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Cafe Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Berghoff Café at O'Hare

Cafe Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $18/hr

Maintain food quality and presentation of Café items being served. * Limit waste to control food cost and utilizes existing product. * Cook food to proper temperature, follow recipes, and ...

Four Seasons Hotels Limited

Team Member Cafe Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

The Team Member Cafe Cook is an essential member of the Food & Beverage team, dedicated to preparing specialized innovative cuisine per guest orders in accordance with production requirements and ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 Manager

Mokena, IL · On-site

CAFÉ MANAGER JOB SUMMARY The Café Manager is primarily responsible for overseeing the operations ... cooking, preparing and serving food. S/he must work fast with a sense of urgency, while being ...

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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 Sep 7, 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

Berghoff Café at O'Hare

Chicago, IL • On-site

$17.50 - $18/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: This position will be responsible for learning all the stations on the café line. Customer service and food handling are of primary importance. Occasional bussing of tables and customer engagement in the dining area of the café will also be required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Engage with Café customers to provide an exceptional guest experience.
  • Ensure the Café back line is always clean and orderly.
  • Follow sanitation protocols and procedures.
  • Maintain food quality and presentation of Café items being served.
  • Limit waste to control food cost and utilizes existing product.
  • Cook food to proper temperature, follow recipes, and appropriately plate items
  • Ensure tables are clean and properly set.
  • Maintain cleanliness of café dining area.
  • Inform immediate supervisor of any problems or unusual matters and take corrective action when practicable.
  • Ring up items promptly and accurately on the P.O.S. system
  • Ensure assigned bank is in balance.
  • Complete tasks as needed by management.

Compensation

  • $17.50 to $18.00/hr base
  • Tip pool average of an additional $14.00 to $16.00/hr

Requirements

  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Must possess a secondary school diploma or equivalent.
  • Ability to work in a high energy and demanding environment.
  • Must possess a proficiency in written and spoken English.
  • Must possess basic math skills.
  • Able and willing to work nights and weekends.
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 25-50lbs on a regular basis.

How to apply:Click on the link to apply through Zapid.

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