Full Time Mixologist/Bartender

About Oak + Violet

Located inside the Park James Hotel in Menlo Park, Oak + Violet is a vibrant Californian restaurant where elevated hospitality meets innovative cuisine. In partnership with Michelin-starred Chef Joseph Humphry, our menu highlights refined flavors, seasonal ingredients, and a dedication to exceptional dining. We pride ourselves on creating memorable guest experiences through genuine, polished service.

Position Summary

We are seeking a professional Mixologist / Bartender with at least 2 years of experience in an upscale or fine dining environment. The ideal candidate is highly creative, organized, self-sufficient, and passionate about hospitality, beverage innovation, and operational excellence. This individual will work closely with the Lead Bartender to curate an innovative and thoughtful beverage program that places strong emphasis on elevated non-alcoholic cocktails while also delivering an intriguing, seasonally driven alcoholic cocktail list.

Our beverage program is shifting toward a stronger focus on refined non-alcoholic offerings, local ingredients, and seasonality. We are looking for a bartender who is excited to help shape that vision, explore their creativity, and take meaningful ownership of the cocktail list. This role offers creative freedom for the right candidate, someone who is inspired by flavor development, eager to work with fresh and local ingredients, and motivated to create drinks that feel relevant, distinctive, and memorable.

The right candidate will also be proactive in improving bar efficiency, refining systems, maintaining organization, and holding themselves accountable for the daily success of bar operations. This is an excellent opportunity for a hospitality professional who wants to grow with the restaurant and contribute creatively and operationally to an evolving beverage identity. Candidate must have open availability to include holidays, Sunday’s and AM or PM shifts as needed.

Key Responsibilities

● Collaborate closely with the Lead Bartender to develop and execute a seasonal cocktail program featuring both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

● Lead the creation of innovative, high-quality non-alcoholic cocktails that align with the restaurant’s evolving beverage direction

● Craft seasonal alcoholic cocktails using local ingredients, fresh produce, house-made elements, and thoughtful flavor combinations

● Take creative ownership of the cocktail list while ensuring beverages are executable, cost-conscious, and aligned with the Oak + Violet brand

● Prepare syrups, cordials, infusions, garnishes, and batched ingredients with precision and consistency

● Maintain thorough knowledge of spirits, liqueurs, wine, beer, non-alcoholic products, and current beverage trends

● Deliver warm, polished, and attentive bar service while engaging guests with confidence and hospitality

● Ensure bar mise en place is fully prepared and organized for service each day

● Proactively identify opportunities to improve bar systems, workflow, cleanliness, speed, and overall efficiency

● Monitor inventory levels, communicate ordering needs, and assist with product organization and storage

● Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and presentation of the bar at all times

● Assist with training, educating, and inspiring team members on cocktail ingredients, preparation methods, and service standards

● Uphold all company policies, responsible alcohol service practices, and health and safety standards

● Take accountability for the daily readiness, cleanliness, and execution of bar operations

● Take inventory of liquor, beer, wine, and other mixers at the end of each month.

Qualifications

● Minimum 2 years of bartending or mixology experience in an upscale, fine dining, luxury hotel, or high-level cocktail environment

● Strong knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, flavor building, and modern beverage trends

● Genuine passion for developing elevated non-alcoholic cocktails and exploring thoughtful alternatives to traditional alcohol service

● Experience working with seasonal menus, fresh ingredients, and house-made beverage components

● Strong sense of organization, urgency, and attention to detail

● Ability to work independently, take initiative, and self-manage responsibilities effectively

● Proactive mindset with a strong sense of accountability and ownership

● Excellent communication and collaboration skills

● Professional appearance and polished guest-facing presence

● Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 pounds

● Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events

Preferred Qualifications

● Previous lead bartender or beverage program development experience

● Experience building or refreshing cocktail menus in collaboration with management

● Familiarity with inventory systems, recipe costing, and batching for efficiency

● Experience in luxury hotel, Michelin-level, or chef-driven restaurant environments

● Strong interest in local sourcing, seasonality, and culinary-driven beverage development

What We’re Looking For

At Oak + Violet, we are looking for a beverage professional who wants to do more than tend bar. We are seeking someone who is excited to help shape the direction of our cocktail program, contribute creatively, and take pride in building an exceptional bar experience. The ideal candidate is highly team oriented, creatively driven, operationally strong, and eager to grow with the restaurant. They should be energized by innovation, inspired by hospitality, and motivated to bring both ideas and discipline to the bar every day.

Pay: $17.88 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person