A Bartender mixes and prepares cocktails and serves drinks to customers. Works with other wait staff in a bar or restaurant; checks to be sure that customers are legal drinking age. May work at private parties.
Lead Bartender Viaje restaurant Belmont Shore, CA Job Details Full-time From $20 an hour 14 hours ago Benefits Health insurance 401(k) matching Qualifications Syrup preparation Guest relations Operations management Team leadership Workplace dispute resolution Bar setup Team development Supervising experience Food Handler Certification Full Job Description •
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Location:
Viaje Restaurant | 5224 2nd
Street, Long Beach, CA Position Type:
Full-Time |
Night & Weekend Availability Required Reports To:
General Manager About Us:
Viaje is not just a restaurant—it's a destination. Located in the heart of Long Beach, we specialize in elevated Mexican and seafood cuisine. Our cocktail program is consistently recognized as one of the most innovative in the city. We celebrate Mexican spirits (tequila, mezcal, sotol, raicilla, and beyond), use fresh, scratch-made ingredients, and pride ourselves on continuous evolution. We are a family-owned business that values growth, creativity, and operational excellence.
The Opportunity:
We are seeking a Lead Bartender to take ownership of our bar program. This is not a volume-shot-and-beer job. We need a working leader who can craft complex, balanced cocktails while simultaneously mentoring a team, and driving the creative direction of our menus. If you are a natural leader who loves teaching guests about agave spirits and has the operational chops to run a high-end bar, we want to meet you.
What You'll Do:
Leadership & Mentorship:
Train, coach, and supervise the bar team, ensuring consistency in execution, service standards, and guest engagement across every shift.
Bar Operations:
Manage inventory, place liquor/beer/wine orders, control costs, and oversee the weekly prep schedule (syrups, clarified juices, garnishes) to ensure the bar is always fully stocked and compliant with ABC laws.
Menu Development:
Collaborate with the culinary team to conceptualize and execute seasonal cocktail specials that highlight Mexican spirits and unexpected ingredients like Sinaloan sake, mole, and Mexican whiskey.
Guest Experience:
Lead by example on the floor—engaging guests with deep knowledge of agave spirits, telling the story behind each drink, and handling VIP tables or complex guest requests with poise.
Quality Control:
Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and precision, ensuring every drink that leaves the bar is photo-worthy and perfectly balanced.
What You Bring:
Experience:
3-5 years of bartending experience in a craft cocktail, fine dining, or upscale casual environment, with at least 1-2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
Agave Expertise:
Deep, demonstrable knowledge of tequila, mezcal, sotol, raicilla, and spirits in general. You can speak to terroir, production methods, and tasting profiles with authority.
Operational Acumen:
Solid understanding of beverage cost percentages, and inventory management. You know how to run a profitable bar.
Technical Skills:
Advanced craft cocktail techniques—clarification, fat-washing, house-made syrups/shrubs, and precise garnishing are second nature to you.
Soft Skills:
Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, and team-building abilities. You are reliable, well-groomed, and thrive in a fast-paced, high-end environment.
Certifications:
Must be at least 21 years old and possess valid CA Food Handler & RBS certifications. Nice to Have (But Not Required): Bilingual in Spanish (a significant plus for connecting with our team and guests) Experience with Mexican whiskey, Sinaloan sake, or Latin American liqueurs A passion for teaching, storytelling, and elevating the guest experience through education Familiarity with Toast POS or similar inventory systems. We Offer (Competitive Package for a Leader): Highly Competitive Hourly Wage. We start you at $20 an hour + Tips (commensurate with experience) Accessible Medical Insurance (Kaiser Permanente) 401(k) with Employer Match Paid Vacation & Sick Benefits Employee Dining Discounts Afternoon/Dinner Scheduling (consistent PM shifts)
Real Career Growth:
As Viaje expands, we promote from within. This role is a direct pipeline to management positions. A creative, supportive, and professional team environment where your ideas for seasonal specials and bar improvements are not just welcomed—they are expected
