Lead Bartender

About NaKorn

NaKorn is a neighborhood upscale-casual Thai restaurant in Evanston offering thoughtfully prepared Thai cuisine, warm hospitality and a creative beverage program. We are reopening September 11 following a temporary construction closure and are looking for an experienced bartender to help lead the next chapter of our bar.

About the Role

NaKorn is seeking a warm, dependable and knowledgeable Lead Bartender who is passionate about creating memorable experiences through genuine hospitality, thoughtful service and excellent cocktails.

This is a hands-on bartending position with responsibility for maintaining the organization, consistency and standards of the bar. The right person notices what needs to be done, communicates clearly, takes initiative and leads through their own example while remaining an active member of the service team.

The Lead Bartender will work closely with our Front of House Lead, who oversees the dining room and serves as Manager on Duty. Leadership in this position is focused primarily on the bar, beverage program and supporting other bartenders.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve cocktails, wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages with consistency and care

• Provide warm, attentive and knowledgeable service to bar and dining-room guests

• Manage both bar guests and service-well tickets efficiently

• Lead bar setup, preparation, service, breakdown and sanitation

• Maintain accurate recipes, proper presentation and consistent quality standards

• Help develop thoughtful seasonal cocktails that complement NaKorn’s food and identity

• Create clear recipes, preparation instructions and batching procedures

• Monitor inventory, organization, waste and product needs

• Communicate ordering and equipment needs to ownership

• Help receive, organize and properly store beverage deliveries

• Ensure all opening, closing, cleaning and restocking duties are completed

• Train and support additional bartenders as the team grows

• Communicate menu changes, specials and unavailable items to the FOH and kitchen teams

• Recognize problems and take appropriate action without waiting to be asked

• Address routine bar-related guest concerns professionally and involve the FOH Lead when appropriate

• Follow all applicable liquor, BASSET, food-safety and sanitation requirements

• Uphold NaKorn’s standards for hospitality, teamwork, cleanliness and professionalism

Who We’re Looking For

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Has at least two years of bartending experience in a full-service restaurant

• Has experience in an upscale-casual or chef-driven restaurant environment

• Possesses strong knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, wine and beer

• Has an interest in seasonal cocktail development and creative collaboration

• Has previous experience training, mentoring or supporting other bartenders

• Works with confidence, purpose and attention to detail

• Remains calm, organized and professional during busy service

• Communicates clearly and respectfully with guests and coworkers

• Takes ownership of their responsibilities while supporting the entire team

• Welcomes feedback and values consistency and continued learning

• Is reliable and interested in becoming a committed, long-term member of our team

Previous bar leadership, inventory, costing or beverage-development experience is preferred but not required.

Current BASSET and food-safety certifications are required or must be obtained before beginning work.

Scheduling Expectations

Consistent evening and weekend availability is essential. This position is best suited for someone who can commit to a dependable schedule and communicate requested time off or scheduling needs in advance.

What We Offer

• $18–$22 per hour, based on experience, plus tips

• Paid time for approved menu development, inventory and administrative work

• Additional compensation for agreed-upon complete menu-development projects

• Staff meals

• Dining discounts

• Consistent scheduling

• Opportunities for professional growth and creative involvement

• A respectful and collaborative workplace

• The opportunity to help shape the next chapter of NaKorn’s beverage program

To apply, please submit your résumé and a brief note describing your bartending experience, leadership or beverage-development background, and current availability.