Bartender

Join the James Beard Award-winning Boka Restaurant Group as a dual-role Bartender / Server at Lazy Bird, our acclaimed late-night cocktail lounge.

The Role

This position starts part-time, with openings Wednesday through Sunday, including late nights. You’ll be scheduled to bartend on some shifts and serve on others.

Behind the bar, you’ll make cocktails to spec and provide full food and beverage service. On the floor, you’ll manage a table section. Both roles share the work that keeps service moving, from running orders and resetting tables to restocking stations and polishing glassware. You’ll do well here if you’re warm and attentive with guests, stay organized under pressure, and know what needs your attention first.

About Lazy Bird

Tucked into the cellar level of The Hoxton Chicago in Fulton Market, Lazy Bird is an intimate, low-lit cocktail lounge with a 52-cocktail menu rooted in the classics. Live music helps sets the tone, and the pace picks up as the room fills.

We’re a small, tight-knit team of hospitality professionals who take pride in making exceptional cocktails and delivering polished, personal service. We care about making Lazy Bird a place where guests want to spend an evening and our team is proud to work.

What You’ll Do

• On bartending shifts, look after guests at the bar while keeping the service well moving. Maintain consistent cocktail builds and presentation through the rush. Complete assigned prep, including batching cocktails, making syrups, and preparing garnishes.

• On serving shifts, follow the steps of service from greeting through payment. Pace drinks and food, coordinate timing with the bar and kitchen, and keep tables ready for the next round.

On Every Shift

• Know the cocktail and food menus, make thoughtful recommendations, and check back after drinks and food arrive.

• Complete opening, mid-shift, and closing duties. Replenish ice, liquor, and supplies. Wash, sanitize, polish, and restock glassware, and keep tools and work areas clean.

• Run drinks and food, clear and reset tables, and communicate with teammates about timing and guest needs.

• Enter orders accurately, handle payments, and reconcile your checkout.

• Follow responsible alcohol service, food safety, sanitation, and allergy procedures. Communicate allergies clearly to the kitchen and bring in a manager promptly when a guest concern needs attention.

Who You Are

• You have at least three years of bar or restaurant experience, including bartending and managing a table section.

• You know classic cocktails and the techniques behind them. You’re curious about the craft and can confidently recommend spirits, beer, wine, and nonalcoholic options.

• You read the room, adapt your service to the guest, and communicate clearly through a busy shift.

• You show up prepared, take feedback well, and follow through on the details your teammates depend on.

• You can obtain and maintain BASSET and Illinois food handler certifications.

Compensation

$12.96 per hour plus tips.

Benefits & Perks

Eligible team members accrue paid leave and paid sick leave. Boka offers employer-sponsored mental health and wellness resources, career mentorship and growth opportunities, and dining incentives across its 20+ establishments.

Health, dental, and voluntary benefits are available after 90 days for eligible employees. Participation in the 401(k) program is subject to plan eligibility.

Physical Requirements

The role requires the ability to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Lift or move up to 10 pounds during routine duties, up to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

• Use tools, equipment, and cleaning chemicals safely.

• Stand and walk throughout a shift and move safely through the lounge, including on stairs and uneven or slick surfaces.

• Work in hot and cold conditions.

If you’re interested in joining the Lazy Bird team, please apply with your résumé.