Bartender

Job Details

Mercadito is hiring Bartenders for both of our Chicago locations: Mercadito River North (108 W. Kinzie St.) and our new Mercadito Lincoln Park (2423 N. Lincoln Ave., opening April).

Mercadito is an upscale, high-energy Mexican restaurant known for locally sourced ingredients, made-from-scratch execution, and hospitality-driven service. Our menu features bold, authentic flavors, seasonal guacamoles, scratch-made salsas, chef-driven plates, and a tequila-forward cocktail program, all served in a lively, high-volume environment.

Hiring Timeline

With the Lincoln Park opening approaching, we are currently onboarding team members to support Mercadito River North and help build the opening team for Mercadito Lincoln Park.

Position
Bartender

Essential Functions

• Deliver a high standard of hospitality and execution in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

• Maintain professionalism, urgency, and attention to detail throughout each shift

• Communicate clearly with teammates and leadership to support smooth service

• Follow all safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards

• Work a variety of hours, days, and shifts, including weekends and peak periods

• Stand and walk for the duration of a shift and move safely through all work areas

• Lift and move items up to 10 lbs regularly, up to 25 lbs frequently, and up to 50 lbs occasionally

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Provide warm, confident hospitality and create an engaging guest experience at the bar and in service bar

• Prepare and serve cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages to Mercadito recipe and presentation standards

• Demonstrate strong knowledge of the cocktail list, agave spirits, beer, wine, and food menu

• Accurately enter orders and process payments using the POS system

• Maintain proper bar setup, organization, cleanliness, and restocking throughout the shift

• Follow opening, running, and closing bar procedures with consistency and attention to detail

• Monitor product levels and communicate restocking needs to management

• Follow responsible alcohol service practices and complete required alcohol awareness training

• Support allergy and dietary accommodations using established procedures

• Maintain clean glassware, tools, service wells, and guest-facing bar areas

• Work closely with servers, hosts, bussers, runners, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth service and pacing

Team Standards

• Maintain strong teamwork and communication across the restaurant

• Follow all policies and procedures in the Employee Handbook

• Comply with all safety, sanitation, and cleanliness guidelines

• Perform other duties as assigned

Compensation Details

Compensation: Hourly ($12.62) plus tips
Benefits & Perks: Dining discounts

Required Skills

• Strong work ethic and reliability

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

• Strong hospitality and guest engagement skills

• Clear communication and teamwork

• Attention to detail and consistency

• Ability to multitask and stay organized under pressure

• Knowledge of beverage preparation and presentation standards

• POS familiarity and cash-handling accuracy

• Understanding of responsible alcohol service

• Knowledge of dietary restrictions and guest accommodations

• Strong time management and problem-solving skills

• Physical stamina and endurance

• Ability to follow instructions, procedures, and service standards