How to Become a Bartender in Long Island City

No experience needed to start. Here’s the real path to your first shift in LIC — 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 LIC 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 LIC venues find and book you directly.

Where to start in LIC

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

● LIVE ON STARTENDER

35 bartender gigs open right now in New York

Real openings at real venues, newest first. Tap any gig to apply right here on startender.app — your STARCARD goes with every application.

EEataly Caffe Hudson Yards
Seasonal - Bartender NEW
Eataly Caffe Hudson Yards
Bartender📍 New YorkOpen to discussion

Eataly, renowned as the world’s premier destination for authentic Italian cuisine, is excited to announce the opening of our first-ever Eataly Caffè, and we’re on the lookout for Team Members to help be part of this exci

Apply now → 3 hrs ago
BBirds
Bartender NEW
Birds
Bartender📍 New York$18/hr + tips

We're looking for a bartender who's quick, friendly and keeps the bar clean on a busy night. Cocktail experience is a plus. Nights and weekends.

Apply now → 6 hrs ago
LLegasea
Bartender
Legasea
Bartender📍 New York$17/hr

Tao Group Hospitality offers competitive benefits for all full-time team members such as: • Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage • 401(k) Retirement Program with Employer Match • Life and Disability Insurance Plans • Anc

Apply now → 2 days ago
VValerie
Bartender
Valerie
Bartender📍 New YorkOpen to discussion
Apply now → 2 days ago
WWater & Wheat
Server, Bartender, Hostess
Water & Wheat
Bartender📍 New YorkOpen to discussion

Water & Wheat, a modern Italian restaurant in New York, seeks skilled servers, bartenders, and hostesses. Traditional cuisine meets new twists in this upscale venue. Experienced and charismatic individuals are preferred.

Apply now → 4 days ago
TTAO Uptown Restaurant
Bartender
TAO Uptown Restaurant
Bartender📍 New York$17/hr

Upscale venue seeks a skilled and courteous bartender to craft exceptional drinks and deliver top-notch service. The ideal candidate is a team player with in-depth knowledge of food and beverages. Comprehensive benefits package includes mental health support and 401(k) match.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
BBeauty & Essex
Bartender
Beauty & Essex
Bartender📍 New York$17/hr

Upscale venue seeks skilled bartender to deliver exceptional service. This role requires a professional and courteous team player with in-depth knowledge of food and beverage menus. Part-time team members are eligible for perks like 401(k) matching and pet insurance.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
AAu Za'atar
Bartender
Au Za'atar
Bartender📍 New YorkOpen to discussion

Au Za'atar seeks a skilled bartender to join their modern Lebanese restaurant team in East Village or Midtown East. They want a charismatic and knowledgeable professional to craft exceptional drinks. Competitive opportunity in a trendy setting.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
PPeak
Bartender
Peak
Bartender📍 New York$17/hr

Tao Group Hospitality seeks a skilled bartender to provide exceptional service in a high-energy venue. The ideal candidate is polite, courteous, and able to multitask with ease. Competitive benefits and employee discounts are offered.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
SSoho House & Co
Bartender - Ludlow House
Soho House & Co
Bartender📍 New York$12/hr

Ludlow House seeks a charismatic bartender to craft memorable experiences. This role requires professional behavior and positive energy to drive conversation. Excellent service skills are a must in this upscale environment.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
PPHD Lounge
Bartender
PHD Lounge
Bartender📍 New York$17/hr

Upscale venue seeks a skilled bartender to deliver exceptional service. The ideal candidate is polished, knowledgeable, and able to multitask with ease. Comprehensive benefits package and employee discounts are offered.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
EEataly Soho
Bartender
Eataly Soho
Bartender📍 New York$17/hr

Eataly Soho seeks a skilled Bartender to craft exceptional drinks and provide top-notch service. The ideal candidate has excellent communication skills and basic knowledge of beer and wine. Flexible scheduling and a high-energy pace are required.

Apply now → 3 wks ago
TThe Gallery
Event Bartender
The Gallery
Bartender📍 New York$30/hr

Upscale venue seeks a skilled and courteous event bartender to deliver exceptional service. The ideal candidate is a team player with in-depth knowledge of food and beverage menus. Benefits include 401(k) match and employee discounts.

