High Tide Bartender

La Bahia Hotel; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

La Bahia Hotel & Spa in Santa Cruz seeks a High Tide Bartender to craft refined coastal cocktails and deliver exceptional service on our beachfront property inspired by Forbes standards.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in fine dining or luxury hotels, advanced mixology skills, strong wine and spirits knowledge, and a knack for storytelling behind every pour, driving beverage program innovation.

You will manage inventory, collaborate with kitchen staff, and uphold grooming and safety standards.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in fine dining, luxury hotels, or high-end cocktail bars.
• Advanced mixology skills and artistry preferred.
• Strong wine and spirits knowledge preferred.
• Stand for long periods; lift up to 25 lbs.
• Multilingual abilities highly preferred.
• Familiarity with POS system and inventory management.
• Flexible to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for guest interactions.
• Highly organized with multitasking in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve signature cocktails, wines, and premium spirits with meticulous attention to detail.
• Maintain knowledge of the beverage program, including seasonal offerings and pairings.
• Contribute to cocktail development drawing from Pacific Island flavors and California coastal terroir.
• Provide polished service, anticipate needs, offer tailored recommendations, and share drink stories with guests.
• Remember and acknowledge returning guests with tailored recognition.
• Work with servers and chefs to deliver a cohesive dining experience.
• Ensure bar area is clean, stocked, and compliant with health/safety standards.
• Manage inventory and handle cash/card transactions via POS.
• Demonstrate wine list familiarity for beverage inquiries.
• Maintain grooming and uniform standards as specified.

Skills

Advanced mixology

Fine dining hospitality

Wine knowledge

POS & inventory

Multilingual

Stamina

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Flexible shifts

Job description

Description

ABOUT US

Nestled along the Pacific Coast, La Bahia Hotel & Spa celebrates its dramatic setting where the tip of Monterey Bay touches Sana Cruz's coveted Main Beach. Steeped in the romantic beauty of Spanish-Mediterranean architecture, locals and travelers alike will savor globally influenced cuisine, cocktails and wellness rituals infused with the region's agricultural bounty and coast-cultured Spirit.

SUMMARY

The High Tide Bartender is an architect of ambiance, crafting moments of refined coastal luxury through the art of mixology. This role demands equal parts technical mastery and intuitive hospitality, where every precisely measured pour tells a story, and each garnished glass reflects our commitment to excellence. With the Pacific as our muse, the High Tide Bartender will transform premium spirits and market‑fresh ingredients into liquid artistry while maintaining the warm, approachable sophistication that is High Tide's signature. By delivering impeccable service, the High Tide Bartender will uphold La Bahia Hotel & Spa’s service standards (inspired by Forbes) while elevating our beachfront property.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITY

• Expertly prepare and serve signature cocktails, fine wines, and premium spirits with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each drink is a visual and sensory delight.
• Maintain an extensive knowledge of our beverage program, including seasonal offerings, rare spirits, and pairings with our chef‑driven cuisine.
• Contribute creative input to cocktail development, drawing inspiration from Pacific Island flavors and California’s coastal terroir.
• Provide intuitive, polished service, anticipate needs, offer tailored recommendations, and share the stories behind our drinks with genuine passion.
• Remember and acknowledge returning guests with tailored recognition.
• Work seamlessly with servers and chefs to deliver a cohesive dining experience.
• Ensure bar area is clean, well‑stocked, and adheres to health/safety standards.
• Manage inventory, uphold pristine cleanliness, and ensure compliance with all health, safety, and alcohol service regulations.
• Handle cash and card transactions accurately using POS systems.
• Demonstrate wine list familiarity for preliminary beverage inquiries.
• Maintain impeccable grooming standards, wearing the assigned uniform exactly as specified (proper fit, cleanliness, and presentation at all times.
• Wear the official hotel lapel pin prominently as part of the uniform requirement, unless embroidered onto uniform.
• Perform all other duties that may be assigned as needed by your manager.

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

QUALIFICATIONS

• (3+) years of experience in fine dining, luxury hotels, or high-end cocktail bars required.
• Advance mixology skills, proficient in class techniques, modern trends, and an eye for artistic presentation highly preferred.
• Strong wine and spirits knowledge preferred.
• Physical stamina to stand for extended periods and left/carry up to 25 lbs.
• Multilingual abilities highly preferred.
• Capable of maintaining composure during peak hours.
• Familiarity with POS system and inventory management.
• Flexible to work in different shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for guest interactions.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Highly organized with the ability to multitask in a fast‑paced environment.

This role offers a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact the guest experience. If you are dedicated to personalized service, guest satisfaction, and enjoy working in a high‑end atmosphere, we invite you to join our High Tide team at La Bahia Hotel.