Bartender

BARTENDER

JOB DESCRIPTION – FOH

If you care about the details of a properly made cocktail, know your way around a serious wine list and believe great bartending is equal parts craft, personality and hospitality, we want to meet you.

Metro Cinema is an upscale private cinema concept from the founder of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Our 20 private suites combine film, dining and beverage service in a highly personalized hospitality experience unlike a traditional restaurant, bar or movie theater. In addition to private movie screenings, Metro hosts celebrations, corporate events, sports, karaoke, gaming and other private experiences.

Our beverage program is an important part of that experience. We are looking for experienced bartenders who take the craft seriously, understand that consistency matters and are excited to work within an evolving cocktail, wine and spirits program.

This is not simply a position for someone who can make drinks quickly. We are looking for bartenders with strong fundamentals, genuine product knowledge, attention to detail and the ability to execute consistently during high-volume service while maintaining exceptional hospitality.

Our strongest candidates will be curious, organized, collaborative and interested in continuing to develop their craft.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Prepare and execute cocktails consistently according to Metro recipes, specifications and presentation standards
• Demonstrate strong working knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages
• Provide warm, knowledgeable and polished hospitality to Metro guests
• Guide guests through beverage selections and confidently make recommendations based on their preferences
• Maintain recipe accuracy, proper technique, portion control and presentation throughout service
• Prepare fresh ingredients, garnishes, batches and other bar mise-en-place according to established standards
• Maintain appropriate pars and monitor the freshness, quality and availability of bar ingredients
• Maintain a clean, organized and service-ready bar throughout the shift
• Properly open, maintain and close bar stations according to Metro standards
• Communicate product shortages, inventory concerns, equipment issues and other operational needs proactively
• Develop a working knowledge of Metro's wine program and confidently discuss and sell wines to guests
• Follow responsible alcohol service practices and all applicable New York State and New York City regulations
• Accurately enter orders, process payments and maintain proper POS and cash-handling procedures
• Work closely with Bartenders, Servers, Service Captains, Runners, Server Assistants, Culinary and Management to provide seamless service
• Assist with food running, suite service, bussing and other guest-facing responsibilities when needed
• Participate in beverage education, tastings, menu rollouts and ongoing training
• Complete assigned opening, closing, cleaning and sidework thoroughly and consistently
• Help protect the quality and organization of the beverage program by treating the bar, equipment, products and ingredients with care

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Professional bartending experience in a quality-driven restaurant, cocktail bar, hotel or hospitality environment
• Strong foundation in classic cocktail technique and execution
• Working knowledge of spirits, wine and beer
• Understanding of proper batching, measuring, dilution, balance, garnish and presentation
• Ability to execute recipes consistently rather than relying solely on personal preference or individual style
• Ability to taste critically and recognize when a drink is improperly balanced or prepared
• Strong organizational habits and respect for cleanliness, mise en place and station readiness
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and hospitality
• Genuine interest in beverage education and continued professional development
• Ability to receive feedback, follow established standards and contribute ideas constructively
• Collaborative mentality and willingness to support the larger service team
• Strong communication skills and professional demeanor
• Experience with private events, luxury hospitality or elevated restaurant service is a plus
• Advanced wine, spirits or cocktail education is a plus, but not required
• And yes, loving movies certainly helps

THE BARTENDER WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We want bartenders who understand that great beverage programs are built on both creativity and discipline.

You should be excited to learn why a recipe is built a certain way, understand the cost and operational considerations behind the products we use and execute the same excellent drink whether it is the first cocktail of the evening or the hundredth.

We value bartenders who notice when a garnish is running low before it runs out, keep their station immaculate without being asked, understand the importance of proper inventory controls and want to know more about the bottle they're pouring.

There will also be opportunities to contribute ideas to Metro's evolving cocktail and non-alcoholic beverage programs. Creativity is welcome. Curiosity is encouraged. Consistency, hospitality and execution come first.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This is an active hospitality position. Bartenders must be able to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods, including shifts of approximately 8 to 10 hours
• Bend, stoop, reach and perform repetitive bar-related tasks
• Lift and carry at least 30 pounds on a regular basis
• Safely work around wet floors, changing temperatures, noise and theatrical lighting
• Read, understand and follow written recipes, procedures and verbal direction

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Pay: $18.50/hour plus tips

Great talent deserves to be rewarded. Eligible team members have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being, future and professional growth, including:

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k)
• Transit benefits
• Ongoing beverage and hospitality education
• Opportunities to contribute to the continued development of Metro's beverage program

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule: Day, evening and weekend availability required based on business needs.

Metro Cinema is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.