Bartender (Palamino Location)

Description

At Palomino, we believe the bar is the heartbeat of hospitality. Our bartenders are storytellers, hosts, and craftspeople — connecting guests to the season, the farm, and the community through thoughtfully prepared drinks and genuine care.

The Palomino Bartender is responsible for delivering outstanding bar service in our farm-to-table restaurant and event venue. This role combines technical bar craft with warm, engaged hospitality — shaking cocktails one moment and building a regular's rapport the next. You will be an integral part of a close-knit team committed to an abundant, distinctive, and welcoming guest experience.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Performs the following duties, including but not limited to:

• Set up and break down the bar station daily according to Palomino standards, including mise, place of fresh garnishes, house-made syrups, and seasonal ingredients.

• Prepare and serve cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages with consistent quality, speed, and beautiful presentation.

• Maintain thorough knowledge of Palomino's rotating seasonal cocktail menu, wine list, and beer program; communicate ingredients, sourcing, and allergen information to guests with confidence.

• Greet guests warmly at the bar, take orders, and deliver attentive, personalized service that reflects Palomino's farm-to-table ethos.

• Support tableside wine service and make beverage pairings recommendations that complement the seasonal menu.

• Check guest identification and comply with all California alcohol service laws; refuse service to minors or visibly intoxicated individuals in accordance with RBS guidelines.

• Maintain an organized, sanitary, and fully stocked bar throughout service, including monitoring par levels and communicating inventory needs to management.

• Collaborate fluidly with FOH servers, kitchen staff, and event team to deliver a seamless dining and event experience.

• Support private dining and event bar service at the venue as needed, including setup, service, and breakdown.

• Anticipate guest needs, resolve concerns graciously, and escalate issues promptly to the Director of Events & FOH Operations.

• Contribute to a positive team culture — composed, collaborative, and energized even during high-volume service.

• Assist with bar inventory counts, pull sheets, and consumption tracking as directed.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of classic and contemporary cocktail technique, beer, and wine.

• Familiarity with farm-to-table dining culture and seasonal, ingredient-driven beverage programs preferred.

• Excellent interpersonal skills — warm, engaging, and professional with all guests.

• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and maintain poise in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

• Previous bartending experience in a full-service restaurant, boutique hotel bar, or upscale venue required.

• Experience with Square POS or similar systems preferred.

• A genuine enthusiasm for food, drink, and hospitality.