Job Description
Now Hiring Part-Time Bar StaffThe Arvada Tavern is a neighborhood institution built on timeless hospitality, rich character, and a commitment to craftsmanship. Known for our warm, approachable service and expertly executed cocktails, we are seeking a skilled and personable bartender to join our team. This role is guest-facing and demands a high level of attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to thrive in a high-touch, high-volume setting.
As a bartender at The Arvada Tavern, you ll contribute to an elevated yet unpretentious atmosphere, deliver consistent quality, and help foster the sense of welcome and community that defines us.
Position OverviewEssential ResponsibilitiesAs a Craft Cocktail Bartender at The Arvada Tavern, your role is multifaceted, blending technical execution, hospitality, organization, and collaboration. You are responsible for maintaining the integrity of our beverage program, ensuring a consistently high level of service, and contributing meaningfully to the guest experience and the overall success of the team.
Guest-Facing Service & HospitalityDeliver warm, knowledgeable, and attentive service to guests at the bar and in the dining room, embodying the values of gracious hospitalityEngage in genuine, professional dialogue with guests, establishing rapport and creating memorable experiencesProvide informed recommendations on cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, and food pairings based on guest preferencesRespond promptly and graciously to guest concerns, special requests, and feedback, escalating issues to management when necessaryMaintain awareness of guest pacing and flow of service; anticipate needs and time beverages accordinglyAct as a brand ambassador for The Arvada Tavern, upholding the tone, personality, and style of service unique to the venueBeverage Execution & Product QualityPrepare and serve all cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages to house specifications, with speed, consistency, and careFollow standardized recipes and preparation methods precisely, ensuring consistency across shifts and bartendersEnsure proper use of technique for shaking, stirring, building, batching, muddling, straining, and garnishingMaintain a well-organized and clean bar mise en place throughout service, including garnishes, tools, and productMonitor ingredient quality and freshness; communicate restock or prep needs proactivelyParticipate in seasonal cocktail development, menu rollouts, and beverage tastings when applicablePOS Use, Order Management & ModificationsAccurately enter food and beverage orders into the POS system in real time, ensuring correct modifiers, seat numbers, coursing, and special instructionsMaintain familiarity with the menu, daily features, item availability, and pricingEnsure all guest modifications, allergies, and dietary restrictions are recorded clearly and communicated promptly to FOH/BOH teamsManage bar tabs and table orders efficiently, ensuring timely follow-through and attention to guest pacingProcess payments accurately and efficiently, including handling of cash, credit cards, gift cards, and mobile paymentsAlcohol Compliance, Safety & Guest WellbeingCheck identification for all guests, adhering strictly to Colorado alcohol service lawsMonitor guest alcohol consumption and demeanor; make sound decisions and alert management as needed regarding overconsumption or unsafe behaviorRefuse service in a professional and non-confrontational manner when necessaryMaintain valid TIPS certification at all timesCash Handling, Checkout & Tip ReportingHandle cash with accuracy and integrity throughout the shiftPerform nightly checkout procedures including reconciliation of cash, tips, and salesAccurately declare tips in accordance with company policyAssist in closing and securing the bar and restaurant when applicableBar Setup, Cleanliness & MaintenanceExecute full bar setup and breakdown each shift, including stocking, cleaning, and preparing ingredients and toolsMaintain cleanliness of the entire bar area throughout service, including bar tops, wells, glassware stations, and backbar displaysClean and polish glassware to presentation standards; ensure glassware is spotless, odor-free, and properly storedClean, sanitize, and maintain all bar tools and equipment before, during, and after serviceRestock all products as needed during and after service, including spirits, syrups, juices, mixers, garnishes, dry goods, and glasswareTake out trash, recycling, and compost as necessary, keeping workstations free of clutter and debrisPerform daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning and maintenance tasks, including cleaning behind and under equipment, organizing