Also called: bar tender, mixologist
What a bartender does
Bartenders mix and pour drinks, take orders from guests at the bar and from servers, and keep the bar stocked, clean, and running smoothly. They know the cocktail list, the beer and wine selection, and the house pour standards, and they card guests and manage intoxication responsibly. Great bartenders also build regulars, read the room, and move fast without sacrificing quality. The job suits people who enjoy conversation, craft, and busy Friday nights behind the stick.
Pay snapshot: the BLS reports a national median of $16.51/hr for bartenders, and $18.15/hr in the Boston metro. See the full salary breakdown.
Responsibilities
- Mix cocktails to the house recipe and presentation standard
- Pour beer, wine, and spirits accurately to control costs
- Check IDs and refuse service to underage or intoxicated guests
- Take orders from bar guests and ring them in the POS
- Fill drink tickets from servers quickly and in order
- Recommend drinks and answer questions about spirits, wine, and beer
- Keep the bar clean, organized, and stocked with garnishes, ice, and glassware
- Handle cash, open tabs, and close checks correctly
- Participate in inventory counts and report low stock
- Follow health code rules for sanitation and alcohol service
Requirements
- Previous bartending or barback experience preferred
- Minimum age to serve alcohol as required by state law
- State alcohol-server training such as TIPS is often required
- Knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, beer, and wine
- Ability to stand for long shifts and lift kegs or cases
- Reliable evening, weekend, and holiday availability
Skills
- Speed and consistency behind the bar
- Cocktail and spirits knowledge
- Cash handling and POS use
- Guest conversation and rapport
- Inventory awareness
- Responsible alcohol service
- Clean, organized workspace habits
Schedule
Bartenders typically work evening and weekend shifts that run from late afternoon until close, with happy hour and late-night rushes setting the pace.
Bartender job posting template
Copy this, replace the bracketed parts, and post it.
Bartender at [Restaurant Name], [City] About us [Restaurant Name] is a [concept] in [City] with a busy bar program built around [signature cocktails or beer list]. We are looking for a bartender who takes craft seriously and treats every guest like a regular. What you will do - Make cocktails and pour drinks to our specs - Serve bar guests and fill server drink tickets - Check IDs and serve responsibly - Keep the bar stocked, clean, and organized - Handle tabs, cash, and closing procedures What we are looking for - Bartending experience preferred - Knowledge of classic cocktails, beer, and wine - Friendly, fast, and calm during rushes - Alcohol-server training (such as TIPS) if required in [State] - Ability to lift kegs and stand for a full shift Pay and perks [$XX-$XX/hr + tips]. Shift drink, growth into bar lead roles, and a team that supports each other. Shifts [Shift], including weekends. How to apply Send your resume to [Email/Link], or stop in at [Address] and ask for [Manager Name].
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