Apply now → 3 wks ago
OOlly Olly Market
Lead Bartender
Olly Olly Market
Bartender📍 New York$27–$30/hr

16 On Center Chicago seeks a skilled Lead Bartender to oversee drink service at their live music venues and restaurants. The ideal candidate is a charismatic leader with a passion for mixology. Competitive pay and perks are offered.

Apply now → 4 wks ago
PPura Vida West Village
Bartender
Pura Vida West Village
Bartender📍 New YorkOpen to discussion

Motek West Village, a unique venue, seeks a skilled and charismatic bartender to join its team. This role offers a chance to be part of a new and exciting establishment. Experienced professionals with a passion for mixology are preferred.

Apply now → 4 wks ago
AAvenue Sky
Bartender
Avenue Sky
Bartender📍 New York$17/hr

Upscale venue seeks a skilled bartender to deliver exceptional service and craft beverages. The ideal candidate is polished, knowledgeable, and team-oriented. Benefits include pet insurance, 401(k) match, and employee discounts.

Apply now → 5 wks ago
MMC Restaurant
Bartender
MC Restaurant
Bartender📍 New York$17/hr

Upscale venue seeks a skilled and courteous bartender to deliver exceptional service. The ideal candidate is knowledgeable about food and beverage menus and provides professional hospitality. Benefits include pet insurance, 401(k) match, and employee discounts.

Apply now → 5 wks ago
CConvene
Bartender - Flex
Convene
Bartender📍 New York$33/hr

The Mallory, a premier event destination in West Chelsea, seeks a skilled part-time Special Events Bartender for flexible hours at $33/hour. This role offers potential for full-time hours in busier seasons. The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with a passion for delivering exceptional service.

Apply now → 5 wks ago
HHillstone
Service Bartender
Hillstone
Bartender📍 New York$20–$25/hr

Hillstone Restaurant seeks a friendly and motivated Service Bartender for its fast-paced team environment. Competitive compensation includes $11.35 hourly plus tip share. Opportunities for professional growth are available.

Apply now → 5 wks ago
MMoss New York
Head Bartender
Moss New York
Bartender📍 New YorkOpen to discussion

Upscale clubhouse seeks a skilled Head Bartender to lead the team. The ideal candidate is charismatic and experienced in crafting exceptional drink experiences. Premium gym and wellness facilities are part of the venue.

Apply now → 6 wks ago
ZZaytinya NYC
Bartender
Zaytinya NYC
Bartender📍 New York$17/hr

Work at a renowned restaurant group led by José Andrés. Seeking a skilled and charismatic bartender to provide exceptional service. Earn $17/hour plus tips.

Apply now → 9 wks ago
AAmity Hall Downtown
Bartender
Amity Hall Downtown
Bartender📍 New YorkOpen to discussion
Apply now → 9 wks ago
LLovejoys
Bartender
Lovejoys
Bartender📍 New YorkOpen to discussion

Lovejoys seeks skilled bartenders for a dynamic atmosphere. Talented and professional individuals are wanted for this fun and relaxed venue. Send resume and interest statement to apply.

Apply now → 9 wks ago
GGrand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant
Bartender
Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant
Bartender📍 New YorkOpen to discussion

Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant seeks a skilled bartender with 3+ years of experience and excellent customer service skills. The ideal candidate is TIPS certified and able to work under high pressure. A flexible schedule and upbeat attitude are required.

Apply now → 9 wks ago
PPineapple Club
Bartender
Pineapple Club
Bartender📍 New YorkOpen to discussion

Pineapple Club seeks a skilled bartender to join their team. This upscale venue is looking for a charismatic and experienced professional. Competitive opportunities are available.

Apply now → 9 wks ago
DDinosaur Bar-B-Que
Bartender
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Bartender📍 New YorkOpen to discussion

Dinosaur BBQ seeks a skilled bartender to join their team. This casual BBQ joint needs a charismatic and experienced professional. Competitive pay and opportunities await.

Apply now → 9 wks ago
8809
Bartender
809
Bartender📍 New YorkOpen to discussion

Upscale venue 809 seeks a skilled bartender to join their team. Flexible scheduling is available for the right candidate. Experience is preferred.

