Sommelier

Union Square Cafe; New York (NY); On-site; USD 12,899 - 18,372; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay plus tips

Comprehensive health coverage

Paid time off

Matched 401(k) plan

Dining discount across USHG restaurants

Pre-tax commuter benefits

Job summary

Union Square Cafe in New York is seeking an experienced Sommelier to provide exceptional wine service and enhance guest experiences. Candidates should have over 2 years of relevant experience and strong knowledge of wines and beverages. The position includes competitive hourly pay, comprehensive health coverage, generous paid time off, and numerous hospitality perks, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented culture.

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience as a Sommelier or in a wine service role.
• Strong knowledge in wine, spirits, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Ability to stand or walk for long periods of time.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Beverage Director to create and maintain the wine program.
• Educate service team on wine and non-alcoholic beverage items.
• Deliver a financially responsible wine program to increase sales.

Skills

Experience as a Sommelier

Knowledge in wine, spirits, and beverages

English fluency

Job description

Union Square Cafe, 101 E 19th St, New York, NY 10003, USA.

Union Square Cafe’s seasonal cuisine draws inspiration from the kitchens and tables of Italy, France, and Northern California. Union Square Cafe—the flagship business that launched Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group—has been one of the country’s most beloved restaurants for over 40 years. In our second home on 19th Street, Union Square Cafe embodies the heartfelt passion and generosity that has been the restaurant’s calling card since we opened in 1985. Designed by Rockwell Group, our new home preserves the restaurant’s signature charm, intimacy, and familiarity in a fresh, contemporary dining environment. Union Square Cafe has won five James Beard Awards and earned Zagat Survey’s #1 ranking as New York’s Most Popular Restaurant an unprecedented nine times.

Who you are

An integral member of the restaurant’s Service team, the Sommelier is responsible for providing our guests with a memorable wine experience and ensuring the excellence and creativity of the beverage program. The Sommelier is a trusted partner to fellow sommeliers, bartenders, and service staff and acts as an extension of the Beverage Director, aiding in service and operation of the wine and beverage program.

What you’ll do

• Consistently support a culture of Enlightened Hospitality
• Partner with Beverage Director to create and maintain an enticing wine program that enhances the guest experience.
• Provide guests with a memorable experience by providing guidance and suggestions of wine and beverage selections.
• Educate service team on wine, beer, spirits, cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverage items in a way that adds value and fuels the team’s desires to learn and grow.
• Deliver a financially responsible wine program that results in increased sales and maintains an inventory that is in‑line with the restaurant’s revenue and business levels.
• Demonstrate flexibility and a wide range of skills and knowledge in all service position and an eagerness to continue to learn and grow.

What we need from you

• 2+ years experience as a Sommelier or wine service role
• Strong knowledge in wine, spirits, beer, and non‑alcoholic beverages
• English fluency and additional languages preferred, but not required
• Ability to stand or walk for long periods of time

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 Sommelier, 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
• Hospitality perks: 51% dining discount across the entire USHG family of restaurants
• 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

*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.