Craft Cocktail BartenderAbout Anchor Spa
Anchor Spa is a historic cocktail bar and restaurant in downtown New Haven, blending nearly a century of history with a modern craft cocktail program. Originally established in the 1930s, Anchor was reimagined by Yale alumnus Karl Franz Williams into a vibrant gathering place inspired by the cultures, flavors, and hospitality traditions of Caribbean port cities.
Our bar program is built around thoughtful technique, consistency, hospitality, and continuous learning. We believe great cocktails are the result of discipline, preparation, attention to detail, and genuine passion for the craft.
The Opportunity
This is not an entry-level bartending position.
We are seeking experienced craft cocktail bartenders to join our team.
This position is designed for bartenders who view bartending as a profession rather than simply a job. The ideal candidate has worked in a cocktail-focused bar, restaurant, hotel, or hospitality program where precision, consistency, recipe adherence, mise en place, and guest experience are taken seriously.
We are looking for professionals who are invested in their craft—people who enjoy studying spirits, learning cocktail history, refining technique, attending industry events, pursuing certifications, participating in professional organizations, and continually improving their skills behind the bar.
If you find yourself debating the merits of different rum styles, obsessing over proper dilution, researching historical cocktail recipes, evaluating ice quality, or refining service standards, you'll likely fit in well here.
Our guests expect an elevated experience, and our team shares a commitment to delivering it every shift.
What We Offer
- Competitive wages
- Hourly rate starts at $10/hour (compared to Connecticut's tipped bartender minimum wage of $8.23/hour)
- Typical earnings range from $20–$40+ per hour with tips
- Opportunities to contribute creatively to our cocktail program
- Ongoing learning and professional development
- A collaborative, hospitality-focused team environment
- The opportunity to work at one of New Haven's most unique cocktail destinations
What We're Looking For
- Previous experience in a craft cocktail bar, cocktail-focused restaurant, hotel bar program, or similarly high-standard beverage environment
- Strong knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, technique, and cocktail preparation
- A demonstrated commitment to hospitality as a profession
- Exceptional attention to detail and pride in consistency
- Strong organizational and station management skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced service environment while maintaining quality and composure
- Professional communication and guest engagement skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage priorities during service, and contribute positively to a professional team environment without requiring extensive oversight
- Reliability, accountability, and strong time-management skills
- Evening and weekend availability
Please Note: Weekend availability is required.
How to Apply
Applications that do not include a resume AND either a cover letter or video introduction will not be considered.
In addition to your resume, please submit either to [email protected]:
- A cover letter explaining your background, what attracts you to craft cocktail bartending, and why you'd like to work at Anchor Spa; or
- A short video (1–3 minutes) introducing yourself and sharing your experience, interests, and approach to hospitality and bartending.
We'd also love to hear:
- Your favorite classic cocktail and why
- A cocktail you've recently become excited about
- A book, bartender, bar program, spirit category, certification, guild, or industry organization that has influenced your development
We're not simply looking for someone who can make drinks—we're looking for hospitality professionals who are passionate about the craft, committed to excellence, and excited to continue growing alongside our team.
If you take pride in consistency, care deeply about hospitality, enjoy continuous learning, and believe bartending is a profession worth mastering, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: $20.00 - $40.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
