Location: West Side Bazaar, 1432 Niagara St., Buffalo, NY, 14213
Position Type: Part-Time (Hourly)
Scheduled Hours: Tuesdays 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM, Saturdays 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM, plus flexible hours for special events as needed.
The West Side Bazaar is a vibrant community destination and incubator market featuring unique international food vendors, retail shops, and community events. We pride ourselves on celebrating diversity, culture, and local entrepreneurship. We are seeking a reliable, community-minded Bartender to join our team, anchoring our regular evening service and elevating our vibrant special event programming.
As a Bartender at the West Side Bazaar, you will be the face of our beverage hospitality during our peak evening hours and diverse community events. This role requires a balance of traditional bartending efficiency, excellent customer engagement, and the adaptability to support unique cultural celebrations, markets, and private gatherings.
Beverage Preparation: Pour, and serve a curated selection of craft beers, wines, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Hospitality & Engagement: Welcome guests warmly, provide recommendations, answer questions about our beverage menu, and deliver exceptional service in a fast-paced environment.
Point of Sale (POS) & Cash Handling: Accurately process transactions, manage tabs, and handle cash and card payments responsibly via Toast POS.
Setup & Breakdown: Efficiently set up the bar area for evening service and execute thorough closing procedures (cleaning, restocking, and securing inventory) by 8:30 PM.
Cleanliness & Sanitation: Maintain a pristine, organized, and hygienic bar environment throughout the shift in compliance with local health department standards.
Safe Service: Verify guest identification to ensure legal drinking age and monitor alcohol consumption to ensure a safe, welcoming environment for all patrons.
Event Support: Serve as the primary bartender for scheduled special events, themed nights, and community gatherings, adapting the bar setup and speed of service to meet event-specific crowds.
Team Collaboration: Coordinate smoothly with Bazaar management, event organizers, and diverse food vendors to ensure a cohesive guest experience.
Experience: Minimum of 1–2 years of bartending or service industry experience
Availability: Must be strictly reliable for the core schedule (Tuesdays and Saturdays, 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM) and offer flexibility to work varying shifts for special events (evenings/weekends).
Knowledge: Strong understanding of beer styles, wine varietals, and responsible beverage service protocols (TIPS or alcohol awareness training certification is a plus). Interest in international cultures and flavors a plus!
Interpersonal Skills: Outstanding communication skills and a passion for engaging with a diverse, multicultural community of vendors and patrons.
Physical Demands: Ability to stand for the duration of a 4.5-hour shift, move quickly in a tight bar space, and lift/move ice, kegs, or cases of beer up to 40 lbs.
