and specialty beverage features
• Complete all opening and closing side work thoroughly and efficiently
• Work collaboratively with servers, bussers, bartenders, and management
• Assist bussers with clearing and resetting bar seating when needed
• Accurately prepare checks, process payments, and handle cash and credit transactions
• Thank guests sincerely, invite them to return, and reinforce a lasting positive impression
• Follow all health department regulations, safety standards, and internal policies
• Remain flexible and assist in other areas of the restaurant as directed by management
• Maintain a polished appearance and professional demeanor at all times
• Treat the bar as a focal point of guest experience and hospitality leadership
• Balance speed with precision—never sacrificing quality for volume
• Communicate clearly, confidently, and respectfully with guests and team members
• Anticipate guest needs and exceed expectations whenever possible
• Take pride in product knowledge, presentation, and consistency

Qualifications/Skills

• Strong background in upscale or fine‑dining hospitality
• Extensive knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, wine, and beer
• Excellent communication and guest‑engagement skills
• High attention to detail and strong organizational ability
• Ability to multitask and perform under pressure while maintaining composure
• Strong situational awareness and conflict‑resolution skills
• Team‑oriented mindset with a professional work ethic

Education and/or Experience

• Must have extensive knowledge of mixing and garnishing drinks.
• Possess basic math skills, can handle money.
• Minimum of 2 years bartending in an upscale environment.

Physical Demands

• Be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 8 hours)
• Be able to safely lift and easily maneuver trays of food frequently weighing up to 30 to 45 pounds.

Computer/Technology Skills

• Must have familiarity with point-of-sale systems.

Language/Communication Skills

• Be able to strongly communicate and understand the predominant language(s) of our guests.
• Must have strong communication skills, positive attitude, and a personable demeanor.
• Must be very organized, pay attention to detail, multitask, and have strong observational skills.