Bartender duties and responsibilities
A bartender has a variety of duties and responsibilities that may differ depending on where they work. They are responsible for the cleanliness and stock of the bar, ensuring there are clean glasses, plenty of garnishes prepared and that everything is tidy. bartenders also must interact with customers, verifying they are old enough to be served alcohol, and building relationships that turn visitors into regulars.
From a business aspect, bartenders must be trusted with measuring the appropriate amounts of liquor for different recipes, making recommendations for customers, opening and maintaining tabs for customers for the night or longer-term and tracking cash sales and tips.
In summary, a Bartender must:
- Verify the customers’ ages
- Mix traditional and creative cocktails
- Process payment
- Clean glasses and bar utensils
- Make suggestions based on customer tastes and preferences
- Record and balance cash receipts and prepare cash deposits
- Open and maintain tabs throughout their shift
- Build a rapport with regular customers to create a positive atmosphere
Bartender skills and qualifications
No matter where a bartender is employed, some basic skills are a must. These include a knowledge of different types of alcohol, drink recipes and pairings, along with the ability to deal with customers in various moods. Trustworthiness and accountability are important for bartenders, as well, since they are generally in charge of a large amount of money and the bar inventory. Bartending can be quite physically demanding as well, requiring long periods of time in one small space, moving heavy objects and working with glass.
Some skills and qualifications to look for in your candidates include:
- Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
- Knowledge of mixology for traditional and creative cocktails
- Understanding of unique and complementary flavor pairings
- Impeccable customer service and social perceptiveness
- Ability to evaluate customer satisfaction and be responsive
- Ability to enforce company policies regarding the consumption of alcohol
- Accountability in maintaining inventory and processing payments
- Physical ability to stand or walk for long periods of time
Bartender education and training requirements
When hiring a bartender, you must ensure they are of legal age, which depends on your state. Depending on state or local laws, bartenders may need to attain a license or food handler or alcohol server certifications. Much of the learning a Bartender does is on the job. A bartender assistant, or barback, shadows the bartender and helps out until ready to move into tending the bar on their own.
Bartender experience requirements
Bartenders usually need some experience in a hospitality or food and beverage position. Experience as a server, host or front desk agent is valuable. In some cases, entry-level bartenders can start with no prior experience, though most begin as a barback. Those working in a high-end bar or restaurant usually need at least a year or two of experience in bartending or food service. If they need to mix complicated cocktails or create their own, bartending or mixology school is usually preferred.
Bartender salary expectations
A bartender makes an average of $15.99 per hour, plus approximately $150 in daily tips. Pay rates may vary depending on level of experience, education and geographical location.
Bartender salary expectations
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Common salary:
18.15 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
7.25 -45.60 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
If you do not need someone to mix the drinks, but instead to serve them, try looking for a food server instead. Many qualifications are the same, though food servers are more focused on taking orders and delivering food than mixing drinks.
On the other hand, a barista mixes drinks, which can be complex. However, baristas usually work with coffee instead of alcohol. Like bartenders, baristas need excellent customer service skills along with the ability to memorize complex drink pairings and have knowledge of how ingredients work together.
Frequently asked questions about bartenders
What are some common interview questions for hiring bartenders?
When sitting down to interview, focus at least a few questions on the applicant’s practical knowledge. Make sure they know the difference between an Old Fashioned and a Manhattan, for example. Other important interview questions should reveal if they are someone you can trust with such an important part of the business. Many interviewers ask situational questions about how the applicant would deal with patrons, and some even ask for a demonstration of their bartending skills.
Should you hire a bartender with no experience?
While experience may make the transition easier, everyone needs to start somewhere. Focus on the skills the applicant shows, such as knowing how to provide excellent customer service. The advantage of hiring someone with little to no experience includes teaching them to create drinks and handle customers your company’s way. This could be beneficial if you have another Bartender they can train under for a short period of time to learn the basics. Consider giving them shifts that are traditionally less busy, such as daytime or weeknights, to start.
What are some skills to look for in an event bartender versus one working in a restaurant?
In a restaurant or similar setting, the bartender is often only part of larger offerings. While they need to be trustworthy and organized, there should be an emphasis on their ability to multitask and be part of a team.
Event bartenders often work on their own or with a handful of other bartenders. They should be more experienced and have excellent personal skills. In events, upselling is not as important as it is in a bar or restaurant setting.
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