Bartender

Domenico’s Venetian Lounge is looking for a full-time Bartender to be part of the exciting opening staff team; Domenico’s is slated to open for service in early December 2026. 

Domenico’s Venetian Lounge is located on the corners of President and 3rd Avenue in Gowanus Brooklyn and is led by the team that leads, manages and works at Café Mars across the street. Café Mars is a Michelin Bib Gourmand "unusual Italian” restaurant that opened in May 2023. 

Beverage Director, Sierra Chunko, leads the beverage program for both Domenico’s and Café Mars beverage program. This role will initially begin with bartending and learning Domenico’s Venetian Lounge bar program,  but it will also allow the flexibility and opportunity to work at Café Mars on an as needed basis based on scheduling and learning the bar program. 

We are looking for a skilled, enthusiastic, and kind bartender - who is eager to be part of a new bar opening - to join our team! 

Our ideal start date is before November 15, 2026.

WHO WE ARE

Domenico D’Avino first arrived from Italy to the corner of 3rd and President in Brooklyn in 1901, right across the street where Domenico’s Venetian Lounge now lives. Named in honor of the founder’s great grandfather and led by the team who brought you Café Mars, the Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded "unusual Italian” restaurant, Domenico’s Venetian Lounge honors Italian drinking holes of the past. A place where nonno would say, “yes yes.”

Picture a classic red sauce joint and you’ll see a cocktail bar off to the side. This might be where you start your night, quaffing an aperitivo before your table is ready, or it could be where you spend your entire night, drinking in the room and the tunes, and getting a few bites from the kitchen. 

At Domenico’s, we focus on original cocktails that pull from this history and feel fresh in today’s Gowanus. 60s/70s/80s-inspired original cocktails, but also classic highballs and blended Scotch that were popular in historic Italian-American bars. For food, we took inspiration from the Venetian bar food tradition of “cichetti.” Think bar snacks through an unusual lens; pistachios in the shell with Sicilian street food flavors, fried olives stuffed with white chocolate, stuffed shells and pizza bagels.

Domenico’s Venetian Lounge updates the classic Italian bar using a modern lens, but still dripping in neon, carpeted, with live music and a player piano in the background. You can order a Cutty Sark or a Harvey Wallbanger and we won’t bat an eyelash, and you can also get a Caesar Martini or pasta salad on a stick. It’s an upscale place that’s not uptight. A place where you can wear your fancy pants, or feel fancy in your regular pants. A lot of throwback red sauce joints have opened, but we don’t want to forget about the red sauce bar, so that’s why we opened our version: Domenico’s Venetian Lounge.

ABOUT THE ROLE

To open, Domenico’s will be open from Wed-Sun, 4pm-2am. This is subject to change after the first few months where we may open for 7-days of the week. 

• Prepare and serve cocktails, beer, and wine to a consistent recipe and presentation standard
• Set up and break down the bar for each shift (stocking, ice, garnishes, glassware)
• Maintain a clean, organized bar station in line with health code standards
• Monitor and restock liquor, mixers, and bar supplies; flag low inventory to management
• Handle POS transactions, tabs, and cash/card reconciliation
• Check IDs and monitor guests for responsible alcohol service

• Greet and engage guests at the bar, creating a welcoming, old-school lounge atmosphere 
• Make cocktail recommendations and describe menu items knowledgeably
• Read the room — a slower conversational pace with the piano player on Friday/Saturday nights, faster service during busier stretches
• Handle guest concerns or complaints calmly and professionally
• Build regulars' rapport — a neighborhood lounge lives on repeat guests

• Coordinate with server(s) and cook on timing and orders
• Communicate with management on 86'd items, guest issues, or supply needs
• Work smoothly alongside the piano player and any other entertainment without disrupting the set

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum two years of beverage experience.
• Must demonstrate a deep knowledge and passion for drinks and food.
• Self-motivated, open minded and possess a genuine passion for hospitality and service.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships in all directions: ownership, co-workers, team members, and guests while listening and addressing concerns as needed.
• Must possess outstanding organizational, interpersonal skills, and excellent attention to detail.
• An outgoing team player with a positive attitude and problem-solving skills, willing to adapt and learn every day.

We offer a supportive working and learning environment that fosters growth and promotes career advancement, believing that one should always be learning. This is a great opportunity for industry professionals looking to advance their career and have the opportunity to be a part of an opening team. If you are interested in joining a restaurant that values creativity, uniqueness, dedication, hard work and a commitment to genuine hospitality then come and get it!