Lead Bartender

About Us

Pappardello Restaurant is a kosher dairy restaurant located in Linden, New Jersey, bringing you a fine-dining, upscale experience. As part of Pappardello Restaurant & Hungarian Kosher, we feature flavors around the world including Italian, Greek, French, Spanish and Eastern fusion, striving to invite new dairy food to our local neighborhood.

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

• [X]+ 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, and varying temperatures
• Ability to work [X]-hour shifts, including [nights, weekends, and holidays]

What We Offer

• Competitive pay based on experience: [$XX–$XX/hour] plus [tips / tip pool]
• [Health, dental, and vision insurance]
• [Paid time off / paid sick time]
• [401(k) retirement plan]
• [Dining discounts at affiliated restaurants]
• [Referral bonus program]
• [Flexible scheduling and opportunities for career advancement and professional growth]