Cocktail Server

Waukesha, WI, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Hourly

Range $9.75 - $16.25

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Employee Discounts

flexible schedule

Retirement Plan

Professional Development

Job Description

The hiring establishment is a fine dining restaurant known for its upscale hospitality and commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience. This restaurant is focused on creating a refined atmosphere in its cocktail lounge and bar areas, where luxury and attention to detail are a priority. The venue prides itself on a polished, energetic staff and a dedication to service standards that appeal to discerning guests seeking not only high-quality food but also expertly crafted beverages in a sophisticated environment. This establishment values teamwork, professionalism, and the ability to anticipate and meet guest needs with care and precision.

The role of Cocktail Server is central to maintaining the elevated beverage service ethos that defines this fine dining venue. The Cocktail Server is responsible for delivering prompt, courteous, and knowledgeable beverage service to guests seated in the cocktail lounge and bar areas. This position demands a strong knowledge base of spirits, cocktails, wine, beer, and appropriate menu pairings, ensuring guests receive informed recommendations and an enjoyable drinking experience. Beyond knowing the products, the Cocktail Server must uphold service standards that reinforce the venue's reputation for excellence.

This role involves actively engaging with guests to understand their preferences, confidently suggesting beverages that complement their meal or occasion, and maximizing beverage sales by upselling premium options when suitable. The server must efficiently manage orders through the point-of-sale (POS) system, ensure compliance with local liquor laws including age verification, and provide continuous attention throughout the guest’s visit to anticipate and fulfill their needs timely. Maintaining cleanliness and organization in service areas is also essential to reflect the upscale atmosphere.

Collaboration with bartenders, servers, hosts, and management is a key component of this role to ensure seamless service flow and uphold fine dining hospitality standards. The Cocktail Server must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills to navigate busy periods while maintaining composure and professionalism. This position often requires handling guest concerns discreetly and escalating issues to management to safeguard guest satisfaction.

Overall, the Cocktail Server will be a polished professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to delivering personalized, attentive service. This role requires a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays, reflecting the dynamic nature of the hospitality industry. The Cocktail Server is an ambassador for the restaurant’s brand, enhancing the overall guest experience through expertise, dedication, and a refined approach to beverage service.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent preferred
must be at least 18 years of age
at least two years of high volume service in a restaurant/cocktail bar setting
fine dining or upscale hospitality experience strongly preferred
experience with POS systems (e.g., OpenTable, Toast)
capacity to stand and walk for extended periods of time, often up to 6-8 hours per shift
comfort moving throughout the restaurant quickly and safely during busy service periods
strength to lift and carry up to 15-25 pounds occasionally
flexibility to bend, reach, stoop, and use repetitive hand motions
clear communication skills in a loud, fast-paced environment
tolerance for working near crowded dining areas, fluctuating temperatures, and moderate noise levels
manual dexterity sufficient to operate phones, computers, reservation systems, and menus
visual ability to read reservation screens, seating charts, and guest information
position dictates working in a fast-paced environment and subject to irregular hours including late nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays

Job Qualifications

Ability to provide attentive, personalized service in a fine dining environment
strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, and beverage presentation
ability to explain menu offerings and make appropriate beverage recommendations
understanding of responsible alcohol service practices
strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills
ability to work effectively with front-of-house and bar teams
composure and professionalism during high-volume service periods
strong attention to detail and accuracy
ability to manage multiple tables and guest requests simultaneously and efficiently
strong time management and prioritization skills
commitment to professional appearance and grooming standards
demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and strong work ethic
proficient with cash handling and payment processing using POS systems
strong organizational skills and self-direction
ability to build positive working relationships with team members and guests
adaptability in a fast-paced, changing environment
professional, polished, and outgoing demeanor
flexible schedule availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Job Duties

Greet guests professionally and provide attentive beverage service
take and accurately enter beverage orders into the POS system
serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in accordance with company standards and local liquor laws
maintain strong knowledge of cocktails, wine, spirits, beer, and beverage menus
confidently give beverage and pairings recommendations, and upsell premium products when appropriate
monitor guest satisfaction and beverage needs, proactively anticipate guest needs, and provide timely service throughout the guest experience
as appropriate, verify guest age and follow all responsible alcohol service guidelines
communicate effectively with bartenders, servers, hosts, and managers to ensure smooth service
maintain cleanliness and organization of service stations, lounge areas, and guest-facing spaces
handle guest concerns professionally and escalate issues to management when necessary
process guest payments and maintain accurate cash handling procedures
assist with opening, closing, stocking, polishing glassware, and side work duties
maintain compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and alcohol service regulations
all other duties as assigned