Job Description

Beverage Director / Lead Bartender

Compensation: $18/hour + tips (weekly take-home averages $900–$1200 or more)

Schedule: Full-time

About Us

Passerine is a modern Indian, fine-dining restaurant in NYC that blends warm hospitality with a creative, seasonal approach to food and beverage. We are seeking a Beverage Director who will also serve as Lead Bartender to join our growing team. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone passionate about cocktails, wine, and service, with the drive to both oversee the beverage program and set the tone behind the bar.

Responsibilities

• Program Development
  
  
• Curate, develop, and maintain a seasonal cocktail program aligned with our culinary vision.
• Oversee wine, beer, spirits, and N/A beverage selections, working closely with the GM and Chef on pairings.
• Track beverage costs, inventory, and ordering to ensure financial health of the program.
• Leadership & Training
  
  
• Act as lead bartender during service, setting the standard for speed, accuracy, and hospitality.
• Train and mentor FOH staff on cocktail builds, wine knowledge, service standards, and upselling techniques.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, warmth, and teamwork.
• Operations
  
  
• Maintain all bar prep, batching, and cleanliness to DOH and company standards.
• Manage vendor relationships and negotiate with distributors.
• Support FOH leadership in daily pre-service meetings and ensure smooth bar operations during peak hours.

Qualifications

• 2–3+ years bartending experience, preferably in a high-volume or fine-dining setting.
• Strong knowledge of classic and modern cocktails, spirits, and wine.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to balance creative vision with operational and financial discipline.
• Must be organized, detail-oriented, and able to thrive under pressure.

Why Join Us

At Passerine, we believe hospitality is about creating lasting connections. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to not only craft drinks but also shape the beverage identity of a restaurant from the ground up. You’ll work closely with ownership and management, and your input will directly influence guest experience.

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