NOW HIRING LEAD BARTENDER

MIKA Coral Gables, by acclaimed Michelin-starred Chef Michael White, is seeking an experienced, passionate, and detail-oriented Lead Bartender to oversee daily bar operations and deliver an exceptional beverage and hospitality experience.
Inspired by the coastal elegance of the Italian and French Riviera, MIKA combines refined cuisine, creative cocktails, and warm, authentic hospitality.
The Lead Bartender serves as a hands-on leader, setting the standard for cocktail execution, guest engagement, bar organization, and teamwork. This position requires strong beverage knowledge, operational discipline, and the ability to lead by example while maintaining MIKA's philosophy of unpretentious, authentic luxury .
Bar Operations & Service
Lead daily bar operations, ensuring smooth, efficient, and consistent service.
Prepare and serve cocktails according to MIKA's recipes, presentation standards, and specifications.
Maintain exceptional standards of hospitality, professionalism, and guest engagement.
Ensure all bar stations are properly stocked, organized, clean, and ready before each service.
Support beverage service across the main bar, lounge, patio, private events, and other outlets as needed.
Maintain proper glassware, garnish, ice, and bar equipment standards.
Team Leadership & Training
Assist management in training, coaching, and evaluating bartenders and barbacks.
Conduct daily preshift checks and reinforce beverage knowledge, cocktail recipes, and service standards.
Ensure consistent cocktail preparation, proper techniques, and presentation across all shifts.
Identify performance concerns and communicate them promptly to management.
Promote teamwork and effective communication between the bar, dining room, kitchen, and management.
Inventory & Cost Control
Assist the Head of Beverage & Wine with inventory counts, ordering, and maintaining appropriate par levels.
Monitor liquor, wine, beer, mixers, garnishes, and bar supplies.
Ensure proper product rotation, storage, labeling, and FIFO procedures.
Monitor beverage consistency, portion control, and recipe compliance.
Report shortages, equipment issues, and inventory discrepancies to management.
Guest Experience & Beverage Knowledge
Create memorable experiences through genuine hospitality, personalized recommendations, and attention to detail.
Demonstrate extensive knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, wines, and contemporary mixology.
Confidently recommend premium spirits, signature cocktails, and wines to enhance the guest experience.
Support seasonal cocktail development, beverage tastings, and special events in collaboration with the Head of Beverage & Wine.
Maintain knowledge of MIKA's food menu to provide thoughtful pairing recommendations.
Follow all sanitation, food safety, and workplace safety procedures.
Ensure accurate POS transactions, proper cash handling, and adherence to company financial controls.
Immediately communicate guest complaints, operational issues, and service challenges to management.
Minimum 3–5 years of bartending experience , preferably in upscale or fine-dining restaurants.
Previous Lead Bartender or supervisory experience strongly preferred.
Strong knowledge of classic cocktails, premium spirits, wine, and beverage service.
Experience with inventory management, cost control, and bar organization.
Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
At MIKA, the Lead Bartender is expected to be more than an excellent bartender. This individual must be a role model for the entire beverage team.
Takes ownership of the bar and its daily performance.
Understands that hospitality is about anticipating needs, not simply responding to requests.
Supports management in developing a strong, knowledgeable, and motivated beverage team.
Performance Expectations
Consistency and quality of beverage execution.
Guest satisfaction and overall bar experience.
Bar cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness.
Inventory accuracy, waste reduction, and cost awareness.
Team development and training progress.
Collaboration with the Head of Beverage & Wine and management.
MIKA Coral Gables offers the opportunity to be part of a distinguished restaurant concept led by Chef Michael White, where culinary excellence, exceptional beverages, and genuine hospitality come together.
We are looking for hospitality professionals who take pride in their craft, value teamwork, and want to grow within an environment committed to excellence.
Hospitality of Home.