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Cocktail Server Jobs in Rensselaer, NY (NOW HIRING)

Server - Donald Ross Pub (DRP)

Oak Hill, NY · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Server - Donald Ross Pub Oak Hill Country Club | Rochester, NY The Opportunity Do you love creating ... Develop a strong understanding of our menus, daily features, wine, beer, and cocktail offerings.

Our restaurant is looking for a server with remarkable hard skills and engaging people skills! The right person for this job should be able to multitask food and beverage orders and deliveries, but ...

Server

Clifton Park, NY · On-site

$9.45/hr

Our restaurant is looking for a server with remarkable hard skills and engaging people skills! The right person for this job should be able to multitask food and beverage orders and deliveries, but ...

Server

Albany, NY · On-site

$9.45/hr

Our restaurant is looking for a server with remarkable hard skills and engaging people skills! The right person for this job should be able to multitask food and beverage orders and deliveries, but ...

Our restaurant is looking for a server with remarkable hard skills and engaging people skills! The right person for this job should be able to multitask food and beverage orders and deliveries, but ...

Server

Schenectady, NY · On-site

$18 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

MUST HAVE PRIOR SERVING EXPERIENCE TAKING ORDERS AT A TABLE As a Whistling Kettle server, you will take orders accurately, communicate them to the kitchen, and ensure timely delivery of food and ...

Servers must be at least 16 years old. This is a fast-paced and fun job in a growing company where each day will never be like the last. We participate in a wide variety of local activities, such as ...

Server

Latham, NY · On-site

$10.70/hr

  • Medical

The Server is the face of our restaurant and plays an integral role in our customer's dining experience. The ideal candidate is friendly, outgoing, and has fantastic attention to detail. 2+ years ...

Server

Ballston Spa, NY · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Positions: Server and Front of House Support As a key contributor to our front-of-house team, you will: Front of house team Support responsibilities: * Craft Artisanal Beverages: Showcase your ...

Server

Troy, NY · On-site

$10.35/hr

The Server is the face of our restaurant and plays an integral role in our customer's dining experience. You will build rapport with customers, answer questions about the menu, take orders, and serve ...

Server

Schenectady, NY · On-site

$20 - $40/hr

The Server is the face of our restaurant and plays an integral role in our customer's dining experience. You will build rapport with customers, answer questions about the menu, take orders, and serve ...

Server

Troy, NY · On-site

$10.35/hr

The Server is the face of our restaurant and plays an integral role in our customer's dining experience. You will build rapport with customers, answer questions about the menu, take orders, and serve ...

Server

Troy, NY · On-site

$10.35/hr

The Server is the face of our restaurant and plays an integral role in our customer's dining experience. You will build rapport with customers, answer questions about the menu, take orders, and serve ...

Our restaurant is looking for a server with remarkable hard skills and engaging people skills! The right person for this job should be able to multitask food and beverage orders and deliveries, but ...

Server

Schenectady, NY · On-site

$10.70 - $30/hr

The Server is the face of our restaurant and plays an integral role in our customer's dining experience. You will build rapport with customers, answer questions about the menu, take orders, and serve ...

Our restaurant is looking for a server with remarkable hard skills and engaging people skills! The right person for this job should be able to multitask food and beverage orders and deliveries, but ...

Closing Server

Albany, NY · On-site

$10.35/hr

Our restaurant is looking for a server with remarkable hard skills and engaging people skills! The right person for this job should be able to multitask food and beverage orders and deliveries, but ...

Closing Server

Albany, NY · On-site

$10.35/hr

Our restaurant is looking for a server with remarkable hard skills and engaging people skills! The right person for this job should be able to multitask food and beverage orders and deliveries, but ...

Server

Clifton Park, NY · On-site

$15.50 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are currently seeking an experienced server to join our team. We open at noon and the kitchen closes at 9PM, Tuesday through Sunday. Typical lunch shifts are 11:30 AM to 4 PM and dinner shifts are ...

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Cocktail Server information

See Rensselaer, NY salary details

$5

$13

$22

How much do cocktail server jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for cocktail server in Rensselaer, NY is $13.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.57 and $15.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cocktail server?

Cocktail servers are hospitality professionals who take drink and sometimes food orders from guests, primarily in bars, lounges, casinos, and restaurants. They are responsible for ensuring that customers have a positive experience by providing prompt and friendly service, delivering beverages, and handling payments. Cocktail servers must also maintain cleanliness in their service areas and adhere to alcohol service regulations. Good communication skills, a professional appearance, and the ability to work in fast-paced environments are important qualities for this role.

