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Cocktail Waitress Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Working knowledge of cocktail tray service, basic food service, responsible alcohol service, drink recipes and garnishes, point of sales systems * 3 years' work experience interacting with people in ...

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Cocktail Waitress information

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$5

$13

$22

How much do cocktail waitress jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for cocktail waitress in Minnesota is $13.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.42 and $15.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cocktail waitress?

Cocktail waitresses are hospitality professionals who serve beverages, particularly alcoholic drinks, to customers in bars, lounges, casinos, or restaurants. Their main duties include taking drink orders, delivering beverages, and ensuring guests have a positive experience. They often work in fast-paced environments and need excellent customer service skills, as well as knowledge of drink menus and responsible alcohol service. Cocktail waitresses may also handle payments and maintain cleanliness in their assigned areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cocktail waitress?

To thrive as a Cocktail Waitress, you need excellent customer service skills, knowledge of drink menus, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with POS systems and sometimes responsible beverage service certifications are typically required. Strong communication, multitasking, and a friendly attitude help you stand out in fast-paced environments. These skills ensure efficient service, customer satisfaction, and compliance with safety regulations in hospitality settings.

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

Cocktail waitresses often work in fast-paced environments where balancing multiple drink orders, maintaining excellent customer service, and handling demanding guests can be challenging. Managing these challenges involves developing strong multitasking skills, staying organized during busy shifts, and communicating clearly with bartenders and other staff. Building rapport with regular customers and learning the menu thoroughly also help ensure smooth service and increase tips. Support from a cohesive team and regular staff meetings can further assist in addressing and overcoming common workplace challenges.

What is the difference between Cocktail Waitress vs Barback?

AspectCocktail WaitressBarback
Primary RoleServing drinks, taking orders, providing customer serviceAssisting bartenders, restocking supplies, cleaning
Work EnvironmentFront-of-house in bars, clubs, restaurantsBehind the scenes in bars, clubs, restaurants
Required SkillsCustomer service, communication, basic bartending knowledgePhysical stamina, organization, knowledge of bar supplies

While both roles work in bar environments, a Cocktail Waitress focuses on serving customers and providing excellent service, whereas a Barback supports bartenders by maintaining supplies and cleanliness. They often work together to ensure smooth operations in nightlife venues.

How to get hired as a cocktail waitress?

To get hired as a cocktail waitress, candidates should have good customer service skills, a friendly attitude, and knowledge of drink menus. Previous experience in hospitality or serving can be advantageous, and some employers may require a food handler's permit or alcohol service certification. Applying to bars, restaurants, or clubs and demonstrating reliability and communication skills can improve chances of employment.

Is cocktail waitressing a good job?

Cocktail waitressing is a customer service role that involves serving drinks in bars or restaurants, often requiring strong communication and multitasking skills. It can offer flexible hours and tips, but may involve late nights, physical demands, and variable income. Whether it is a good job depends on individual preferences and work environment expectations.

What does it take to be a cocktail waitress?

A cocktail waitress typically needs good communication and customer service skills, a friendly demeanor, and the ability to handle fast-paced environments. Prior experience in hospitality or serving can be helpful, and knowledge of alcohol and drink menus is often required. Some positions may require a food handler's permit or alcohol service certification depending on local regulations.

What are popular job titles related to Cocktail Waitress jobs in Minnesota?

For Cocktail Waitress jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cocktail Waitress jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Cocktail Waitress jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Cocktail Waitress jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Cocktail Waitress job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Cocktail Waitress jobs in MN?

For Cocktail Waitress jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cocktail Waitress job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,943 per year, or $13.4 per hour.

Server - FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar

Choice Hotels International

Bloomington, MN โ€ข On-site

$11.41/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Choice Hotels International, Inc (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. A challenger in the upscale segment and a leader in midscale and extended stay, Choiceยฎ has more than 7,400 hotels, representing over 625,000 rooms, in 45 countries and territories. A diverse portfolio of 22 brands that run the gamut from full-service upper upscale properties to midscale, extended stay and economy enables Choiceยฎ to meet travelers' needs in more places and for more occasions while driving more value for franchise owners and shareholders. The award-winning Choice Privilegesยฎ loyalty program and co-brand credit card options provide members with a fast and easy way to earn reward nights and personalized perks. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com.
The ability to model Choice's Cultural Values: Welcome and Respect Everyone, Be Bold, Be Quick, Listen, Be Curious and Show Integrity are key to our success in inspiring Loyalty, Growth, and the Hospitality Spirit.
Our managed hotels portfolio includes Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Red, Park Plaza, and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson.
Position Summary
The role of the AM Server is to create 100% Guest Satisfaction by serving lounge customers in a prompt and efficient manner
FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar possesses a timeless atmosphere with a modern edge who is looking for an energetic and detail oriented Server.
Hourly Wage:$11.41
Benefits When You Make It Your Choice:
  • Employee discounts on thousands of hotels

