Lead Bartender – Fine Dining
Gander & Ryegrass | Downtown Spokane
Gander & Ryegrass is a chef-driven fine dining restaurant in downtown Spokane with a strong focus on craft, hospitality, and teamwork. We make nearly everything in house — from bread and pasta to bitters, syrups, and non-alcoholic components — and we expect the same level of care and intention behind the bar.
We are looking for an experienced Lead Bartender to oversee our cocktail, liquor, beer, and non-alcoholic program while actively working service. This is a tipped, hands-on role for someone who values speed, precision, and hospitality equally. Great bar programs support the room — they don’t slow it down.
This position reports to the GM and works closely with FOH leadership and the kitchen. While this is not a people-management role, the Lead Bartender sets standards, maintains consistency, and helps shape the bar program through execution.
Our dinner service is centered around coursed meals and beverage pairings, which means timing, communication, and attention to detail matter at every table. On busy nights, the Lead Bartender is focused on the well and rail. On slower services, you may also hold a table or two. Bartenders are expected to know the full dining room menu and service flow and to step onto the floor when needed.
Our bar program leans craft, but speed and consistency are non-negotiable. We value thoughtful batching, efficient builds, and smart prep over overly precious, high-touch cocktails that compromise ticket times.
Experience and qualifications:
– 5+ years of professional bartending experience, ideally in fine dining or chef-driven restaurants
– Proven ability to run bar service efficiently during complex, coursed dinner service
– Strong understanding of batching, prep systems, and workflow designed for speed and consistency
– Experience collaborating closely with FOH leadership and kitchen teams
– Comfortable working both behind the bar and occasionally in the dining room
– Solid working knowledge of inventory control, cleanliness, and cost awareness in a from-scratch program
– Confident knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic offerings
– Experience working with house-made components such as bitters, syrups, and infusions
What we’re looking for:
– Calm, steady presence during busy service
– Hospitality-first mindset toward guests and teammates
– Ability to move fast without cutting corners
– Detail-oriented without being rigid or precious
– Team-driven, low-ego, and accountable
This role is not a fit if:
– You prefer elaborate, high-touch cocktails at the expense of ticket times
– You are seeking a full management position
– You want to work only behind the bar with no flexibility
– You struggle with shared responsibility and collaborative service
If you’re an experienced bartender who values craft, efficiency, and thoughtful hospitality, we’d love to hear from you.
We are looking to hire some one to start at the beginning of February.
Bring your resume to 404 W Main Avenue, downtown Spokane. Ask for Peter