Bartender

About the role

Bartender is a full-time or part-time, on-site position based in New York City. This role is responsible for delivering exceptional beverage service and creating memorable guest experiences through professionalism, efficiency, product knowledge, and genuine hospitality. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of classic and contemporary cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, and responsible alcohol service. Bartenders are expected to maintain consistency, speed, cleanliness, and attention to detail while building meaningful relationships with guests and upholding the service philosophy of Forget About It. This is a hands-on, guest-facing role requiring confidence, precision, warmth, and the ability to perform calmly and professionally in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Guest experience:
  • Welcome guests warmly and deliver polished, attentive, and personalized service.
  • Build genuine relationships with guests while remaining attentive to their preferences and needs.
  • Provide knowledgeable recommendations on cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, and food pairings.
  • Explain ingredients, preparation methods, flavor profiles, and beverage selections clearly and confidently.
  • Recognize regular guests, special occasions, and individual preferences.
  • Handle guest feedback professionally and involve management when appropriate.
  • Represent the culture, hospitality, and service standards of Forget About It at all times.
• Beverage preparation and service:
  • Prepare all beverages according to approved recipes, specifications, and presentation standards.
  • Execute classic and house cocktails with consistency, precision, speed, and attention to detail.
  • Adapt cocktails to guest preferences when appropriate and consistent with Company standards.
  • Use the correct glassware, ice, garnish, technique, and presentation for every beverage.
  • Monitor product quality throughout the shift and immediately report any concerns.
  • Maintain efficient service without compromising beverage quality or guest interaction.
  • Maintain complete and current knowledge of the cocktail, wine, beer, spirits, and food menus.
  • Use responsible and appropriate sales techniques to enhance the guest experience.
• Bar operations:
  • Complete all assigned opening, closing, preparation, restocking, cleaning, and side-work responsibilities.
  • Prepare fresh juices, syrups, infusions, garnishes, batched cocktails, and other ingredients according to Company recipes.
  • Maintain appropriate product and supply levels throughout service.
  • Keep the bar station clean, organized, sanitized, and fully stocked.
  • Rotate products using FIFO practices and ensure all prepared items are properly labeled, dated, and stored.
  • Assist with inventory counts and communicate low-stock items, breakage, waste, or product-quality concerns to management.
  • Minimize waste through accurate recipes, portion control, proper handling, and responsible use of Company products.
  • Operate the POS system accurately and follow all cash, payment, void, discount, and checkout procedures.
• Teamwork:
  • Work closely with other Bartenders, Barbacks, Servers, Runners, Hosts, and Kitchen employees.
  • Communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally across all departments.
  • Support fellow team members during high-volume periods and changing service conditions.
  • Assist with training and developing less-experienced team members when requested.
  • Contribute to a respectful, collaborative, positive, and professional workplace culture.
• Compliance and Safety:
  • Verify guest age and identification before serving alcoholic beverages when required.
  • Refuse or discontinue alcohol service when legally required or when signs of intoxication are observed.
  • Follow all New York State alcoholic beverage laws and responsible alcohol-service requirements.
  • Comply with New York City Department of Health sanitation and food-safety standards.
  • Follow Company procedures concerning allergens, cleaning, chemical handling, equipment, workplace safety, and emergencies.
  • Immediately report broken equipment, spills, injuries, hazards, or unsafe conditions.

Qualifications

• At least two years of professional bartending experience is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, beverage preparation, and service standards.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and guest-service skills.
• Ability to execute cocktails consistently and efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, cleanliness, and product quality.
• Professional, positive, and solution-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse hospitality team.
• Experience in an upscale restaurant, cocktail bar, or other high-service environment is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Italian spirits, amari, vermouths, wines, and aperitivo culture is highly beneficial.
• Previous experience using restaurant POS systems is preferred.
• Formal beverage education, responsible alcohol-service training, or cocktail competition experience is a plus.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Pay

$15.00 per hour cash wage, plus tips, for guaranteed total compensation of at least $17.00 per hour. This position participates in the Company’s Front of House tip pool, subject to applicable law and the Company’s written Tip Pool Policy. If cash wages and tips do not reach the applicable New York City minimum wage, the Company will pay the required difference. Tips are additional to the stated cash wage and may vary based on eligible hours worked and the total tips distributed through the tip pool. Overtime is paid at the legally required rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Eligible employees accrue paid protected time in accordance with applicable New York State and New York City law and Company policy.

Schedule

Estimated opening: end of November 2026.

Physical Requirements

This position requires prolonged periods of standing and walking, frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive movement, and the ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds. The role involves continuous guest interaction and working in a high-energy environment with exposure to glassware, ice, beverage equipment, liquids, wet surfaces, noise, and temperature changes. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.