Bartender

About the Role

SEMM is seeking Bartenders to bring our bar, lounge, and beverage program to life each night. The ideal candidate brings strong hospitality instincts, technical bar craft, and a genuine curiosity for beverage trends — cocktails, natural wine, and spirits — with particular interest in Korean sool and tea-based traditions. Lead Bartenders take on additional responsibility for guiding and training the bar team and helping run service, while Bartenders focus on delivering an exceptional guest experience behind the bar.

This role calls for a mix of hospitality, beverage expertise, and floor presence — someone guests and teammates alike can rely on for a warm, knowledgeable, and elevated experience.

Key Responsibilities

Beverage Service & Bar Craft

- Prepare and serve cocktails, wine, sool, and tea-infused drinks with precision and consistency, following SEMM recipes and standards

- Maintain deep working knowledge of SEMM's beverage program, including seasonal cocktails, natural wines, and Korean spirits (soju, cheongju, tea-infused drinks)

- Confidently describe and recommend beverages to guests, tailoring suggestions to their preferences

- Set up and break down the bar for service, ensuring all tools, garnishes, and ingredients are prepped and stocked

- Maintain cleanliness, organization, and presentation of the bar area throughout service

- Assist with menu updates and seasonal cocktail development

Guest Experience

- Deliver warm, attentive, and knowledgeable service that reflects SEMM's brand and hospitality standards

- Handle guest requests and concerns with professionalism, escalating to management as needed

- Build rapport with regular guests and contribute to a welcoming, elevated atmosphere

- Help create a memorable experience that blends SEMM's day and night identities

Compliance & Safety

- Maintain knowledge of and ensure compliance with all alcohol-related laws and regulations, including proper ID checks

- Enforce responsible alcohol service policies and safe consumption practices

- Uphold all health and safety standards, including NYC sanitation requirements

Qualifications

- 1–3+ years of bartending experience in a cocktail bar, wine bar, or upscale restaurant environment 

- Strong knowledge of craft cocktails, wine, and spirits; familiarity with Korean ingredients and beverages a plus

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

- Ability to stay composed and efficient in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

- A genuine passion for hospitality and beverage craft

- Strong attention to detail and consistency behind the bar

- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

- NYC Department of Health Food Protection Certification a plus (or willingness to obtain)

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with Korean/Asian spirits (soju, Korean teas, and liquors) and ingredients

- Experience with natural, biodynamic, or heritage wine programs

- Prior experience training or leading bar staff (for Lead Bartender candidates)

Physical Requirements

- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs, occasionally up to 50 lbs

- Ability to safely and effectively use all necessary bar tools and equipment

- Ability to stand and walk for an entire shift, moving safely through all areas of the restaurant