What Restaurants Do Servers Make the Most Money at in Gresham, OR?

The average hourly wage for Servers in Gresham hovers around $15 per hour, but the real income boost comes from tips. Servers in this city typically earn an additional $5 to $15 per hour in tips, depending on the restaurant’s style and location.

This article will explore some of the top restaurants in Gresham where Servers make the most money. We’ll also discuss how the type of restaurant, its location and other factors impact your earning potential. Plus, tips often constitute a major part of overall pay, sometimes even exceeding base wages, so we’ll give you helpful insights into that as well. 

Top-Paying Restaurants for Servers in Gresham, OR

Gresham offers a range of dining venues where Servers can earn well through a mix of hourly wages and tips. Below are some notable spots known for their generous pay and strong clientele.

1. Bull Run Distillery

Bull Run Distillery combines a unique spirits tasting room with a casual dining setting. Its focus on handcrafted beverages attracts a crowd willing to spend, making it a great place for Servers to earn in tips while enjoying a lively atmosphere.

2. The Blue Heron Bistro

Known for its farm-to-table approach and cozy environment, The Blue Heron Bistro draws local food enthusiasts. The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and attentive service means patrons typically tip well.

3. Gresham Station Pub & Grill

A popular community spot with a friendly vibe, Gresham Station offers classic pub fare and a wide selection of brews. Servers here benefit from a steady flow of customers and generous tipping, especially during weekend shifts.

4. Canby’s Ribs & Brew

Famous for hearty BBQ dishes and craft beer, Canby’s creates a relaxed dining experience with solid tips from loyal customers. Their casual, welcoming atmosphere suits Servers who thrive in a bustling setting.

5. Glory Days Grill

Glory Days Grill is a sports bar chain with a lively ambiance and consistently busy service hours. The active crowd and frequent group gatherings ensure Servers often receive sizable tips during peak times.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Server Earnings

Different restaurant types in Gresham influence how much Servers make from both hourly wages and tips. While base pay may remain somewhat similar, tip earnings can fluctuate greatly depending on the venue and client spending habits.

Casual or family-style restaurants generally provide steadier, albeit smaller, tip opportunities. Servers can expect around $5 to $10 per hour in tips, given the moderate meal prices and clientele.

On the other hand, upscale dining establishments or those tied to beverage experiences, such as distilleries and wine bars, tend to offer much higher tipping potential, often in the range of $15 to $25 per hour or more. The clientele here is usually more affluent and prone to generous gratuities.

Additionally, those with certifications such as food handling or wine knowledge may see enhanced earning potential as some restaurants offer premium rates or more desirable shifts to certified Servers.

How To Find a High Paying Server Job in Gresham

Research Local Hotspots

Start by identifying popular and established restaurants in Gresham with positive reviews and lively crowds. These places often have better tipping potential and may pay competitive hourly rates.

Prepare a Strong Resume

Highlight your previous experience serving, any knowledge of wines or craft beverages, and customer service skills. Employers appreciate well-rounded candidates with fine dining or busy service backgrounds.

Network Within the Industry

Connect with current restaurant staff or managers where you want to work. Sometimes in-person visits and word-of-mouth can open doors to better-paying job opportunities.

Practice Interview Skills

Be ready to answer questions about handling difficult customers, menu knowledge and multitasking. Showing confidence and professionalism can set you apart in the hiring process.

What’s the Outlook for Server Jobs in Gresham in 2025 and Beyond?

The future for Servers in Gresham looks promising, with steady demand projected over the next several years. The city’s growth in dining options and increased tourism contribute to a healthy market for food service workers.

According to labor market trends, hospitality jobs including Servers are expected to experience moderate growth, as new restaurants and larger food venues continue to open in and around the Portland metro area, which includes Gresham.

This sustained demand bodes well for job seekers looking to build a career in food service, particularly those who develop specialized skills or work at popular local establishments that attract steady clientele.

Is a Server’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Gresham?

Combining the base salary of roughly $15 per hour with typical tip earnings, a full-time Server in Gresham can expect to make between $25,000 and $40,000 annually. This range depends largely on hours worked, the restaurant type and tipping culture.

Monthly living costs in Gresham are generally more affordable than in nearby Portland. For example:

• Average 1-bedroom rent: Approximately $1,200
• Utilities: Around $150 per month
• Groceries: Estimated $300-$400 per month

With careful budgeting, a Server’s salary supplemented with tips can provide a comfortable lifestyle, especially for single individuals or couples not supporting a large family.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Gresham Server Jobs

We selected the featured restaurants based on key factors that influence earning potential, including location, reputation and consistent customer volume.

Other considerations included:

• Average hourly wages and tip reports from recent job listings and industry sources.
• Venue type, emphasizing either upscale or popular casual settings with reliable tip income.
• Employee reviews and benefits, highlighting work environments that support and reward staff effectively.
• Easily accessible locations that attract steady and affluent clientele.

Using these criteria, we aim to provide a helpful guide for job seekers wanting to maximize their income as Servers in Gresham’s vibrant restaurant scene.