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Cafe Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

School City of Hammond

Cafe Cook

Hammond, IN · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Responsible for performing skilled work in the preparation and cooking of assigned food products in order to meet production deadlines and assume responsibility for their quality. Essential Job ...

Chicago Athletic Association

Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22/hr

Boka Restaurant Group and the Chicago Athletic Association are currently seeking a Part Time Cafe Cook to join their team! Schedule: Part Time, Sundays and Mondays, 8-10 hours per day starting at 8am

Advocate Aurora Health

PM Cook

Elgin, IL · On-site

$20.80 - $31.20/hr

Responsible for ensuring that all hot and cold menu ( ie. patient trayline, cafe, catering )items ... Hot line service cook experience prefered • Sanitation Certified (within 3 months of hire ...

Lula Cafe

Line Cook

Chicago, IL

$22 - $27/hr

Lula Cafe , Logan Square's beloved farm-to-table brunch and dinner café, is looking for eager and talented cooks to join our culinary team. We are currently hiring full-time PM line cooks and prep ...

Sarima Cafe

Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Morning Line Cook Location: [Sarima Cafe], [Chicago, IL] Job Type: Full-time / Part-time Shift: Morning (typically 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM) Job Summary: We are seeking a reliable and motivated Morning Line ...

Lula Cafe

Line Cook

Chicago, IL

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Lula Cafe , Logan Square's beloved farm-to-table brunch and dinner café, is looking for eager and talented cooks to join our culinary team. We are currently hiring full-time PM line cooks and prep ...

Urban Air Adventure Parks

Cafe Lead

Merrillville, IN · On-site

CAFÉ LEAD JOB SUMMARY The Café Lead is primarily responsible for overseeing the SHIFT ... area, cooking, preparing, and serving food. S/he must work fast with a sense of urgency while ...

Urban Air Adventure Parks

Cafe Lead

Lincoln Park, IL · On-site

CAFÉ LEAD JOB SUMMARY The Café Lead is primarily responsible for overseeing the SHIFT ... area, cooking, preparing, and serving food. S/he must work fast with a sense of urgency while ...

Urban Air Adventure Park

Cafe Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

CAFÉ LEAD JOB SUMMARY The Café Lead is primarily responsible for overseeing the SHIFT ... area, cooking, preparing, and serving food. S/he must work fast with a sense of urgency while ...

Urban Air Adventure Park

Cafe Lead

Merrillville, IN · On-site

CAFÉ LEAD JOB SUMMARY The Café Lead is primarily responsible for overseeing the SHIFT ... area, cooking, preparing, and serving food. S/he must work fast with a sense of urgency while ...

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All JobsCafe Cook JobsCafe Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL

Cafe Cook information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do cafe cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafe cook in Chicago, IL is $16.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $18.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cafe cook?

To thrive as a Cafe Cook, you need proficiency in food preparation, kitchen safety, and basic culinary techniques, often supported by a food handler’s permit or culinary training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and inventory management tools is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are soft skills that set exceptional cafe cooks apart. These skills are crucial for consistently delivering high-quality food efficiently and maintaining a safe, welcoming dining environment.

What are some common challenges faced by cafe cooks, and how can they be managed effectively?

Cafe cooks often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and time management are crucial. Balancing multiple orders during busy periods, maintaining consistent food quality, and adhering to health and safety standards can be challenging. Effective communication with team members and staying organized help manage these demands. Many cafe kitchens are small, so adaptability and teamwork are essential for a smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Cafe Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectCafe CookLine Cook
CredentialsFood Handler's Permit, basic culinary skillsFood Handler's Permit, culinary training often preferred
Work EnvironmentSmall cafes, casual settingsRestaurants, fast-paced kitchens
Employer & IndustryCoffee shops, small eateriesRestaurants, dining establishments
Common TasksPreparing simple breakfast/lunch items, coffee prepCooking dishes on the line, food prep

While both Cafe Cooks and Line Cooks work in food service environments, Cafe Cooks typically focus on preparing simple menu items and beverages in casual cafes, often with less intense kitchen environments. Line Cooks work in more fast-paced restaurant kitchens, preparing a variety of dishes on the line. The roles share similar certifications but differ mainly in work setting and complexity of tasks.

What does a cafe cook do?

A cafe cook prepares and cooks food items according to menu specifications, ensuring quality and presentation. They handle tasks such as chopping ingredients, operating kitchen equipment, and maintaining cleanliness and safety standards in a fast-paced environment.

What jobs can you get at a cafe cook?

A cafe cook typically can advance to roles such as head cook, kitchen supervisor, or restaurant manager. They may also find opportunities in food preparation, catering, or opening their own food service business, often requiring experience, culinary skills, and sometimes food safety certifications.
Cafe Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafe Cook job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,345 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Cafe Cook / Chef

FIELDS LEXUS AND COLLISION CENTER GLENVIEW

Glenview, IL • On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Cafe Cook / Chef

Within our new state-of-the-art auto dealership in Glenview, we have a cafe for our customers. We are seeking someone to run the day-to-day operations for our small cafe. We serve a limited menu daily for breakfast and lunch.

This individual will take and prepare orders and deliver to waiting customers. Keep the waiting area clean and keep the kitchen area and coffee bar full throughout the day. Keep the self-serve area full and organized. 

  • Applicants must have prior experience in food prep/food service with a focus on pastries and desserts
  • Experience in purchasing supplies.
  • Food service safety certification will be required.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills; professional appearance.
  • Excellent customer contact skills and customer service orientation.
  • Must have reliable transportation.

Hours for this position are Monday-Friday 

We offer:

  • Competitive Compensation: 17.00 - 21.00 DOE
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Short and Long Term Disability Benefits, Life Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Professional work environment
  • Chef Uniforms

Apply