Bartender

ABOUT THE ROLE

L’Express is one of New York’s most beloved French bistros, and we are seeking a career-minded bartender who takes genuine pride in their craft. At L’Express, the bar is a stage — and our bartenders are hosts, storytellers, and technical professionals in equal measure. If you approach this work with discipline, warmth, and a relentless drive to elevate the guest experience, we want to meet you.

WHAT WE EXPECT

You bring more than skill — you bring a standard. Our bartenders are defined by:

• Unmatched attention to detail in every preparation and every interaction
• Genuine empathy for guests and teammates alike
• A sense of urgency that never compromises patience or grace
• Calm, composed professionalism under pressure
• A hunger to grow, study, and push the craft forward

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

You will own the bar experience from open to close, setting the tone for the entire room:

• Greet and guide each guest through a thoughtful, personalized experience at the bar
• Execute both proprietary cocktails and classics with precision and consistency
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of our full food menu — ingredients, preparation, allergens, and presentation
• Perform traditional wine service, pour beer correctly, properly prepare coffees, and articulate our beverage program philosophy to guests
• Ring all transactions accurately and maintain full accountability at your station
• Complete all mise en place responsibilities as outlined in our sidework documents, including garnish preparation, syrup production, and bar detailing
• Mentor and support new hires, and collaborate actively with bar & floor staff
• Maintain a disciplined ongoing study of spirits, wine, beer, and the New York cocktail scene

BEVERAGE KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

Our bartenders are expected to be fluent — not just functional — across the following:

• Spirits: production, flavor profiles, regions, and category history
• Cocktails: classic canon, New York cocktail history, and timeline of the craft
• Wine: varietals, regions, and confident tableside service
• Beer: styles, proper pouring technique, and flavor communication
• Non-alcoholic beverages: coffee, tea, and zero-proof alternatives

Knowledge of the New York restaurant and bar industry, including recognition of industry professionals, is expected.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years of bartending experience in a high-volume, full-service establishment
• Deep, ever-expanding knowledge of spirits, cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages
• Proven ability to perform under pressure while maintaining composure and hospitality
• Strong team orientation with experience collaborating in fast-paced environments
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in English, including written communication via email and team messaging platforms
• A fresh perspective — the ability to engage with familiar situations and standards as an opportunity to learn and improve
• Genuine passion for hospitality, craft, and the guest experience

To apply, please send your resume and a brief introduction to the team.