Barback

Fish Cheeks is a vibrant restaurant serving contemporary Thai food with a focus on seafood. 

Named for the lean, tender cheek meat that is considered the tastiest part of a fish and a delicacy in Asia, the critically-acclaimed and widely-beloved restaurant offers a menu of unabashedly intense, fresh and vivid dishes that span the diverse regions of Thailand.

Fish Cheeks is a deeply personal concept for Jenn Saesue and Chat Suansilphong that celebrates the cultural heritage and the culinary artistry found in Bangkok and beyond. Brought together by their shared desire to bring traditional Thai cuisine to NYC, the team decided to open Fish Cheeks, offering a menu that highlights the unfiltered flavors they craved from their upbringing in Thailand and re-creates the type of convivial and communal-style dining found across the country - from the street-stalls to fine-dining restaurants.

Fish Cheeks is looking for a reliable, detail-oriented Part-Time Barback to support both our bar production program and guest-facing service . This is a hybrid role ideal for someone who is equally comfortable working independently on precise bar prep and moving with urgency during a busy service.

Production Shifts: $25/hour, untipped
Guest-Facing Service Shifts: $11.65/hour + tips

Bar Production & Prep

• Prepare syrups, juices, garnishes, batches, and all other bar prep items according to exact recipes and established standards.

• Maintain full knowledge and understanding of bar prep recipes to ensure quality and consistency across every batch.

• Produce prep items efficiently and accurately, with zero compromise on quality or consistency.

• Track par levels, identify low stock or shortages, and communicate ordering and production needs to management.

• Maintain NY DOH standards of cleanliness and sanitation throughout all bar prep, storage, and production areas, including refrigeration, tools, equipment, and containers.

• Keep production and storage areas organized, properly labeled, and ready for service.

Service & Bar Support

• Support bartenders throughout service by maintaining a clean, organized, and fully stocked bar.

• Replenish ice, glassware, garnishes, juices, mixers, and other service items with urgency.

• Anticipate the needs of the bar and proactively restock before items run low.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout service, including bar stations, glassware, tools, and surrounding work areas.

• Work efficiently in a high-volume environment while remaining aware of guests and maintaining a professional, hospitality-focused presence.

• Assist the bar and service team wherever needed to ensure a smooth and successful service.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of basic bar prep techniques, including juicing, batching, syrup making, proper storage, and sanitation.

• Attention to detail and consistency.

• Ability to follow recipes precisely and maintain established quality standards.

• Ability to work independently and effectively manage multiple prep lists and priorities.

• Organized, reliable, communicative, and team-oriented.

• Previous barback, bar prep, kitchen prep, or high-volume restaurant experience is strongly preferred.

What We're Looking For

The right candidate understands that production and service require two different skill sets—and takes pride in both . We are looking for someone who can work independently and methodically during prep while bringing urgency, awareness, and teamwork to a busy service.