Dr. Bartender Field Guide
Expectations, gear, etiquette, and protocols.
Read it — then let’s go make cocktails.
You’re the face of the lab. Whether you're slinging signature cocktails or cranking through a beer-and-wine wedding, your energy sets the tone.
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Bartending is your primary mission, but setup and cleanup are part of the job too.
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Sometimes you'll barback, prep garnishes, or run ice. We all get our hands dirty.
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We use custom menus. Review them in advance so you know what you’re making — it shows, and clients notice.
Field Duties
Appearance Protocols
Clients trust us to show up sharp. That doesn’t mean boring — it means intentional.
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Indoor Events:
Black dress pants, black button-up or blouse, black shoes, black tie or bow tie.
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Outdoor Events:
Same pants and shoes, black polo or collar shirt (no logos).
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Optional flair:
Black apron or black vest — go for it if it fits the vibe.
Hair neat. Beards trimmed. Minimal jewelry. Look like a pro, not like you just rolled out of a van (even if you did).
Tools of the Trade
You’re expected to bring your own tools. Don’t show up empty-handed — you won’t be staffed again.
Bare Minimum (for new recruits):
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Wine Key
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Bar Key / Opener
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Ice Scoop
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Clean Ice Bin
Standard Bar Kit (expected at most events):
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Shaker + Strainer
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Knife + Cutting Board
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Bar Spoon
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Muddler
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Jigger
Optional (But super nice to have):
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Pour Spouts
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Tongs
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Bar Towels
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Bar Mats
Most events use the Standard Kit. Occasionally we’ll ask for less, rarely for more. Always check the Event Details Page.
Timing & Punctuality
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Setup begins 1 hour before the event unless otherwise noted. Breakdown is 30 minutes. Any additional time must be approved in advance by Dr. Bartender management — otherwise, it won’t be paid.
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Arriving more than 10 minutes late will result in a 20% reduction in your contracted pay.
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If you're ever unsure or running behind, stay in touch with Dr. Bartender management. Communication keeps you on the schedule.
This is someone’s wedding, retirement, or corporate big deal. Be there like it matters — because it does.
Tips & Gratuities
We believe good service earns good tips — and we’re all for you making money.
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Tip jars and digital tip codes are cool — unless we tell you otherwise.
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If gratuity is included, no tip jar or signs — but you can still discreetly accept a tip if someone offers.
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Classy signage only. No cringey “Just the Tip” signs or anything that feels like panhandling.
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Never ask directly for a tip.
Bottom line: Be gracious, be pro, and let your performance do the work.
Professional Boundaries
We’re fun — not sloppy. We work with high-profile clients who expect chill, collected, competent bartenders.
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No driving guests. No exceptions.
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Don’t freelance side services or offer your own bartending outside of Dr. Bartending at events.
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Report anything weird or off ASAP. If it’s sketchy, say something.
We're here to serve, not to party. Respect the space, the guests, and yourself.
Event Flow 101
Call time is 1 hour before the event unless otherwise noted.
1. Arrive & Check In
Say hi to the client, find the bar space, get your bearings.
2. Set Up
Unload, ice down, prep tools, garnish, and signage. Be ready to pour by 10 minutes before scheduled start time.
3. Service
Stay sharp, clean, and friendly. Keep the bar stocked and the vibe high.
4. Wrap & Breakdown
Last call is 20 minutes before scheduled end time. Clean up, pack out, and thank the host.
5. Final Check
Grab all your gear and let management know how it went.
Loaner Gear & Supply Runs
Sometimes we’ll provide things like bars, coolers, garnish trays, or ice bins. Other times, we’ll ask you to grab items like cups, ice, or citrus on the way — we’ll cover costs if it’s pre-approved.
If we loan you gear:
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Inspect it when you get it
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Use it like it’s yours (but cleaner)
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Clean it, return it, or pass it off as directed
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Report any issues — before and after the gig
Got your own bar setup? Coolers? Storage bins? Great — folks with gear are first in line for gear-needed gigs.
Missing or damaging gear = less trust, fewer loans. Handle your tools (and ours) like a pro.
Communication & Feedback
Good science needs good signals. Here’s how we keep the lab connected:
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If you say you’re available, plan to work — we staff based on what you tell us.
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Shifts will be posted in the Staff Portal, where you can view details and request what fits.
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Day-of or urgent issue?
→ Text or Call (312) 588-9401
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If something goes great — or off the rails — we want to know.
Feedback helps us keep evolving (and avoid repeat chaos).
Paperwork & Payments
You're a contractor, not an employee. That means:
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You're responsible for your own taxes
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You set your availability
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You’re paid hourly, but by the gig — no time clocks, no punches. Your scheduled block = your payout.
You'll be asked to upload your W9 and enter your payment info on the next pages.
How Payments Work
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Payouts are processed on Tuesdays for the prior week
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You can request early payment, but no promises — it depends on event flow and funds
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Extra time must be approved in advance to be included in your pay
💡 Keep track of your gigs for tax time. We won’t send a 1099 unless you cross the IRS threshold, but your earnings are still taxable.
Guide Logged... Pending Signature.
You’re prepped, primed, and protocol-ready. Next step: sign and submit your stats.
Now Serving
Southern Wisconsin
Northern Illinois/Indiana
Western Michigan