*Who We Are*
Benny’s is a neighborhood restaurant in Portland, Maine rooted in Philly-inspired food and a straightforward approach to hospitality: make it good, make it consistent, and make people feel welcome. We care about quality and execution, but we’re not trying to be flashy about it. We’re building a spot that locals rely on — whether that’s a weeknight dinner, a quick bite at the bar, or a place to meet friends.
We’re a small, hands-on team that takes pride in what we’re creating and how we show up for each other. If you’re someone who wants to be part of building a respected neighborhood place, where the food and beverage is dialed in, the vibe is relaxed, and the work matters. We’d love to have you join us!
*What You’ll Do*
As a Bartender at Benny’s, you’ll play an important role in bringing our beverage program to life each shift. Working alongside our Bar Manager and the rest of the bar team, you’ll craft drinks with consistency, care, and attention to detail. You’ll also connect directly with our guests, helping create the warm, welcoming experience we strive to offer everyone who walks through our doors.
From prep to service, you’ll help ensure every drink that leaves the bar meets our standards for quality, flavor, and presentation. During busy services, you’ll move with urgency, keep your station clean and organized, and work closely with our service team to keep things running smoothly.
*Key Responsibilities*
-Prepare and serve cocktails, wine, beer, and other beverages according to Benny’s standards and recipes.
-Ensure proper presentation, portioning, and consistency for all drinks.
-Maintain knowledge of the bar menu, including specialty cocktails, wine selections, and pairings.
-Provide friendly, attentive, and professional service to all guests at the bar.
-Address guest questions or concerns about drinks, ingredients, and menu options.
-Support a positive, high-energy atmosphere in the bar area.
-Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the bar and service stations.
-Monitor inventory levels and communicate restocking needs to the Bar Lead or GM.
-Assist with opening and closing procedures, including setup, cleaning, and cash-out.
-Ensure compliance with health, safety, and alcohol regulations.
-Work closely with the Bar Lead and GM to implement menu updates and specials.
-Support fellow front-of-house staff by answering questions or assisting with service during busy periods.
*Who You Are*
-You take pride in your work and care about consistency.
-You move with urgency but don’t sacrifice quality.
-You’re a team player. You jump in to help, communicate clearly, and understand that a smooth service takes everyone working together.
-You’re comfortable taking direction and always looking to get better.
-You’re excited to contribute to the kind of neighborhood culture that regulars feel when they walk through the door.
-You show up reliably, ready to work, and ready to contribute to a positive, no-drama environment.
*Qualifications*
-3–5+ years of bartending experience in a high-volume restaurant or bar.
-Knowledge of cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits, with the ability to make recommendations and pairings.
-Strong communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
-Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and remain calm under pressure.
-Proficiency in POS systems and cash handling.
-Required Certifications: Maine Food Handler and Alcohol Server Certifications (or willingness to obtain)
-Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by restaurant operations.
*Position Details*
This is a full-time position offering a competitive hourly wage, along with participation in an equitable tip pool shared among our service team. Team members also receive earned paid leave in accordance with Maine Earned Paid Leave Law, as well as staff dining discounts at both Benny’s and Ramona’s.
To apply, please reply to the email provided with your resume. We’d also love to hear a little about you—include a few short paragraphs sharing what excites you about bringing your energy and style of service to Benny’s. Then, share one aspect of workplace culture that really matters to you (for example: teamwork, communication, accountability, etc.). Please give an example of how you personally help contribute to that kind of environment on a team.
