What are the responsibilities and job description for the Barback position at The Cocktail Hour?
Barback — The Cocktail Hour
Location: The Cocktail HourPosition Type: Full-Time/Part-Time Barback
Position Overview
The Barback at The Cocktail Hour plays a critical role in supporting the bar team and maintaining the pace, organization, and quality of service in a high-volume, elevated cocktail environment.
The Cocktail Hour operates an evolving cocktail program built around five distinct seasonal menus throughout the year, with rotating guest bartenders and beverage professionals. The barback is responsible for keeping the bar fully stocked, organized, clean, and prepared while maintaining a high level of attention to glassware, pre-batched cocktails, and all elements of bar service.
Responsibilities
- Support bartenders throughout service by anticipating their needs and maintaining an efficient bar operation.
- Maintain a high level of care and attention to glassware, including polishing, stocking, organizing, and replenishing glassware throughout service.
- Ensure all glassware is clean, spotless, properly polished, and presentation-ready.
- Handle delicate and specialty glassware carefully and maintain proper organization by type and service use.
- Prepare, organize, label, date, store, and replenish pre-batched cocktails and cocktail components according to established standards.
- Maintain accurate organization of pre-batched cocktails throughout service and communicate low-stock levels to bartenders and management.
- Assist with proper preparation and handling of juices, syrups, garnishes, and other cocktail components.
- Keep the bar fully stocked with spirits, mixers, beer, wine, ice, glassware, garnishes, and other service essentials.
- Maintain adequate ice supply and ensure proper ice handling throughout service.
- Support bartenders during high-volume periods by quickly replenishing products and removing used glassware.
- Maintain clean, organized, and polished bar stations throughout the shift.
- Assist with setup and breakdown of the bar before and after service.
- Support inventory organization, receiving, rotation, and storage of beverage products.
- Maintain cleanliness of bar equipment, floors, coolers, shelving, and service areas.
- Support and collaborate with rotating guest bartenders, helping them become familiar with the bar, equipment, products, pre-batched cocktails, glassware, and service flow.
- Anticipate the needs of both resident and guest bartenders without disrupting service.
- Communicate effectively with bartenders, managers, servers, kitchen staff, and other members of the hospitality team.
- Follow established sanitation, safety, and beverage-handling standards.
- Ensure the bar is properly prepared for each service and fully reset for the following shift.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Barback is hardworking, observant, organized, and exceptionally detail-oriented. They understand that excellent cocktail service depends on the preparation and organization happening behind the scenes.
Candidates should have:
- Previous barback, restaurant, hospitality, or high-volume service experience preferred.
- Exceptional attention to detail, particularly with glassware, cleanliness, organization, and beverage preparation.
- The ability to handle delicate and high-end glassware with care.
- The ability to properly organize and maintain pre-batched cocktails and cocktail components.
- A strong work ethic and willingness to stay active throughout the entire shift.
- Excellent organization and time-management skills.
- The ability to anticipate the needs of bartenders and respond quickly.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- The ability to remain calm and efficient during high-volume service.
- A professional, positive attitude and willingness to learn.
- An interest in cocktails, spirits, and elevated hospitality.
- The ability to work effectively alongside rotating guest bartenders and industry professionals.
- Full-time availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
What We Expect
At The Cocktail Hour, the Barback is an essential part of the guest experience. A great barback keeps the team moving, the bar prepared, and the standard high.
From spotless glassware to properly prepared pre-batched cocktails, every detail matters. Our barbacks are expected to take ownership of their station, anticipate the needs of the bar team, and maintain the level of care and precision expected in an elevated cocktail program.
This is a full-time position for someone who takes pride in hospitality, thrives in a high-volume environment, and wants to grow within a professional cocktail program.
Pay: $15.00 - $20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $15 - $20