Bartender - NAIA

Brought to you by DineAmic Hospitality and situated along the Chicago River in River North, NAIA is a sweeping Greek-Levantine dining destination inspired by the culture, cuisine, and hospitality of the Mediterranean. Led by internationally acclaimed Chef Athinagoras Kostakos, NAIA features vibrant mezze, fresh seafood, wood-grilled specialties, and an expansive beverage program in a stunning indoor-outdoor waterfront setting.

Bartenders are responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences in our fast-paced, high-volume, full-service restaurant environment. This role requires strong food and beverage product knowledge, precision in execution, and a commitment to consistency and teamwork. Bartenders prepare and serve beverages with accuracy and efficiency while maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming bar environment.

Successful candidates maintain composure under pressure, communicate effectively with guests and team members, and take pride in creating memorable bar experiences. Bartenders deliver excellent service that promotes guest loyalty and encourages return visits, collaborate closely alongside servers and support staff to maintain seamless service flow, and help introduce guests to the restaurant’s rewards program and other guest engagement initiatives when appropriate.

Essential Responsibilities + Duties

• Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to standardized recipes with accuracy and consistency.
• Deliver warm, attentive, and engaging hospitality to every guest at the bar and in the service well
• Maintain strong knowledge of menu items, including allergens, as well as specialty cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits to confidently guide guest selections and provide recommendations
• Execute high-volume service while maintaining composure, organization, and quality standards.
• Accurately enter orders into the POS system and process payments in accordance with company procedures.
• Follow best practices for cash handling, drawer management, and end-of-shift reconciliation procedures.
• Monitor guest alcohol consumption and enforce responsible alcohol service standards in compliance with local and state regulations.
• Monitor the bar area and maintain awareness of open tabs, following established procedures such as securing a credit card for tabs during late-night service hours.
• Maintain a clean, stocked, and organized bar area, including polishing glassware and restocking inventory.
• Collaborate with servers, barbacks, kitchen staff, and management to ensure seamless service flow.
• Complete opening, running, and closing side work as assigned.
• Assist with inventory control, waste minimization, and proper storage of all bar products.
• Follow all company policies, food safety standards, and sanitation guidelines.
• Address guest concerns professionally and escalate issues to management when appropriate.
• Contribute positively to team morale and support fellow team members during high-volume periods.
• Bartenders may be assigned to private dining or special events and are expected to review BEOs and coordinate bar service in accordance with event timelines and company standards.
• Additional duties as needed within the scope of the role.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must meet minimum age requirements to serve alcohol per state law.
• Valid alcohol service certification (or ability to obtain within required timeframe).
• At least 2 years of bartending experience in a full-service, high-volume restaurant preferred.
• Knowledge of classic cocktails, beer styles, wine varietals, and spirits.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business demands.

Physical Demands + Work Environment:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8+ hours per shift).
• Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 40 pounds (kegs, cases, glass racks)
• Continuous use of hands and arms for shaking, pouring, garnishing, and operating equipment
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and twist throughout shift.
• Must be able to move safely through kitchen area, including slick floors and tight spaces.

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Communication Skills
• Emotional Intelligence
• Integrity
• Personal Development
• Professionalism
• Self-Management
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Technical Proficiency with computers and POS systems

What We Offer

• Food & Beverage Discounts
• Benefit Plan Options (Medical, Dental and Vision, 401K + Match)
• Employee Referral Program
• Commuter Benefits
• Paid Leave
• Paid Sick Leave

Dineamic Hospitality is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Salary: $12.96 per hour plus tips