What does a cocktail server do?

The job of a cocktail server is to provide alcoholic beverages to customers at a lounge, nightclub, or bar. Cocktail servers frequently take orders from customers, deliver drinks and food, participate in special events, and make suggestions to customers. They may also clean and stock beverage service stations, collect dirty cups, and report noticeably intoxicated guests to supervisors. In some cases, a cocktail server may also focus on promoting the venue, itemizing bills, and processing payments. Most servers work alongside other staff to provide drinks, often in dim lighting or noisy conditions.

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

To thrive as a Cocktail Server, you need a strong knowledge of drink recipes, excellent customer service skills, and usually a food handler's permit or alcohol service certification. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and cocktail preparation tools is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask help set top performers apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring prompt, accurate service and creating a welcoming environment that encourages repeat business.

What are some common challenges cocktail servers face during busy shifts, and how can they manage them effectively?

Cocktail servers often encounter challenges such as handling multiple orders simultaneously, navigating crowded environments, and maintaining excellent customer service under pressure. To manage these challenges, it's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with bartenders and teammates, and prioritize tasks based on urgency. Developing strong memory skills for drink orders and practicing time management can also help ensure guests receive prompt and accurate service, even during the busiest hours.

What is the difference between Cocktail Server vs Barback?

AspectCocktail ServerBarback
Primary RoleTake orders, serve drinks, interact with customersAssist bartenders by restocking supplies and cleaning
Work EnvironmentFront-of-house, customer-facing in bars and restaurantsBack-of-house, supporting bartenders in bars and clubs
CredentialsNone typically required; good communication skillsNone typically required; physical stamina needed

The main difference is that Cocktail Servers focus on serving drinks and providing customer service, while Barbacks support bartenders by maintaining supplies and cleanliness. Both roles are essential in bar settings, but they differ in responsibilities and interaction levels with customers.

What cities near Rensselaer, NY are hiring for Cocktail Server jobs?

Cities near Rensselaer, NY with the most Cocktail Server job openings:

Infographic showing various Cocktail Server job openings in Rensselaer, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,326 per year, or $13.6 per hour.

Cocktail Server (Full-Time)

Rivers Casino

Schenectady, NY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Rivers Casino rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 164 rated casinos


Job description

Position Summary: Responsible for providing beverage service to all casino customers in an efficient courteous and professional manner displaying a high standard of customer service.
Job Title: Cocktail Server
Department: Food & Beverage
Reports To: Shift Manager Beverage
FLSA Designation: Non-Exempt
License Type: Non-Gaming
Target Pay: Start - $13.77 One Year - $15.30
Essential Job Functions:
  • Exhibits proper knowledge, selling techniques and service delivery of both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages
  • Adheres to established company and departmental procedures, guidelines, and policies, including but not limited to guest service, cash handling, sanitation, and organization
  • Maintains a clean station and performs assigned side work duties such as stocking coffee, glasses, cream, sugar, beverage napkins, etc.
  • Collects drink order from Bartender, adds appropriate garnish, places on tray, and serves to patrons with cocktail napkins
  • Inspects guest identification to ensure guest meets legal age limit for alcohol possession/consumption
  • Monitors guest alcohol consumption and acts according to established alcohol awareness program guidelines
  • Picks up empty glasses and returns them to the proper area
  • Cleans and replaces dirty ashtrays if applicable
  • Assists all guests regardless of where they are seated
  • Handles any guest's complaints or problems in a prompt and courteous manner
  • Maintains a constant awareness of safety and accident prevention, performing all job duties in the safest possible manner, and immediately notifying the supervisor and completing an accident report if a personal accident does occur
  • Ensures thorough communication between shifts
  • Performs all other duties as assigned

Qualifications:
  • Must be 21 years or older
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Prior serving experience preferred
  • Knowledge of POS systems
  • Must be available to work flexible shifts, weekends, and holidays
  • Must possess outstanding interpersonal communications skills to effectively interface with guests and team members
  • Must also possess a cooperative, helpful, and friendly nature, and present a neat, clean, well-groomed appearance
  • Ability to obtain and maintain all necessary licensing

Working Conditions:
  • Regularly required to see, stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, grip, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear for 8 hours
  • Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch
  • Must be able to lift, carry and serve from a tray at shoulder height with several cocktails weighing up to 25 pounds
  • Able to interact with others while maintaining a positive and courteous demeanor under noisy and fast paced working conditions
  • Able to work in areas with high volumes, diverse clientele, noise, music, minimal and/or bright lighting conditions

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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