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Hotel Bartender

💰 $18 - $28 per hour + tips

HospitalityFood & BeverageCustomer Service

🎯 Role Definition

As a Hotel Bartender, you are more than just a drink maker; you are a master of first impressions and a curator of guest experiences. You will be the central figure of our bar, responsible for crafting a wide array of high-quality beverages while fostering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Your role is crucial in upholding our hotel's reputation for luxury and outstanding service. This role requires an individual with an engaging personality, a deep knowledge of mixology, and an unwavering commitment to exceeding guest expectations from the moment they take a seat.


📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Barback
  • Restaurant Server
  • Banquet Bartender

Advancement To:

  • Head Bartender / Lead Mixologist
  • Bar Manager
  • Food & Beverage Supervisor / Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Sommelier
  • Fine Dining Server
  • Corporate Beverage Trainer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Craft and serve an extensive menu of classic and signature cocktails with precision, consistency, and a creative touch to meet the highest quality standards.
  • Provide an elevated and personalized guest experience by warmly engaging with patrons, offering insightful recommendations, and anticipating their needs.
  • Maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of our full beverage menu, including spirits, wine varietals, craft beer, and non-alcoholic options.
  • Confidently articulate the flavor profiles, origins, and stories behind our beverage selections to enhance the guest's journey.
  • Process all guest orders and financial transactions accurately and efficiently using the designated Point of Sale (POS) system.
  • Uphold impeccable standards of cleanliness, organization, and sanitation for the bar counter, service areas, glassware, and all bartending tools.
  • Conduct daily and weekly inventory counts, diligently track spoilage, and assist the Bar Manager with placing orders for all bar-related supplies.
  • Meticulously prepare fresh garnishes, house-made syrups, unique infusions, and other cocktail ingredients daily to ensure premium quality.
  • Strictly adhere to all local, state, and federal laws regarding responsible alcohol service, including the diligent verification of legal drinking age.
  • Proactively manage the bar environment, ensuring a safe, sophisticated, and comfortable atmosphere for all hotel guests and visitors.
  • Handle guest inquiries and resolve any service-related complaints with professionalism and grace, escalating to management when necessary.
  • Collaborate effectively with the kitchen, servers, and other hotel staff to ensure a seamless and integrated service flow for guests dining at the bar.
  • Actively participate in daily pre-shift meetings to stay informed about hotel events, occupancy, daily specials, and VIP guest arrivals.
  • Skillfully upsell and cross-sell premium spirits, signature cocktails, and food pairings to enhance the guest experience and maximize revenue.
  • Execute all setup and breakdown duties for opening and closing shifts, meticulously following all procedural checklists to ensure readiness.
  • Monitor guest alcohol consumption and behavior discreetly, confidently refusing service to intoxicated patrons to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
  • Contribute creative ideas to the development of new cocktail recipes and seasonal menu updates in collaboration with the beverage management team.
  • Maintain a polished, professional appearance and positive demeanor at all times, acting as a key brand ambassador for the hotel.
  • Perform cash-out procedures at the end of each shift, ensuring all transactions are reconciled and the cash drawer is balanced accurately.
  • Mentor and provide constructive guidance to barbacks and junior staff, fostering a supportive, educational, and high-performing team culture.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert Mixology: Deep knowledge of spirits, liqueurs, and classic/contemporary cocktail construction, including precise measurement and technique.
  • POS System Proficiency: Hands-on experience with modern POS systems such as Micros, Aloha, Toast, or Squirrel for order management and payment processing.
  • Inventory Control: Competency in conducting stock takes, managing par levels, minimizing waste, and controlling beverage costs.
  • Responsible Beverage Service Certification: A valid TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, or equivalent state-required certification is mandatory.
  • Extensive Wine & Beer Knowledge: Familiarity with major wine regions, varietals, and beer styles to make confident recommendations and facilitate pairings.
  • Sanitation Standards: Strong understanding of health and safety protocols for food and beverage handling and bar cleanliness.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Interpersonal Skills: The ability to build natural rapport with a diverse clientele and create a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.
  • Grace Under Pressure: The capacity to remain calm, focused, and efficient during high-volume service periods and stressful situations.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: A commitment to precision in every aspect of the role, from drink presentation to order accuracy and bar cleanliness.
  • Upselling & Sales Acumen: An innate ability to guide guests toward premium experiences and products in a genuine and non-intrusive manner.
  • Advanced Multitasking: The ability to simultaneously manage multiple drink orders, engage with guests, and maintain operational flow.
  • Proactive Problem-Solving: The skill to anticipate potential issues and resolve guest concerns swiftly and diplomatically.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A positive, cooperative attitude and a strong desire to support all members of the F&B team.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
  • State-mandated food handler and responsible beverage service certifications (e.g., TIPS).

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate or diploma from a recognized bartending or mixology school.
  • Associate's degree in Hospitality Management.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Hospitality & Tourism Management
  • Culinary Arts

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • A minimum of 2-3 years of bartending experience in a fast-paced, quality-focused environment.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of bartending experience within a 4/5-star hotel, resort, or high-end, craft cocktail-focused restaurant.
  • Proven experience working with a sophisticated clientele and managing a demanding bar setting.