Grand Lake Kitchen Lake Merritt is hiring a bartender

**we rarely post for this position at this location! come join our amazing team!**

Bartender (Part-Time)
Pay: $17.34/hour + tips (pooled house)
Schedule: Part-time, 3–5 shifts per week

WHO WE ARE
Grand Lake Kitchen Lake Merritt is the flagship location situated right in the heart of Oakland. We are an all-day neighborhood café known for busy brunches, bistro-style dinners, a full bar, and welcoming outdoor spaces.
GLK is a true neighborhood hangout—many of our guests come several times a week. Our food is contemporary American with classic roots, and our hospitality is warm, thoughtful, and efficient. Our work culture reflects the same values: high standards, clear communication, and genuine care for one another.

WHAT THIS ROLE IS
Your number one job is to make regulars!
Your number two job is to make delicious drinks!
We are looking for not only technically proficient bartenders (know your drinks, spirits, how to find out what people like) but you have to be the kind of person that will make guests comfortable enough to want to come back. This bar serves not only as the focal point for cocktail service for the whole restaurant, it is a bustling dining counter as well. You must have restaurant service experience and love being with people! You may be asked to jump out and help with tables. No big egos or only creatively driven people, please! We are looking for clean, organized, communicative, and charming folks to be behind this special bar! Also, this is a dry bar - no drinking on premise. There’s plenty of great bars in the neighborhood for us AFTER!

REQUIREMENTS
Know how to make a martini - all the ways!
Minimum 2 years of bartending experience in a full-service restaurant
Strong working knowledge of classic and contemporary cocktails
Know 10+ types of each kind of spirit
Working knowledge of wine and local beers
Know how to open a bottle of wine as if you were at a table
Use Toast POS
Must be gracious, professional, and guest-focused at all times
Authorized to work in the United States
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for the duration of a full shift
Must be 21+ years of age
Valid Food Handler Card and RBS Certification (required)

RESPONSIBILITIES
Prepare and serve cocktails, beer, and wine to bar and table guests
Maintain consistency, accuracy, and speed during service
Engage with guests in a friendly, knowledgeable, and professional manner
Communicate clearly with servers, hosts, and kitchen staff
Maintain cleanliness, organization, and stocking of the bar
Follow all alcohol service laws and safety standards
Complete opening, closing, and side work thoroughly and on time
Support the front-of-house team as needed during service
Be reliable! Show up on time

WHAT WE OFFER
$17.34/hour + tips (pooled house)
Shift meals and dining discounts
Paid sick leave in accordance with San Francisco and California law
Opportunity for growth — we are mom and pop, love promoting from within, and growing with our staff
A supportive, high-standard, genuinely kind workplace

COME JOIN US!
Please send your resume in the body of an email and indicate what position and location you are applying for. We look forward to meeting you!