StartenderStartender

How to Become a Bartender in Houston

No experience needed to start. Here’s the real path to your first shift in Houston — and how to get discovered once you’re ready.

Build your free profile →

The fast path

  1. Learn the basics. Take a short bartending course or start as a barback in a busy Houston bar — both teach you the craft fast.
  2. Get certified. Grab your alcohol-service certification (TIPS or your local equivalent). Quick, cheap, and venues expect it.
  3. Get real reps. Work the volume — speed and consistency behind a real bar are what get you hired and tipped.
  4. Get discovered. Build a profile that shows your work and personality so Houston venues find and book you directly.

Where to start in Houston

These are the busiest nightlife pockets — where the shifts (and the tips) are:

● LIVE ON STARTENDER

39 bartender gigs open right now in Houston

Real openings at real venues, newest first. Applying takes one tap in the app — your STARCARD goes straight to the venue.

T
Bartender/Server NEW
Tejas Brewery & Taproom
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion

Tejas Brewery & Taproom is a vibrant 3-story brewery at Sawyer Yards, offering an exciting selection of craft beers, creative cocktails, and mouthwatering food in a lively setting. We're dedicated to giving our guests an

Apply now → 1 hr ago
LLong Weekend
Bartender
Long Weekend
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion

Experienced bartenders with 2+ years of craft cocktail expertise are needed for a high-volume venue. A strong work ethic and team mentality are required. Passion for hospitality and quality drinks is a must.

Apply now → 4 days ago
TThe Green Room Restaurant
Server / Bartender
The Green Room Restaurant
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion

The Green Room Restaurant seeks a fine dining professional to deliver exceptional hospitality in an intimate setting. Experienced captains and servers who thrive in chef-driven environments are preferred. Award-winning chefs lead the restaurant.

Apply now → 4 days ago
TThe Lymbar
bartender
The Lymbar
Bartender📍 Houston$10/hr

The Lymbar, a vibrant Houston hotspot, seeks an experienced bartender with a passion for craft cocktails and great customer service. At least 4 years of experience is required. A high-energy team player is needed to create memorable experiences for guests.

Apply now → 4 days ago
H
Bartender
Hilton Houston North
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion
Apply now → 4 days ago
BBabin's Seafood
Bartender
Babin's Seafood
Bartender📍 KatyOpen to discussion
Apply now → 5 days ago
HHM Alpha Hotels & Resorts
Bartender
HM Alpha Hotels & Resorts
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion

Upscale beverage outlet seeks a skilled mixologist to craft classic cocktails and promote food sales. The ideal candidate is charismatic and attentive to detail. Premium drinks and exceptional service are expected.

Apply now → 6 days ago
TThe Railyard
Bartender Part Time
The Railyard
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion

Established neighborhood bar near River Oaks seeks a part-time bartender with nightlife experience. TABC certification is preferred for this role, which includes serving drinks and maintaining a clean environment. Opportunity to grow into more shifts is available.

Apply now → 6 days ago
HHungry's
Bartender
Hungry's
Bartender📍 Houston$7/hr

Hungry's Bistro, a 48-year Houston staple, seeks experienced bartenders with a passion for guest care and teamwork. Flexible scheduling is a plus, with availability for weekdays, nights, and weekends. A team-oriented mindset is key.

Apply now → 6 days ago
GGrotto
Bartender (Upscale / Fine Dining)
Grotto
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion
Apply now → 1 wk ago
FFairfax
Bartender
Fairfax
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion

Fairfax, an upscale cocktail lounge, seeks a skilled bartender who thrives in a fast-paced environment and prioritizes exceptional hospitality. The ideal candidate is personable and detail-oriented, dedicated to crafting memorable experiences. Expertly crafted cocktails are a must.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
L
Bartender
Lucky Strike
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion
Apply now → 1 wk ago
A
Bartender
AMF
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion
Apply now → 1 wk ago
BBar Madonna
Bartender
Bar Madonna
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion

Luxury inn Bar Madonna seeks a skilled bartender to craft classic cocktails with impeccable execution. The ideal candidate is warm and hospitable, with a focus on delivering old-world service. Boutique hotel setting with curated wine selection and limited bar snacks.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
DDel Frisco's
Bartender (Upscale / Fine Dining)
Del Frisco's
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion
Apply now → 1 wk ago
BBludorn
Bartender
Bludorn
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion

Bludorn Restaurant, a Michelin-starred chef-owned establishment, seeks a skilled bartender with casual fine dining experience. The ideal candidate is passionate and motivated with a strong work ethic. Superior quality and attention to detail are expected.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
BBar Bludorn
Bartender
Bar Bludorn
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion

Bar Bludorn, a casual fine dining venue, seeks a passionate and motivated bartender with attention to detail and a strong work ethic. The ideal candidate has experience in high-end hospitality and a commitment to excellence. Award-winning team offers superior quality and service.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
EEunice
Server and Bartender
Eunice
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion

Eunice, a Cajun-Creole restaurant in Houston, seeks charismatic servers and bartenders with strong drink knowledge. The ideal candidate excels in fast-paced environments and builds genuine connections with guests. Seasonal cuisine and craft cocktails are served in a dynamic atmosphere.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
KKatz's
Bartender Wanted
Katz's
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion

Katz's is hiring a bartender and other staff. They're looking for passionate hospitality professionals. Apply with a resume to join their team.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
SSante Lounge
Bartender Wanted
Sante Lounge
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion

Sante Lounge is hiring skilled bartenders to join their team. They're looking for charismatic and experienced professionals. Competitive opportunities are available.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
PPolekatz Houston
Bartender Wanted
Polekatz Houston
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion

Polekatz Houston, a nightlife venue, seeks a skilled and charismatic bartender. The ideal candidate is 21+ and able to provide exceptional service. A free pass is offered to those who sign up for text alerts.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
TToca Madera Houston
Bartender
Toca Madera Houston
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion
Apply now → 2 wks ago
SSpice In Heights
Bartender
Spice In Heights
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion

Spice In Heights, a new upscale restaurant in Houston Heights, seeks passionate bartenders to join its team. The ideal candidate is energetic and dedicated to creating exceptional dining experiences. High-end atmosphere and collaborative community offered.

