Bartender

About Us

Stiletto brings an avant-garde spirit to Santa Monica, with a menu centered on flame-grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. Our name nods to the experimental history of aviation in our area, reflecting a commitment to making something unexpected with fire and finesse. We are a restaurant shaped by the history of the hangar it calls home, but made for Santa Monica today.

Position Summary

The Bartender is responsible for crafting and serving beverages – including cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits – while delivering warm, engaging hospitality to every guest at the bar. Working behind the bar in a fast-paced service environment, the Bartender prepares drinks to recipe and specification, manages tabs and payments through the POS, maintains a clean and well-stocked bar, and ensures responsible alcohol service at all times. This role is highly guest-facing and central to the overall bar experience.

What You'll Do

• Prepare and serve cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits accurately and consistently, following established recipes, specs, and portioning standards
• Provide attentive, personable service to guests at the bar – greeting, recommending, and answering questions about the drink and food menu
• Verify identification and check IDs to confirm legal drinking age; practice responsible alcohol service and refuse service when appropriate
• Open, maintain, and close guest tabs; ring in orders, process payments, and handle cash accurately through the POS system
• Set up and break down the bar for each shift, including stocking and restocking liquor, garnishes, glassware, ice, and supplies
• Keep the bar area, equipment, and service stations clean, organized, and sanitary throughout the shift
• Monitor and rotate bar inventory; communicate shortages and assist with ordering and par levels as directed
• Prepare garnishes, batches, syrups, and mixers to maintain quality and speed during service
• Work closely with servers, barbacks, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth, timely service
• Comply with all state and local alcohol-service laws, health-code, and sanitation standards

What We're Looking For

Required

• [5]+ years of bartending or relevant bar experience [in a high-volume / craft cocktail / fine-dining environment]
• Working knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, wine, and beer, plus proper preparation and pouring techniques
• Proficiency with POS systems and accurate cash-handling skills
• Ability to verify IDs and serve alcohol responsibly in accordance with the law
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and stay composed under pressure
• Strong communication, hospitality, and teamwork skills with a positive, professional attitude
• Reliability, punctuality, and strong attention to detail
• Availability to work [weekends, evenings, and holidays] as scheduled
• [Alcohol-service certification (TIPS / ServSafe Alcohol / state RBS) / Food Handler's Card] – required, or must be obtained within [X] days of hire

Preferred

• Knowledge of craft cocktails, mixology, and current beverage trends
• Experience with [high-volume service, wine list, craft beer program, batching, etc.]
• [Additional language skills, additional POS familiarity, etc.]

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (full shift)
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to [50] lbs (kegs, cases, ice)
• Frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive hand/wrist motion
• Work in a fast-paced bar environment with exposure to noise, crowds, 
• Ability to work [6]-hour shifts, including [nights, weekends, and holidays]