Experienced Bartender Upscale Mediterranean Restaurant Sacramento

Aiona Sacramento; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

A new culinary destination in Sacramento is seeking experienced Bartenders to join the opening team. In this role, you'll provide warm and professional bar service during evening shifts, focusing on craft cocktails and attentive hospitality. Candidates should have 2–3+ years of bartending experience in upscale environments and possess strong knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, and wines. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired culinary experience.

Qualifications

• 2–3+ years of bartending experience in an upscale or high-volume environment.
• Strong knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, wine, and beer.
• Reliable and punctual with evening and weekend availability.

Responsibilities

• Provide efficient bar service while maintaining hospitality standards.
• Prepare craft cocktails and classic drinks accurately.
• Collaborate with the sommelier team on wine service.

Skills

Bartending experience

Knowledge of classic cocktails

Guest-facing communication skills

Team-oriented mindset

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

About Aiona

Opening in March 2026 in the heart of downtown Sacramento, Aiona is a bold new culinary destination celebrating the vibrant traditions of Mediterranean cuisine through the ancient art of wood-fired cooking. Featuring an open kitchen, a 3,000-bottle wine cellar curated by an Advanced Sommelier, and refined indoor and outdoor dining spaces, Aiona offers an immersive, upscale experience unlike anything else in the city.

Our mission is to bring world-class food, wine, and hospitality to Sacramento while becoming a premier destination for dining and private events.

Position Overview

We are seeking experienced, polished Bartenders to join our opening team and lead bar service during evening, dinner, and event-focused shifts. This role will serve a mix of bar guests, dining room tables, and private events, with a strong emphasis on craft cocktails, wine by the glass, and professional, attentive hospitality.

Bartenders will work closely with ownership, management, the sommelier team, and FOH leadership to execute a high-level beverage program that complements Aiona’s Mediterranean-inspired menu and refined guest experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide warm, professional, and efficient bar service while maintaining Aiona’s standards of hospitality and presentation.
• Prepare and execute craft cocktails, classic drinks, and house specialties with consistency, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Present and describe cocktails, spirits, and wines by the glass with confidence, making thoughtful recommendations based on guest preferences.
• Support dining room service by preparing drinks for servers and ensuring timely, accurate ticket execution.
• Collaborate with the sommelier team on wine service, bottle handling, and basic pairing guidance when appropriate.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked bar, including mise en place, garnishes, glassware, and backup supplies.
• Accurately use the POS system to enter orders, manage tabs, process payments, and follow all cash-handling procedures.
• Monitor guest alcohol consumption and practice responsible beverage service, including proper ID checks and alerting management when intervention is needed.
• Maintain a discreet, professional tone suitable for business, political, and VIP clientele; read the room and adjust engagement accordingly.
• Assist with private dining and special events by following BEOs, executing pre-set menus, batched cocktails, and specific timing requests.
• Communicate clearly with managers, servers, and barbacks regarding service flow, inventory needs, and guest concerns.
• Complete opening and closing duties, including cleaning, restocking, inventory counts, and basic prep.

Qualifications

• 2–3+ years of bartending experience in an upscale, craft cocktail, or high-volume restaurant or bar environment.
• Strong knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, wine, and beer, with interest in Mediterranean flavors and ingredients.
• Ability to execute drinks accurately and efficiently during busy evening service while maintaining composure and professionalism.
• Polished guest-facing communication skills with business and VIP clientele.
• Familiarity with POS systems (Toast or similar a plus).
• Team-oriented mindset with willingness to support servers, barbacks, and other FOH roles.
• Reliable and punctual, with availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and major event nights.
• Hands-on, “no job too small” attitude, including cleaning, prep, and side work.

The above requirements and benefits are not intended to be all-inclusive.