Bartender

Job DetailsBartender - Opening Team SK Hospitality Group |

Yamasaki Location:

Financial District, New York City Opening Target:

April 2026 SK Hospitality Group is seeking polished, hospitality-driven Bartenders to join the opening team of Yamasaki , a highly anticipated, design-forward upscale Asian restaurant located in the heart of the Financial District, moments from the New York Stock Exchange. Yamasaki will offer a refined, modern dining experience that thoughtfully embraces Japanese and broader Asian culinary culture through elevated service, intentional presentation, precision, technique, and warm hospitality. Rooted in respect for tradition while designed for a sophisticated New York audience, Yamasaki will celebrate the richness of Asian cuisine, beverage, and hospitality in a polished, contemporary setting. We are seeking Bartenders who embody excellence in service, have required experience working in an Asian restaurant concept , and possess strong knowledge of sake, wine, cocktails, and spirits . Candidates must be comfortable guiding guests through Asian-inspired cuisine, sake selections, wine pairings, and a refined beverage program with confidence, accuracy, and enthusiasm. This is an opportunity to be part of a flagship opening and contribute to establishing a best-in-class bar and service culture from inception. Benefits Medical, dental, and vision coverage Life and disability insurance Employee dining and retail discounts Position Overview As a Bartender at Yamasaki, you will play a key role in delivering a refined, engaging, and culturally thoughtful beverage experience. You will be responsible for preparing and serving cocktails, sake, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality, presentation, consistency, and guest engagement. This role requires prior experience in an Asian restaurant concept , along with a strong understanding of elevated beverage service, Asian cuisine, and hospitality. Bartenders must be confident guiding guests through the Yamasaki beverage experience, including Japanese and Asian-inspired cocktails, sake styles, wine selections, spirits, ingredients, flavor profiles, and thoughtful pairing recommendations. A strong knowledge of sake and wine is required for this position. Bartenders will be expected to speak comfortably and accurately about sake styles, wine selections, flavor profiles, pairings, and beverage recommendations. Strong cocktail and spirits knowledge is also essential in supporting a complete and elevated guest experience. The ideal candidate is polished, service-minded, detail-oriented, composed under pressure, and passionate about Asian cuisine, Japanese hospitality, and refined beverage service. This role is best suited for someone who can combine technical bar skill, warmth, professionalism, product knowledge, and cultural appreciation to create a memorable upscale dining and bar experience for every guest. Key Responsibilities Prepare and serve cocktails, sake, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages with precision, consistency, and attention to presentation Execute refined, anticipatory bar service with warmth, professionalism, humility, and attention to detail Deliver a beverage experience that reflects the spirit of Japanese and Asian hospitality, including attentiveness, respect, grace, and thoughtful timing Maintain strong knowledge of all beverage offerings, including sake, wine, cocktails, spirits, seasonal drinks, ingredients, preparation methods, garnishes, and presentation standards Maintain required knowledge of sake and wine , including styles, flavor profiles, service standards, and pairing recommendations Maintain strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, bar techniques, and responsible alcohol service Guide guests through a curated beverage experience, offering thoughtful recommendations tailored to individual preferences and menu selections Confidently discuss sake styles, wine selections, cocktail ingredients, spirits, and pairing options with guests Support the dining experience by recommending beverage pairings for Japanese and Asian-inspired dishes Uphold the highest standards of bar etiquette, beverage presentation, pacing, cleanliness, organization, and guest engagement Communicate clearly and respectfully with servers, kitchen, management, and support staff to ensure seamless service execution Maintain composure and professionalism in a dynamic, high-volume upscale restaurant and bar environment Monitor guest satisfaction throughout the bar and dining experience and respond proactively to feedback or service needs Participate in pre-shift briefings, ongoing training, menu education, beverage education, sake and wine training, and cultural knowledge development Support opening and closing procedures with strong attention to detail Maintain an immaculate, organized, and fully stocked bar in accordance with Yamasaki brand standards Assist with bar setup, breakdown, prep, restocking, inventory awareness, and daily operational needs Follow all health, safety, sanitation, and responsible alcohol service guidelines Contribute to a collaborative, team-driven culture across front-of-house, bar, and back-of-house teams Qualifications 2+ years of bartending experience in a high-volume, upscale or fine dining restaurant required New York City hospitality experience strongly preferred Prior experience working in an Asian restaurant concept is required Experience in Japanese, sushi, omakase, izakaya, Asian fusion, Korean, Chinese, Thai, Southeast Asian, or other Asian dining concepts strongly preferred Strong sake knowledge is required Strong wine knowledge is required Strong cocktail and spirits knowledge required Proven ability to deliver elevated, detail-oriented bar service in an upscale or luxury environment Strong understanding of beverage pairings, flavor profiles, balance, technique, and presentation Appreciation for Japanese and Asian cuisine, hospitality, beverage culture, and service traditions Ability to confidently discuss menu items, ingredients, cultural influences, sake styles, wine selections, cocktails, spirits, and pairing recommendations with guests Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills Ability to anticipate guest needs and deliver personalized service Strong multitasking skills with the ability to perform under pressure Familiarity with POS systems and reservation platforms Professional, polished, and team-oriented approach to service Ability to maintain an organized, clean, and efficient bar station during high-volume service Work Environment & Expectations Fast-paced, high-volume upscale Asian restaurant and bar setting Evening, weekend, and holiday availability required Ability to stand, walk, lift, shake, stir, pour, and carry for extended periods Ability to lift and move bar supplies, cases, and equipment as needed Impeccable grooming and professional appearance required at all times Ability to maintain composure and deliver excellence under pressure Commitment to creating a welcoming environment that respects and celebrates Japanese and Asian culture Willingness to participate in ongoing cocktail, spirits, sake, wine, food, and hospitality training Required Skills Upscale Bar Service Asian Restaurant Experience Japanese & Asian Cuisine Knowledge Sake Knowledge Wine Knowledge Cocktail & Spirits Knowledge Beverage Pairing Knowledge Bar Technique Menu Knowledge Cultural Awareness & Respect Communication & Collaboration Service Etiquette Anticipatory Hospitality Time Management Teamwork Professional Presentation Responsible Alcohol Service Bar Organization & Cleanliness Join SK Hospitality Group in launching Yamasaki , a premier upscale Asian dining destination bringing refined hospitality, thoughtful beverage service, and Japanese and Asian culinary culture to New York City's Financial District.