Apply now → 9 wks ago
JJF Restaurants
Bartender - Ondîne
JF Restaurants
Bartender📍 New York$17/hr

Ondîne, a 35-seat intimate restaurant, seeks a skilled bartender to join its opening team. The ideal candidate is knowledgeable about craft cocktails and provides exceptional hospitality. Outstanding beverage program and Michelin-starred cuisine are highlights of this role.

Apply now → 11 wks ago
RRuby's Cafe - West Village
Bartender
Ruby's Cafe - West Village
Bartender📍 New York$16/hr

Little Ruby's in West Village seeks an experienced bartender for a high-energy role. The ideal candidate is skilled and charismatic, with a passion for mixology. Competitive pay starts at $16 per hour plus tips.

Apply now → 16 wks ago
CCityPickle
Times Square Bartender
CityPickle
Bartender📍 New York$25/hr

CityPickle's Times Square location needs a bartender who can keep pace with a high-energy pickleball venue and lifestyle brand. You'll work up to 40 hours weekly at $25/hour plus tips, mixing drinks for a crowd that's as much about the sport as the social scene.

Apply now → 19 wks ago
CCityPickle
Bartender - LIC
CityPickle
Bartender📍 Queens$25/hr

CityPickle's Long Island City pickleball club needs an experienced bartender who can keep the energy high for a young, active crowd. You'll work up to 40 hours weekly at $25/hour plus tips in a fast-growing venue that's part sport lounge, part lifestyle hub.

Apply now → 19 wks ago
CCOTE 550 Madison
Bartender (550 Madison)
COTE 550 Madison
Bartender📍 New York$11.35/hr + tips

High-volume bartender needed for 550 Madison, an ambitious new 15,000-sq-ft multi-concept dining destination in the iconic Sony building. You'll craft drinks across three distinct venues, including the second NYC location of Michelin-starred COTE Korean Steakhouse. Join Gracious Hospitality Management's most ambitious project yet.

Apply now → 20 wks ago
MMoss New York
Bartender
Moss New York
Bartender📍 New YorkOpen to discussion

Sophisticated private club seeking a skilled bartender for an upscale, multi-concept venue spanning dining, cultural programming, and wellness spaces. You'll craft drinks across our traditional restaurant and vinyl listening room, serving members who value intentional leisure and quality. Join a team that celebrates craft hospitality in a beautifully curated environment.

Apply now → 21 wks ago
MMaya
Bartender
Maya
Bartender📍 New YorkOpen to discussion

Maya is a vibrant culinary destination seeking a skilled bartender to join their team. The ideal candidate is charismatic and knowledgeable about craft cocktails. Competitive pay and opportunities for growth are offered.

Apply now → 33 wks ago
MModern Mexican Restaurants Tan
Bartender
Modern Mexican Restaurants Tan
Bartender📍 New YorkOpen to discussion

Tan is a vibrant culinary destination seeking a skilled and charismatic bartender to join its team. The ideal candidate is a mixology expert with a passion for crafting unique experiences. Competitive pay and opportunities for growth are offered.

Apply now → 33 wks ago

What you’ll make

LIC’s Vernon Boulevard bars and waterfront rooftops draw Manhattan-skyline crowds and a fast-growing nightlife scene. Plan around roughly $200–$430 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 Long Island City bars and clubs find and book bartenders directly — free for talent. Build a profile that works like a portfolio and get found.

There are 35 bartender gigs open in LIC right now — get discovered for them.

Build your free profile →

FAQ

How long does it take to become a bartender in Long Island City?
Most people can start in a few weeks. A bartending course runs 1–2 weeks; many Long Island City 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 Long Island City?
You typically need an alcohol-service certification (like TIPS or your state/local equivalent) — it’s quick and inexpensive. Beyond that, Long Island City venues care most about speed, reliability and real experience.
Can you bartend in Long Island City 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 Long Island City?
LIC’s Vernon Boulevard bars and waterfront rooftops draw Manhattan-skyline crowds and a fast-growing nightlife scene. Plan around roughly $200–$430 on a strong night with tips.

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