Lead bartender

MIKA Coral Gables, by acclaimed Michelin-starred Chef Michael White, is seeking an experienced, passionate, and detail-oriented Lead Bartender to oversee daily bar operations and deliver an exceptional beverage and hospitality experience.

Inspired by the coastal elegance of the Italian and French Riviera, MIKA combines refined cuisine, creative cocktails, and warm, authentic hospitality.

The Lead Bartender serves as a hands-on leader, setting the standard for cocktail execution, guest engagement, bar organization, and teamwork. This position requires strong beverage knowledge, operational discipline, and the ability to lead by example while maintaining MIKA's philosophy of unpretentious, authentic luxury .

Key Responsibilities

Bar Operations & Service

- Lead daily bar operations, ensuring smooth, efficient, and consistent service.
- Prepare and serve cocktails according to MIKA's recipes, presentation standards, and specifications.
- Maintain exceptional standards of hospitality, professionalism, and guest engagement.
- Ensure all bar stations are properly stocked, organized, clean, and ready before each service.
- Oversee opening and closing procedures, including setup, breakdown, and completion of daily checklists.
- Support beverage service across the main bar, lounge, patio, private events, and other outlets as needed.
- Maintain proper glassware, garnish, ice, and bar equipment standards.

Team Leadership & Training

- Lead by example through professionalism, positive attitude, teamwork, and accountability.
- Assist management in training, coaching, and evaluating bartenders and barbacks.
- Conduct daily preshift checks and reinforce beverage knowledge, cocktail recipes, and service standards.
- Ensure consistent cocktail preparation, proper techniques, and presentation across all shifts.
- Identify performance concerns and communicate them promptly to management.
- Promote teamwork and effective communication between the bar, dining room, kitchen, and management.

Inventory & Cost Control

- Assist the Head of Beverage & Wine with inventory counts, ordering, and maintaining appropriate par levels.
- Monitor liquor, wine, beer, mixers, garnishes, and bar supplies.
- Minimize waste, overpouring, breakage, and unnecessary product loss.
- Ensure proper product rotation, storage, labeling, and FIFO procedures.
- Monitor beverage consistency, portion control, and recipe compliance.
- Report shortages, equipment issues, and inventory discrepancies to management.

Guest Experience & Beverage Knowledge

- Create memorable experiences through genuine hospitality, personalized recommendations, and attention to detail.
- Demonstrate extensive knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, wines, and contemporary mixology.
- Confidently recommend premium spirits, signature cocktails, and wines to enhance the guest experience.
- Anticipate guest needs and proactively address concerns.
- Support seasonal cocktail development, beverage tastings, and special events in collaboration with the Head of Beverage & Wine.
- Maintain knowledge of MIKA's food menu to provide thoughtful pairing recommendations.

Compliance & Accountability

- Ensure responsible alcohol service and compliance with Florida alcohol regulations.
- Follow all sanitation, food safety, and workplace safety procedures.
- Ensure accurate POS transactions, proper cash handling, and adherence to company financial controls.
- Maintain appropriate uniform, grooming, and professional appearance standards.
- Immediately communicate guest complaints, operational issues, and service challenges to management.

Qualifications & Experience

- Minimum 3–5 years of bartending experience , preferably in upscale or fine-dining restaurants.
- Previous Lead Bartender or supervisory experience strongly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of classic cocktails, premium spirits, wine, and beverage service.
- Experience with inventory management, cost control, and bar organization.
- Ability to train, motivate, and support a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency.
- Experience with Toast POS or similar systems preferred.
- Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform the physical duties required of the position.

Leadership Expectations

At MIKA, the Lead Bartender is expected to be more than an excellent bartender. This individual must be a role model for the entire beverage team.

We expect someone who:

- Takes ownership of the bar and its daily performance.
- Leads through example rather than authority alone.
- Maintains a positive, professional attitude under pressure.
- Understands that hospitality is about anticipating needs, not simply responding to requests.
- Holds themselves and their team accountable for consistency, cleanliness, and attention to detail.
- Supports management in developing a strong, knowledgeable, and motivated beverage team.

Performance Expectations

Success in this position will be measured by:

- Consistency and quality of beverage execution.
- Guest satisfaction and overall bar experience.
- Bar cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness.
- Inventory accuracy, waste reduction, and cost awareness.
- Team development and training progress.
- Compliance with service standards and company procedures.
- Collaboration with the Head of Beverage & Wine and management.

Why Join MIKA?

MIKA Coral Gables offers the opportunity to be part of a distinguished restaurant concept led by Chef Michael White, where culinary excellence, exceptional beverages, and genuine hospitality come together.

We are looking for hospitality professionals who take pride in their craft, value teamwork, and want to grow within an environment committed to excellence.

MIKA Coral Gables
Tastes of the Riviera. Hospitality of Home.

MIKA Coral Gables is an Equal Opportunity Employer.