Black Briar is a Bold American Tavern anchored by an open coal grill, a serious raw bar, and a beverage program built to be taken seriously. We are opening in Chicago’s West Loop and building something meant to last — a bar with a point of view and a team that holds a standard.

We are looking for a Barback who keeps the bar running — fast, clean, and one step ahead of the bartender, every shift.

The Role

The Barback is the engine behind the bar. You keep the station stocked, clean, and ready so the bartenders can move — restocking, prepping, and supporting service from setup through close. You report to the bartenders and the Beverage Manager. This is a physical, fast-paced role and the foundation of a strong bar.

What You Own

• Stocking and restocking liquor, beer, wine, glassware, and supplies before and throughout service
• Preparing bar mise en place — cutting garnishes, filling ice, prepping juices and batches
• Keeping the bar clean, dry, and organized at all times — spills, glassware, and trash handled immediately
• Running glassware and barware to and from the dish station
• Anticipating what the bartenders need before they ask
• Changing kegs, restocking reach-ins, and managing bar inventory levels during service
• Supporting responsible-service standards and a clean, safe bar
• Executing full open and close procedures — stocked and reset for the next shift

What We’re Looking For

• Prior barback, bar, or restaurant experience preferred — we will train the right person
• Genuine hustle and a one-step-ahead instinct
• Physically able to lift and carry kegs, cases, and ice repeatedly throughout a shift
• Physically able to stand and move for extended periods in a fast, tight space
• Reliable, punctual, and team-first
• Illinois Food Handler and BASSET certifications required, or obtained before start date

The Bar

The Black Briar bar moves fast and holds a high standard. The barback is the reason it can — the person keeping the station stocked, clean, and ready so the bartenders never stop. It is physical, demanding work, and it is where a serious bar career starts.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly wage $12.96 + gratuity participation
• Health benefits
• Paid time off, accruing after 90 days
• Paid sick leave per Illinois law
• Employee dining benefit
• Annual performance review with merit increase opportunity

Who You Are

You move fast and you see what needs doing before anyone tells you. You take pride in a clean, stocked, well-run bar and you understand the bartenders are only as fast as you let them be. You want to learn the craft from the ground up and you are willing to earn it. If that is you, we want to hear from you.

Apply

Black Briar is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that reflects the city we are proud to call home.