Apply now → 3 wks ago
HHouse of Blues
Bartender - Foundation Room (House of Blues Houston)
House of Blues
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion
Apply now → 3 wks ago
HHouse of Blues
Bartender- Punch Line Houston
House of Blues
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion
Apply now → 3 wks ago
IInvited (ClubCorp)
Bartender
Invited (ClubCorp)
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion

Bartender

Apply now → 4 wks ago
LLone Star Ice House
BARTENDER
Lone Star Ice House
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion

High-energy bar with outdoor patios and entertainment options seeks a skilled and dependable bartender for 3-4 night shifts. A barback supports all night shifts, with a focus on beer and shots. Reliable candidates living within 30 minutes of the bar are preferred.

Apply now → 5 wks ago
HHudson House Rice Village
Bartender
Hudson House Rice Village
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion

Bartender job at Hudson House Rice Village in Houston.

Apply now → 6 wks ago
IInvited (ClubCorp)
Banquet Bartender
Invited (ClubCorp)
Bartender📍 KingwoodOpen to discussion

Banquet Bartender

Apply now → 7 wks ago
MMorton's The Steakhouse
Bartender (Upscale / Fine Dining)
Morton's The Steakhouse
Bartender📍 HoustonInquire for pay

Bartender job at Morton's The Steakhouse in Houston.

Apply now → 9 wks ago
MMcCormick & Schmicks
Bartender
McCormick & Schmicks
Bartender📍 HoustonInquire for pay

Bartender job at McCormick & Schmicks in Houston.

Apply now → 9 wks ago
LLa Griglia
Bartender (Upscale / Fine Dining)
La Griglia
Bartender📍 HoustonInquire for pay

Bartender job at La Griglia in Houston.

Apply now → 9 wks ago
MMastro's Steakhouse
Bartender (Upscale / Fine Dining)
Mastro's Steakhouse
Bartender📍 HoustonInquire for pay

Bartender job at Mastro's Steakhouse in Houston.

Apply now → 9 wks ago
TThe Westin
Bartender Westin Houston Downtown
The Westin
Bartender📍 HoustonInquire for pay

Bartender job at The Westin in Houston.

Apply now → 9 wks ago
IInvited (ClubCorp)
Bartender
Invited (ClubCorp)
Bartender📍 KingwoodOpen to discussion

Bartender job at Invited (ClubCorp) in Kingwood.

Apply now → 11 wks ago
IInvited (ClubCorp)
Bartender
Invited (ClubCorp)
Bartender📍 KatyOpen to discussion

Bartender job at Invited (ClubCorp) in Katy.

Apply now → 11 wks ago
BBlossom Hotel Houston, Curio Collection by Hilton
Bartender
Blossom Hotel Houston, Curio Collection by Hilton
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion

Bartender job at Blossom Hotel Houston, Curio Collection by Hilton in Houston.

Apply now → 11 wks ago
BBarcelona Wine Bar-Montrose
Bartender-Montrose
Barcelona Wine Bar-Montrose
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion

Upscale bar in Montrose seeks a charismatic bartender with excellent communication skills. Friendly and outgoing personality is a must. Great opportunity for a skilled mixologist.

Apply now → 11 wks ago
HHillstone
Service Bartender
Hillstone
Bartender📍 HoustonOpen to discussion

Bartender job at Hillstone in Houston.

Apply now → 13 wks ago

What you’ll make

Houston’s bar scene spreads across Midtown and Washington Ave — high-volume clubs and patios anchor the best tip nights. Plan around roughly $150–$320 on a strong night with tips.

Get discovered

Once you’re ready, Startender gets you in front of the venues actually hiring. It’s a private, invite-only network where Houston bars and clubs find and book bartenders directly — free for talent. Build a profile that works like a portfolio and get found.

There are 39 bartender gigs open in Houston right now — get discovered for them.

Build your free profile →

FAQ

How long does it take to become a bartender in Houston?
Most people can start in a few weeks. A bartending course runs 1–2 weeks; many Houston bars also train barbacks on the job and promote them. The real timeline depends on how fast you get reps behind a busy bar.
Do you need a license or certification to bartend in Houston?
You typically need an alcohol-service certification (like TIPS or your state/local equivalent) — it’s quick and inexpensive. Beyond that, Houston venues care most about speed, reliability and real experience.
Can you bartend in Houston with no experience?
Yes — most pros start as a barback, learn the bar, and move up. Pair that with a course or certification and a profile that shows you’re ready, and you can land your first shift fast.
How much do bartenders make in Houston?
Houston’s bar scene spreads across Midtown and Washington Ave — high-volume clubs and patios anchor the best tip nights. Plan around roughly $150–$320 on a strong night with tips.

Startender — the private network for nightlife pros. Bartender jobs in Houston →