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Cafe Server Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Life Time, Inc.

Life Cafe Server

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$15.25/hr

Position Summary The Server provides exceptional customer to members. They serve and take and ... Ability to work in a stationery position and move about the Cafe for prolonged periods of time Pay ...

Life Time

Life Cafe Server

Northbrook, IL

$15.25/hr

Position Summary The Server provides exceptional customer to members. They serve and take and ... Ability to work in a stationery position and move about the Cafe for prolonged periods of time ...

Egg Harbor Cafe

Server Full-Time Oak Brook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

Servers at Egg Harbor Café are motivated to provide an exceptional experience for our guests utilizing our proven team-based system that is built on the belief that Together Everyone Achieves More.

Egg Harbor Cafe

Server Full-Time Oak Brook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

Servers at Egg Harbor Cafe are motivated to provide an exceptional experience for our guests utilizing our proven team-based system that is built on the belief that Together Everyone Achieves More.

Egg Harbor Cafe

Server Part-Time Oak Brook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

Servers at Egg Harbor Cafe are motivated to provide an exceptional experience for our guests utilizing our proven team-based system that is built on the belief that Together Everyone Achieves More.

Egg Harbor Cafe

Server Part-Time Oak Brook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

Servers at Egg Harbor Café are motivated to provide an exceptional experience for our guests utilizing our proven team-based system that is built on the belief that Together Everyone Achieves More.

Inspiration corporation

Cafe Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Cafe Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the successful operations of dining room, training and supervision of volunteer servers, setting up and cleaning the café before and after service ...

Inspiration Corporation

Cafe Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.40/hr

The Cafe Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the successful operations of dining room, training and supervision of volunteer servers, setting up and cleaning the café before and after service ...

Full House Resorts

Barista - 2nd shift

Waukegan, IL

$18/hr

Café Server What is expected of YOU : You will be responsible for the preparation, maintenance, and serving of coffee, beer, and other seasonal beverage offerings, ensuring they are consistently ...

Full House Resorts

Barista - 2nd shift

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Café Server What is expected of YOU : You will be responsible for the preparation, maintenance, and serving of coffee, beer, and other seasonal beverage offerings, ensuring they are consistently ...

American Place

Barista - 2nd shift

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Café Server What is expected of YOU : You will be responsible for the preparation, maintenance, and serving of coffee, beer, and other seasonal beverage offerings, ensuring they are consistently ...

Fitness Formula Clubs

Bar Server

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$15.40/hr

Ensure the café, bar, and all service areas are clean, organized, and inviting at all times. * Bar Setup & Breakdown: Set up, stock, restock, and break down the bar according to established par ...

IPIC Theaters

Concessionist

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$15/hr

$250 Sign on Bonus About Us: IPIC Theaters, LLC is America's premier theater-and-restaurant brand. A pioneer of the dine-in theater concept, IPIC ® Theater's mission is to provide visionary ...

Remington Hotels

Part Time AM Server Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.40/hr

Joy in each extraordinary experience Part Time AM Server Assistant Be ready to elevate your skills ... Complimentary meals in our Heartist Cafe * Career development opportunities within the hotels All ...

Remington

Part Time AM Server Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.40/hr

Joy in each extraordinary experience Part Time AM Server Assistant Be ready to elevate your skills ... Complimentary meals in our Heartist Café * Career development opportunities within the hotels All ...

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Cafe Server information

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How much do cafe server jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafe server in Chicago, IL is $16.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $20.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cafe server?

Cafe servers are hospitality professionals who take customer orders, serve food and beverages, and ensure guests have a positive dining experience in a cafe setting. Their responsibilities often include greeting customers, answering menu questions, delivering orders, and handling payments. Cafe servers play a key role in maintaining cleanliness and providing friendly service, making them essential to the smooth operation of a cafe.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cafe server, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cafe Server, you need strong customer service skills, basic food safety knowledge, and the ability to handle cash or POS transactions, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, beverage preparation equipment, and sometimes a food handler’s certification is typically required. Outstanding communication, multitasking, and teamwork abilities help servers deliver excellent guest experiences and work efficiently during busy periods. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring customer satisfaction, smooth cafe operations, and a positive work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by cafe servers during busy shifts, and how can they effectively manage them?

