A bartender prepares and serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, manages the bar, and keeps guests happy at the rail. Bartenders sit in the bar area of a restaurant and work closely with servers, barbacks, and managers. Here is what the job looks like across a shift, in the order it happens.
Opening duties
- Count the till and verify the bank against the previous night's close
- Stock ice, garnishes, juices, and bar tools
- Clean and polish glassware and wipe down the bar top
- Check beer lines, kegs, and wine and spirit levels against pars
- Review the cocktail list, specials, and any 86'd items with the manager
During service
- Greet guests at the bar quickly and acknowledge waiting guests
- Make drinks to recipe with correct pours and garnishes
- Fill server tickets in order and keep the service well running
- Check IDs for anyone who looks under the legal age to drink
- Monitor guests for signs of intoxication and cut off when needed
- Open and close tabs correctly and run cards securely
- Keep the rail clean, restock between rushes, and wash tools and glasses
Closing duties
- Break down the bar, wrap garnishes, and put away perishables
- Clean sinks, drains, mats, and the speed rail
- Restock beer, wine, and liquor for the next shift
- Close out checks, count the till, and complete the nightly cash report
- Leave a closing note for the opening bartender about low stock or maintenance needs
Weekly duties
- Help with a liquor, beer, and wine inventory count
- Deep clean the ice machine, beer lines, and reach-in coolers on schedule
- Update the cocktail menu knowledge or specials list
- Suggest purchasing needs to the bar manager based on what moves
Writing a posting? The bartender job description turns these duties into a ready-to-paste template. For shift planning, try the free restaurant schedule template.