What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bartender / Barback position at Tasting Room?
The Tasting Room is hiring for both our award-winning Monona location and our new Waunakee location opening Summer 2026.
We are looking for full-time and part-time team members who are passionate about hospitality and creating exceptional guest experiences.
Whether you're an experienced bartender or someone looking to build a career in hospitality, we want to meet you.
About The Tasting Room
The Tasting Room is one of the Madison area's premier cocktail lounges and cigar destinations.
Our accolades include:
- Best Cocktail (Multiple Years)
- Best Cocktail Bar
- Best Bartending Staff
- Best Bar
- Best Bloody Mary
- Best Wine Selection
- PCA Best Cigar Bar Award
Our guests visit us for handcrafted cocktails, premium cigars, exceptional hospitality, live entertainment, and memorable experiences. Every decision we make begins with one question:
"How do we create the best possible experience for our guests?"
What We're Looking For
Experience is great, but it is not required.
We're looking for people with:
- Positive attitudes
- Strong work ethic
- Reliability
- Coachability
- A genuine passion for hospitality
- Great communication skills
- The ability to make guests feel welcome
We can teach cocktails.
We can teach cigars.
We can teach spirits, wine, and service standards.
We cannot teach enthusiasm, kindness, and the desire to take care of people.
Our Training Path
Most new team members begin as Barbacks while learning our systems and beverage program.
During training you'll learn:
- Cocktail preparation
- Wine service
- Spirits knowledge
- Cigar knowledge
- Guest service standards
- POS systems
- Operational procedures
As skills develop, team members are promoted into Bartender positions.
Our goal is to develop every great candidate into a successful bartender.
Responsibilities
- Deliver exceptional hospitality
- Support bartenders and service staff
- Learn our cocktail, wine, beer, and cigar programs
- Maintain cleanliness and organization
- Assist guests with recommendations
- Work collaboratively with the team
- Help create memorable guest experiences
Compensation
- Starting hourly wage plus tips
- Most Bartenders earn approximately $30-$40 per hour including tips
- Opportunities for advancement and increased earnings
Full-Time Benefits
Eligible full-time employees receive:
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- 401(k)
- 401(k) Matching
- Paid Time Off
- Employee Discounts
- Paid Training
- Flexible Scheduling
- Referral Program
Locations
- Monona, WI
- Waunakee, WI (Opening Summer 2026)
Applicants may choose to work at either location or both.
If you're looking for more than just a job and want to be part of an award-winning team focused on hospitality, we'd love to meet you.
Pay: $30.00 - $40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Referral program
Application Question(s):
- Why are you interested in working at The Tasting Room?
- Which location are you interested in?
- Are you available to work evenings and weekends?
- Have you previously worked in hospitality, customer service, or food & beverage?
- Are you interested in learning bartending through our training program?
Work Location: In person
Salary : $30 - $40