How to Hire a Bartender in Chicago: Best Tips & Sources

Hire Bartender Chicago: 3 Key Takeaways

With its hospitality-focused talent pool and easy-to-use interface, OysterLink helps Chicago employers fill Bartender roles quickly.
Local job boards like ChicagoJobs.com and IllinoisJobLink.com reach thousands of Chicago-based hospitality professionals.
Facebook groups like Chicago Service Industry Jobs are excellent for short-term and gig-based Bartender roles.

Need to hire a Bartender in Chicago?

Whether you're managing a bar, hosting a private event, or running a busy restaurant, this guide will show you exactly how to find qualified Bartenders.

Where to Find Bartender Jobs and Talent in Chicago

Now that you know exactly what you need, the next critical step is choosing the right place to post your Bartender job listings or directly recruit bartenders.

Here are the best resources available to Chicago employers looking for Bartenders:

OysterLink: Your Go-To for Bartender Recruitment

OysterLink is a job platform specifically tailored to the restaurant and hospitality industry.

We specialize in connecting hospitality venues and private events with skilled Bartenders for permanent hire, part-time employment, or temporary gigs.

Key advantages of OysterLink include:

Focused Hospitality Recruitment: The platform specifically targets hospitality professionals, ensuring applicants have relevant experience.
Flexible Options: Whether you need a Bartender for a weekend, part-time, or permanent role, OysterLink has you covered.
Easy-to-Use Interface: OysterLink streamlines the hiring process by simplifying job postings and candidate interactions.

Local Job Posting Websites in Chicago

Aside from OysterLink, local Chicago-specific job posting boards can effectively target Bartenders living and working within the city limits.

Websites like ChicagoJobs.com and IllinoisJobLink.com attract local candidates actively seeking employment in hospitality.

These local boards have high visibility among job seekers in Chicago, particularly for hospitality and service roles.

Utilizing social media can significantly broaden your reach when hiring Bartenders in Chicago.

Platforms like Facebook are home to numerous groups dedicated specifically to Chicago hospitality employment:

Posting directly into these social media communities can yield quick responses from local Bartenders actively seeking work.

How to Hire a Bartender for Events or Bars in Chicago

When hiring a Bartender in Chicago, you'll need to consider a few key factors to ensure you're bringing in someone capable and reliable.

Follow these practical steps to simplify the hiring process:

Step 1: Define Your Needs Clearly

Clarify your hiring requirements first.

Are you looking for a Bartender for a one-time gig, part-time shifts, or a full-time position?

Identify specifics like:

Type of event or establishment (private event, restaurant, bar)
Duration of employment (one-time event, part-time, full-time)
Necessary skills or certifications (Illinois BASSET certification, food handling license, etc.)
Budget for wages or hourly rates
Responsibilities beyond bartending (e.g., inventory management, guest interaction, or cash handling)

Clearly defining these points helps narrow down your search significantly.

Step 2: Set Qualifications and Skills Requirements

Make sure you know exactly what you expect from candidates in terms of experience and skills:

Familiarity with cocktails, wines, craft beers, or specific beverages
Ability to handle high-volume environments (important for busy Chicago venues)
Certifications required by the City of Chicago or state of Illinois
Customer service skills (for both private events and hospitality settings)
Previous professional experience (restaurants, bars, catering companies)

Step 3: Prepare Your Job Description

Write a detailed, clear, and concise Bartender job description that covers all the information from steps one and two.

Your description should include:

Job title and employment type (temporary, permanent, part-time, full-time)
Location specifics (address, type of venue, or event location)
Detailed responsibilities and expectations
Qualifications and certifications required
Pay range or hourly wage
How candidates should apply (email, online form, or direct contact)

Why Hiring the Right Bartender in Chicago Matters

A professional Bartender does more than simply mix drinks.

They influence the overall atmosphere of your event or establishment, manage guest interactions, and often handle cash transactions.

A skilled Bartender also ensures smooth service, guest satisfaction, and a memorable experience for attendees.

Pro Tips for Hiring Top Bartenders in Chicago’s Competitive Market

Hiring Bartenders effectively requires more than just posting a job listing. Keep these practical tips in mind:

Conduct Thorough Interviews

Always schedule face-to-face or virtual interviews to assess a Bartender’s experience, attitude, and customer service approach.

Key questions should cover:

Previous experience
Drink-making expertise
Problem-solving abilities
Handling difficult guests or high-pressure environments.

Check Certifications and Licenses

Illinois requires Bartenders to have BASSET (Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training) certification.

Always verify this certification during the hiring process, particularly if your Bartender will be serving alcohol in public venues.

Perform Reference Checks

Ask candidates for professional references from previous employment.

Checking references helps ensure you're hiring reliable Bartenders who come highly recommended from past employers.

Practical Skills Test

Consider having shortlisted Bartenders demonstrate their cocktail-making skills or knowledge of wine and beer.

A practical assessment is particularly useful if you’re hiring for a specialized venue or event.

Why Use Specialized Platforms for Bartender Recruitment in Chicago

Platforms like OysterLink offer distinct advantages over general job listing websites:

Efficiency: Hospitality-specific job platforms drastically reduce the time spent sifting through unqualified applicants.
Quality Assurance: Candidates from hospitality-focused sites tend to be more skilled and relevantly experienced.
Flexibility: Specialized platforms easily accommodate different employment scenarios.

Conclusion: Your Roadmap to Bartender Hiring Success in Chicago

Hiring Bartenders in Chicago can be simple with the right approach.

By defining your needs, using targeted platforms like OysterLink, tapping into local job boards, and leveraging social media, you’ll quickly connect with qualified talent.

Interview thoroughly, verify certifications, check references, and assess practical skills to ensure a great hire.

With this guide, you’ll be fully equipped to staff your venue or event with skilled, reliable Bartenders—fast and confidently.