Cafe servers often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tables at once, handling special requests, and ensuring timely service during peak hours. Effective multitasking, clear communication with kitchen staff, and staying organized are key strategies to manage these demands. Many cafes also encourage teamwork and cross-support among servers to ensure smooth operations and maintain a positive customer experience during busy periods.

What is the difference between Cafe Server vs Barista?

AspectCafe ServerBarista
CredentialsNone typically required, customer service skillsOften requires training in coffee preparation, some certifications
Work EnvironmentCasual cafes, restaurants, coffee shopsSpecialty coffee shops, cafes, some restaurants
Job DutiesTaking orders, serving food and drinks, customer servicePreparing coffee and beverages, latte art, customer interaction
Industry UsageCommon in hospitality and food serviceSpecific to coffee and specialty beverage establishments

The main difference between a Cafe Server and a Barista lies in their primary responsibilities. Cafe Servers focus on customer service, taking orders, and serving food and drinks, while Baristas specialize in preparing coffee and specialty beverages. Both roles are essential in coffee shops, but Baristas often require specific training in coffee preparation, whereas Cafe Servers focus more on customer interaction and service.

What jobs can you get at a cafe?

At a cafe, common jobs include cafe server, barista, cashier, cook, dishwasher, and manager. These roles involve customer service, food and beverage preparation, cleaning, and maintaining the establishment's operations, often requiring good communication skills and familiarity with point-of-sale systems.

What are popular job titles related to Cafe Server jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Cafe Server jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cafe Server jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafe Server jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Cafe Server jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafe Server job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,027 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Life Cafe Server

Northbrook, IL • On-site

Life Time, Inc.

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 394 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 63 rated gym and leisure clubs

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Recommended by parents

Learn more about Life Time, Inc.external

$15.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
The Server provides exceptional customer to members. They serve and take and deliver accurate food and drink orders and remove dirty dishes in a timely manner. They display knowledge of the LifeCafe and/or Bistro by efficiently answering questions and by providing additional recommendations.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
  • Presents menu, answers questions, and makes suggestions regarding food and service
  • Takes orders from members/customers in assigned stations at the pool deck, relays information to the kitchen, and efficiently delivers the food/drink items ordered
  • Ensures cleanliness and order of the area including cleaning surfaces and placing tables/chairs in proper places
  • Calculates bill and processes payments

Position Requirements
  • 1+ year of experience working in a restaurant with a fast casual or full service experience
  • ServSafe certification required within the first 90 days of hire
  • CPR/AED certification required within the first 30 days of hire
  • Ability to routinely and repetitively bend to lift more than 20 lbs.
  • Ability to work in a stationery position and move about the Cafe for prolonged periods of time

Pay
This is an hourly position with wages starting at $15.25 and pays up to $18.25, based on experience and qualifications.
Benefits
All team members receive the following benefits while working for Life Time:
  • A fully subsidized membership
  • Discounts on Life Time products and services
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company discretionary match (21 years of age and older)
  • Training and professional development
  • Paid sick leave where required by law

Full-time Team Members are eligible for additional benefits, including:
  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
  • Short term and long term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Pre-tax flexible spending and dependent care plans
  • Parental leave and adoption assistance
  • Paid time off, including 5 to 20 vacation days per calendar year (based on tenure) and paid sick leave
  • Deferred compensation plan, if the team member meets the required income threshold

Life Time may use artificial intelligence ("AI") in connection with various aspects of its recruitment and hiring functions. Ultimate employment decisions are subject to human review and oversight. Life Time does not use AI in a manner that would have the effect of subjecting applicants to discrimination on the basis of protected classes or proxies or for engaging in any protected activity under applicable law.
Life Time is a place for everyone. As an organization, we are committed to an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace that respects and celebrates the unique contributions of each individual while ensuring we remain an equal opportunity employer that recruits, hires, trains and promotes based on merit and qualifications.

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