Lead Bartender

Matilda Bar & Grille – Lakeview, Chicago
3101 N Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

Full Time | Hourly + Tips | Potential Bonuses

Matilda Bar & Grille is an independently owned and owner-operated neighborhood bar and restaurant in Lakeview, located at 3101 N Sheffield Ave. near Wrigley Field. We've been serving the neighborhood since 1993 and have built our business around genuine hospitality, loyal regulars, quality food and drinks, and a team that enjoys working together.

We're looking for an experienced bartender who is ready to take the next step.

This is a hands-on position for someone who wants to work behind the bar while also taking a leadership role in our beverage program and day-to-day bar operations. You'll work directly with the owner and have a real voice in cocktails, beer and spirits, training, inventory, events, and ways we can continue improving the business.

We're not looking for someone to simply cover shifts. We're looking for someone who takes ownership, notices what needs to be done without always being asked, enjoys developing other bartenders, and wants to help make an established neighborhood bar even better.

• Lead by example behind the bar and provide friendly, efficient, and consistent hospitality.

• Help train, coach, and develop bartenders on cocktails, beer, spirits, service standards, and bar procedures.

• Complete weekly beverage inventory and assist with receiving and organizing orders.

• Work with ownership on beverage costs, proper pours, product utilization, rotation, and minimizing waste.

• Help create and implement seasonal cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits offerings.

• Ensure bars are properly prepped, stocked, clean, and ready for service.

• Help maintain recipe consistency and overall beverage quality.

• Assist with beverage programming for private events, tastings, sports events, and other special events.

• Identify operational issues and work directly with ownership on practical solutions.

• Help create a positive, accountable, and team-oriented environment.

We're looking for someone who combines strong bartending skills with an interest in leadership and operations.

Ideal candidates will have:

• 3+ years of bartending experience.

• Experience in a busy restaurant, neighborhood bar, tavern, sports bar, or similar environment.

• Previous lead bartender, training, inventory, or supervisory experience preferred.

• Strong working knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, beer, and wine.

• A genuine interest in hospitality and developing regular customers.

• Strong organizational and communication skills.

• Ability to stay calm and work efficiently during high-volume service.

• A hands-on mentality and willingness to jump in wherever needed.

• Ability to work independently without constant supervision.

• Reliable availability, including nights and weekends.

• BASSET certification or ability to obtain.

• Food Handler/ServSafe certification or ability to obtain.

The right person doesn't walk past a problem because it's "not their job."

You notice when something isn't stocked. You care whether drinks are being made consistently. You help another bartender when they're falling behind. You know our regulars and make new guests want to become regulars. You communicate problems before they become bigger problems.

Most importantly, you understand that great bar operations are about more than making good cocktails—they're about hospitality, consistency, teamwork, cleanliness, efficiency, and running a profitable business.

• Competitive hourly pay plus tips.

• Potential performance bonuses.

• Consistent bartending shifts.

• Direct involvement in developing our beverage program.

• Creative input on seasonal cocktails and events.

• Dining discounts.

• An established neighborhood business with more than 30 years of history.

• Direct access to ownership without layers of corporate management.

• Opportunity to grow your responsibilities as the role develops.

Please submit your resume along with a brief introduction.

We'd also love to know:

What's one thing you've done at a previous bar or restaurant that made the business better?

We're interested in meeting bartenders who take pride in what they do and are looking for an opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the place where they work.