Seasonal 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.

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.

Consistent evening and weekend availability required 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

Monitor inventory, organization, waste and product needs

Communicate ordering and equipment needs to ownership

Help receive, organize and properly store beverage deliveries

Train and support additional bartenders as the team grows

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

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

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

Remains calm, organized and professional during busy service

Takes ownership of their responsibilities while supporting the entire 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.

Consistent evening and weekend availability is essential. 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
• Opportunities for professional growth and creative involvement
• 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.