Cocktail Server

UNA Hospitality is seeking a professional, hospitality-driven Cocktail Server to provide attentive, knowledgeable service in a high-energy cocktail bar environment. This position is responsible for delivering an excellent guest experience through accurate order taking, strong menu knowledge, clear communication with bartenders and support staff, and consistent attention to dining room and bar-top service standards.

The ideal candidate is polished, organized, and comfortable working in a fast-paced service environment. A successful Cocktail Server understands how to guide guests through beverage selections, maintain clean and presentable service areas, support service flow during peak hours, and uphold responsible alcohol service standards at all times.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to grow within hospitality while gaining hands-on experience in cocktail-focused service.

• Greet guests promptly and provide friendly, professional, and attentive service

• Present menus, answer questions, and confidently guide guests through cocktails, spirits, beer, wine, and other beverage offerings

• Take food and beverage orders accurately and enter them into the POS system in a timely manner

• Deliver beverages and food to guests while maintaining service standards and presentation

• Monitor guest needs throughout service, including water service, clearing empty glassware, pre-bussing, and table maintenance

• Communicate clearly and efficiently with bartenders, barbacks, servers, and managers to support smooth service execution

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of guest-facing service areas, including tables, service stations, counters, and surrounding bar areas

• Assist with stocking service needs, including glassware, napkins, straws, garnishes, ice, and other approved supplies as directed

• Remove used glassware and trash from service areas promptly and safely

• Support opening, running, and closing side work as assigned

• Follow all house policies, sanitation standards, safety procedures, and responsible alcohol service requirements

• Verify identification and serve alcohol only in accordance with Illinois law, local ordinance, and company policy, when assigned to do so

• Escalate guest concerns, service issues, or safety concerns to leadership promptly and professionally

• Prior experience in a restaurant, bar, lounge, or hospitality service role preferred

• Strong guest service and communication skills

• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

• Basic comfort with POS systems and general computer literacy

• Knowledge of cocktails, spirits, beer, and wine preferred

• Food handler and/or alcohol service certification, including BASSET certification, as required by law, local ordinance, or company policy

• Must meet all legal age and work authorization requirements applicable to the position

• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require

• Bilingual skills are a plus, but not required

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods

• Ability to lift and carry trays, glass racks, ice, and other service items within reasonable job expectations

• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and move safely through a busy bar and dining environment

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation

This position works in a fast-paced bar and restaurant setting with frequent guest interaction, crowded service areas, loud music or ambient noise, and evening/night service hours.

UNA Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants without regard to legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law.