storage areas, and descaling machinesInventory, Prep & OrganizationAssist with weekly inventory counts and product rotationMaintain proper labeling and dating of all prepped ingredients in compliance with health department standardsPrepare all bar-related mise en place (juicing, batching, syrups, shrubs, garnishes, etc.) with consistency and accuracyCommunicate low stock levels or supply issues proactively to managementTeamwork, Culture & ProfessionalismWork collaboratively and communicate clearly with other bartenders, servers, hosts, managers, and kitchen staffSupport fellow team members by anticipating needs and contributing to a smooth, respectful working environmentAttend pre-shift meetings, menu trainings, compliance briefings, and team development sessionsFollow all uniform, grooming, and conduct standards as outlined in the employee handbookMaintain punctuality and reliability in all scheduled shiftsRequired QualificationsMust be at least 21 years of ageCurrent certification in TIPS1+ years of bartending experience in a craft-focused or high-volume environmentSolid foundation in cocktail methodology, including shaking, stirring, building, measuring, batching, and garnish prepFamiliarity with POS systems and ability to input, modify, and close checks accuratelyStrong understanding of allergens and guest modifications; capable of communicating clearly and accurately with guests and teamProven cash handling and checkout accuracy; comfort with tip reporting proceduresExcellent interpersonal and communication skills; warm and professional demeanorDemonstrated reliability, punctuality, and ability to self-manage in a fast-paced settingAvailability to work evenings, weekends, and holidaysPhysical & Environmental RequirementsTo successfully perform the essential functions of this position, a bartender at The Arvada Tavern must be able to meet the following physical and environmental requirements:
Standing & MobilityAbility to stand, walk, and remain on feet for extended periods of time, up to 10 hours per shift, on hard surfacesFrequent movement throughout the bar and guest areas is requiredLifting & CarryingMust be able to lift, carry, and maneuver up to 30 lbs regularly (e.g., cases of spirits, glassware trays, kegs); occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs may be requiredRepetitive MotionMust be able to perform repetitive physical tasks such as shaking, stirring, juicing, chopping, reaching, gripping, polishing, and wiping down surfaces for extended periodsCleaning & Sanitation Responsible for the daily cleaning of all guest- and staff-facing areas, including:
Sweeping and mopping floorsTaking out trash and recyclingSanitizing bar tools, surfaces, and restroomsRestocking and organizing suppliesWeekly deep cleaning tasks: polishing glassware, cleaning behind and beneath equipment, descaling or servicing bar tools, organizing storage areasAlcohol Compliance & Guest SafetyMust verify and check IDs consistently and accuratelyResponsible for monitoring alcohol consumption and reporting concerns related to intoxication or guest behavior to managementWork ConditionsExposure to variable indoor and outdoor temperatures (including heat from dish machines, ice bins, and patio doors)Varying lighting conditions (low light during service hours)Moderate to high noise levels during peak hoursContact with cleaning solutions, sanitizers, and other chemicalsSchedule FlexibilityMust be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidaysShifts typically range from 8 10 hours and include late-night closing responsibilitiesMust be comfortable adapting to changes in scheduling based on business volume or seasonalityCompensation & BenefitsHourly Wage +
Tips:
Base hourly wage plus tipsOvertime:
Time-and-a-half pay for approved overtimePaid Sick Leave:
Accrued at 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours/yearPaid Vacation:
Up to 40 hours of paid vacation in the first year (after a 3-month introductory period)Increased accruals after 1 year of continuous serviceHealth Benefits:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance available to employees averaging 32+ hours/week after 90 days of employmentEmployee Perks:
Shift meals and employee discountsProfessional development, staff tastings, and continued education opportunitiesTeam-building outings and eventsOur CultureAt The Arvada Tavern, we value integrity, professionalism, collaboration, and a shared commitment to exceptional guest service. Our bartenders set the tone for our guest experience and are expected to embody our hospitality values: warmth, respect, creativity, and consistency. We foster a work environment that emphasizes care-for our guests, our team, and the community we serve.