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Dr. Bartender
Mobile Bar • Cocktail Lab
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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.​
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We're here to serve, not to party. Respect the space, the guests, and yourself.
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Event Flow 101
Call time is 1 hour before the event unless otherwise noted.
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1. Arrive & Check In
Say hi to the client, find the bar space, get your bearings.
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2. Set Up
Unload, ice down, prep tools, garnish, and signage. Be ready to pour by 10 minutes before scheduled start time.
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3. Service
Stay sharp, clean, and friendly. Keep the bar stocked and the vibe high.
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4. Wrap & Breakdown
Last call is 20 minutes before scheduled end time. Clean up, pack out, and thank the host.
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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.
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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
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Got your own bar setup? Coolers? Storage bins? Great — folks with gear are first in line for gear-needed gigs.
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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.
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You'll be asked to upload your W9 and enter your payment info on the next pages.
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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