  • Enjoy a complimentary meal in the associate cafeteria during your shift

  • Free Parking

  • Paid Sick Time (MN Earned Sick and Safe Time)

Hourly (Full Time):
1st of the month following 30 days of service:
  • Full benefits package to our full-time employees, including health, dental, vision, short & long term disability, auto insurance, and so much more!

  • Employer paid Accident insurance and HSA contribution

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan

  • Employee Assistance Program

90 Days:
  • Paid Vacation Time

  • 8 Paid Holidays

  • Paid Bereavement

1 Year:
  • Paid Floating Holidays

FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar features regional, local and sustainable foods kissed with the flavor of real burning wood, utilizing the grill, rotisserie and smoker. Impeccable hospitality and service. 175 seat restaurant, 125 seat lounge. Our lounge features local brews, selective wine list and modern cocktail program.
Key Responsibilities
Provides food and beverage service to guests in the restaurant:
  • Provides guest with overview of menu choices
  • Takes guest's order - provides explanation of menu as appropriate
  • Prepares order for presentation to guest
  • Replenishes water
  • Makes and pours coffee for the customers
  • Clears tables throughout the dining experience using proper methods for removing dishes, glassware and silverware
  • Cleans tables, chairs and floor area
  • Resets table quickly
  • Polishes silver and folds linens
  • Assists service team as necessary to meet and exceed the guests' expectations
  • Sets up beverage stations for appropriate shift by brewing coffee and setting out condiments, as appropriate

Creates 100% guest satisfaction by providing the Radisson experience through performance that demonstrates the standards of, genuine hospitality and exceeding guest expectations
  • Gives personal attention, takes personal responsibility, and uses teamwork when providing guest service
  • Listens, apologizes with empathy, finds a solution, and follows through when resolving guest problems
  • Provides Yes I Can! genuine hospitality and teamwork on an ongoing basis
  • Assumes the responsibility to notice when the guest is not satisfied and uses their best judgment as to when it is appropriate to use the 100% Guest Satisfaction
  • Performs other duties required to provide the service brand behavior and genuine hospitality

Performs other duties as required by Management to provide 100% Guest Satisfaction and genuine hospitality to our Guest
Requirements/Skills
  • Minimum one year restaurant serving experience, preferably in an upscale high volume environment
  • Must meet minimum age to serve alcohol based on applicable state law
  • Knowledge of local, state and federal liquor laws and regulations
  • Thorough understanding of safe and perceptive service
  • Excellent customer service and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to do basic math and handle cash
  • Ability to work with Point of Sale systems
  • Highly organized - demonstrate ability to proactively prioritize needs, put first things first, and effectively manage resources and time
  • Able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays

Physical Demands
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds on a regular basis, and up to 75 pounds occasionally
  • Ability to maneuver up to 150 pounds, occasionally, for short periods of time
  • Able to set up and take down tables, chairs, stages and other banquet meeting fixtures
  • Ability to push and pull carts weighing up to 200 lbs, occasionally
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time, constantly

Other Information
The hotel business functions seven days a week, 24 hours a day. All associates must realize this fact and be aware that at all times it may be necessary to move associates from their accustomed shift and alter assigned duties as business dictates. In addition, this is a hospitality business, and a hospitable service atmosphere must be maintained at all times.
This position description is not intended to create, nor is it to be construed, as a contract of employment or a promise of employment. I understand that my employment is an "at-will" relationship and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without notice.
We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and make employment decisions without regard to age, race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected class. Our locations are drug-free and pre-employment drug tests are required. Background checks are also required before employment begins. We participate in E-Verify and those who are ineligible to work in the United States will not be considered.
The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Ability to model Choice's Cultural Values: Welcome and Respect Everyone, Be Bold, Be Quick, Listen, Be Curious and Show Integrity are key to our success in inspiring Loyalty, Growth, and the Hospitality Spirit.
Choice Hotels International is an equal opportunity employer and affirmative action employer. Employment practices and decisions are not influenced by an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or express, disability veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, this offer of employment is conditional upon your presenting documents verifying your identity and legal authorization to work in the United States. All offers of employment are conditional upon the satisfactory completion of a background check and E-Verify.