About the Role
SEMM is seeking Servers to bring our wine bar, lounge, and bistro dining experience to life each night. The ideal candidate brings strong hospitality instincts, food and wine knowledge, and a genuine curiosity for beverage and culinary trends — natural wine, sool, tea-based traditions, and Korean-inspired small plates. Servers are responsible for guiding guests through SEMM's food and wine offerings and delivering a warm, elevated dining experience from seating through farewell.
This role calls for a mix of hospitality, food and wine expertise, and floor presence — someone guests and teammates alike can rely on for a warm, knowledgeable, and elevated experience.
Compensation: Hourly + tips (tip-eligible position)
This role is classified as a tipped position under NYC hospitality wage rules. Cash wage will meet or exceed the required minimum cash wage for tipped food service workers in NYC ($11.35/hour as of 2026), and combined with tips must meet or exceed the total minimum wage for tipped food service workers in NYC ($17.00/hour). SEMM will monitor tip averages to ensure compliance with NY tip credit requirements, including restrictions on the amount of non-tipped work performed during tipped shifts.
Key Responsibilities
Food & Wine Service
- Guide guests through SEMM's bistro menu and natural wine, sool, and tea-infused beverage program with confidence and accuracy
- Take and enter food and beverage orders accurately, ensuring timing and course pacing reflect SEMM's standards
- Maintain deep working knowledge of the menu, including seasonal small plates, natural wines, and Korean spirits (soju, cheongju, tea-infused drinks), able to speak to ingredients, preparation, and pairings
- Confidently recommend food and wine pairings tailored to guest preferences
- Set up and break down front-of-house stations for service, ensuring flatware, glassware, and service tools are prepped and stocked
- Maintain cleanliness, organization, and presentation of the dining and lounge areas throughout service
- Communicate clearly with kitchen and bar teams to ensure smooth ticket flow and course timing
- Assist with menu updates and seasonal offerings as needed
Guest Experience
- Deliver warm, attentive, and knowledgeable service that reflects SEMM's brand and hospitality standards
- Handle guest requests and concerns with professionalism, escalating to management as needed
- Build rapport with regular guests and contribute to a welcoming, elevated atmosphere
- Help create a memorable experience that blends SEMM's day and night identities, from tea house to wine bar and bistro
Compliance & Safety
- Maintain knowledge of and ensure compliance with all alcohol-related laws and regulations, including proper ID checks
- Enforce responsible alcohol service policies and safe consumption practices
- Uphold all health and safety standards, including NYC sanitation requirements, including food allergy and allergen awareness
Qualifications
- 1–3+ years of serving experience in a wine bar, bistro, or upscale restaurant environment
- Strong knowledge of food service, wine, and spirits; familiarity with Korean ingredients and beverages a plus
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to stay composed and efficient in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
- A genuine passion for hospitality, food, and wine
- Strong attention to detail and consistency on the floor
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
- NYC Department of Health Food Protection Certification a plus (or willingness to obtain)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Korean/Asian spirits (soju, Korean teas, and liquors) and ingredients
- Experience with natural, biodynamic, or heritage wine programs
- Prior experience in a fine dining or tasting-menu format bistro
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs, occasionally up to 50 lbs
- Ability to safely and effectively carry trays, plates, and glassware
- Ability to stand and walk for an entire shift, moving safely through all areas of the restaurant