What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bartender position at Black Briar?
Company Overview
Black Briar is a Bold American Tavern in Chicago's West Loop, anchored by an open coal grill, a serious raw
bar, strong pours, and hospitality that feels instinctive rather than choreographed. We are opening in 2026 and
building something meant to last: a restaurant with a point of view, a team with standards, and a bar worth
returning to.
We are looking for a Bartender who takes the craft seriously without taking themselves too seriously - accurate, fast,
warm, and steady when every seat is full.
The Role
The Bartender executes the Black Briar beverage program with consistency and care - cocktails, spirits, wine,
beer, and non-alcoholic offerings. You work both the guest-facing bar and service bar, hold specs without
shortcuts, and treat every guest at the rail like they chose the best seat in the house. You report to the Lead
Bartender and the Beverage Manager.
This is a role for someone who knows that a great bar is built on discipline first. The drink matters. So does the
pace, the cleanliness, the ticket times, and the way a guest feels sitting in front of you.
What You Own
Full-time and part-time considered. Evening, weekend, holiday, opening, and closing availability required. This
role may include pre-opening training, mock service, beverage training, and other opening-period requirements.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to stand and move for extended periods, lift and carry up to 50 pounds, regularly use stairs
between service and basement-level areas, and work in a fast-paced restaurant environment with varying
temperatures and noise levels.
Compensation and Benefits
You are calm when the printer will not stop. You move fast without looking frantic. You care about the glass,
the pour, the garnish, the guest, and the close. You have favorites, but you know the program comes first. You
can make a great cocktail without turning it into a lecture - and you would rather nail the same drink two
hundred times than improvise once.
The bar runs smoother because you are on it. The guest feels seen. The drinks land the same way every time.
Black Briar is not looking for flair. We are looking for a bartender who wants to help build a bar with memory, character, and genuine hospitality.
Apply
Black Briar is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that reflects the city we are proud to call home.
To apply, send your resume and a brief note on why Black Briar to: careers@blackbriarchi.com
Black Briar is a Bold American Tavern in Chicago's West Loop, anchored by an open coal grill, a serious raw
bar, strong pours, and hospitality that feels instinctive rather than choreographed. We are opening in 2026 and
building something meant to last: a restaurant with a point of view, a team with standards, and a bar worth
returning to.
We are looking for a Bartender who takes the craft seriously without taking themselves too seriously - accurate, fast,
warm, and steady when every seat is full.
The Role
The Bartender executes the Black Briar beverage program with consistency and care - cocktails, spirits, wine,
beer, and non-alcoholic offerings. You work both the guest-facing bar and service bar, hold specs without
shortcuts, and treat every guest at the rail like they chose the best seat in the house. You report to the Lead
Bartender and the Beverage Manager.
This is a role for someone who knows that a great bar is built on discipline first. The drink matters. So does the
pace, the cleanliness, the ticket times, and the way a guest feels sitting in front of you.
What You Own
- Executing cocktail specs with accuracy and consistency - every drink, every time, no freelancing
- Wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic service to Black Briar standards, in the right glass, at the right pace
- Service bar execution - the floor never waits and never feels second
- Guest engagement at the bar - confident, warm, and without performance
- Bar setup, stocking, and prep to par before service
- Cleanliness and organization behind the bar - before, during, and after the rush
- Beverage cost protection - accurate pours, waste awareness, proper storage and rotation
- Clear communication with the Lead Bartender, Beverage Manager, kitchen, and service team
- Responsible alcohol service and BASSET standards, without exception
- Opening and closing duties - cash handling, check accuracy, and complete breakdown to standard
- 2 years of high-volume bartending experience in a full-service restaurant or serious cocktail bar
- Strong cocktail technique and command of the classics - you can build a proper drink under pressure
- Working knowledge of spirits, wine, and beer service
- Comfortable working service bar and guest-facing bar in the same shift
- Clean, organized work habits and real closing discipline
- A team player - you back up your bar partner and the floor without being asked
- BASSET certification required
- Illinois Food Handler certification required, or ability to obtain by start date
Full-time and part-time considered. Evening, weekend, holiday, opening, and closing availability required. This
role may include pre-opening training, mock service, beverage training, and other opening-period requirements.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to stand and move for extended periods, lift and carry up to 50 pounds, regularly use stairs
between service and basement-level areas, and work in a fast-paced restaurant environment with varying
temperatures and noise levels.
Compensation and Benefits
- Hourly wage: $12.96 gratuity
- Bar tip pool participation, subject to Black Briar policy, role, and applicable law
- Health insurance eligibility, subject to plan terms and waiting periods
- Paid time off, accruing after 90 days
- Paid sick leave in accordance with Illinois law
- Employee dining benefit
- Annual performance review with merit increase opportunity
You are calm when the printer will not stop. You move fast without looking frantic. You care about the glass,
the pour, the garnish, the guest, and the close. You have favorites, but you know the program comes first. You
can make a great cocktail without turning it into a lecture - and you would rather nail the same drink two
hundred times than improvise once.
The bar runs smoother because you are on it. The guest feels seen. The drinks land the same way every time.
Black Briar is not looking for flair. We are looking for a bartender who wants to help build a bar with memory, character, and genuine hospitality.
Apply
Black Briar is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that reflects the city we are proud to call home.
To apply, send your resume and a brief note on why Black Briar to: careers@blackbriarchi.com
Salary : $13