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Restaurant Cook Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Huddle House

Restaurant Cook

Litchfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Restaurant Cook will oversee the day to day operation of the grill and food prep in the restaurant. The incumbent will be responsible for proper food preparation, handling, and ...

Huddle House

Restaurant Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$15/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Restaurant Cook will oversee the day to day operation of the grill and food prep in the restaurant. The incumbent will be responsible for proper food preparation, handling, and ...

E.M.A. Hospitality

Restaurant/Outlet Cook

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Job Summary: The Restaurant Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food according to the restaurant's menu, ensuring high standards of food quality and presentation. This role involves ...

E.M.A. Hospitality

Restaurant/Outlet Cook

Itasca, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Job Summary: The Restaurant Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food according to the restaurant's menu, ensuring high standards of food quality and presentation. This role involves ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Calumet City, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

At SONIC Drive-In restaurants, you'll have all that, along with great pay, flexible hours, a cool uniform and the camaraderie of fantastic co-workers. As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will ...

Sonic

Cook

Calumet City, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

At SONIC Drive-In restaurants, youll have all that, along with great pay, flexible hours, a cool uniform and the camaraderie of fantastic co-workers. As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will ...

Sonic

Cook

Edwardsville, IL

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

At SONIC Drive-In restaurants, youll have all that, along with great pay, flexible hours, a cool uniform and the camaraderie of fantastic co-workers. As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will ...

Sonic

Cook

Crest Hill, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

At SONIC Drive-In restaurants, youll have all that, along with great pay, flexible hours, a cool uniform and the camaraderie of fantastic co-workers. As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will ...

Sonic

Cook

Quincy, IL

$14 - $18.75/hr

At SONIC Drive-In restaurants, youll have all that, along with great pay, flexible hours, a cool uniform and the camaraderie of fantastic co-workers. As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Country Club Hills, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

At SONIC Drive-In restaurants, you'll have all that, along with great pay, flexible hours, a cool uniform and the camaraderie of fantastic co-workers. As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will ...

Sonic

Cook

East Alton, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

At SONIC Drive-In restaurants, youll have all that, along with great pay, flexible hours, a cool uniform and the camaraderie of fantastic co-workers. As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Quincy, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

At SONIC Drive-In restaurants, you'll have all that, along with great pay, flexible hours, a cool uniform and the camaraderie of fantastic co-workers. As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Belleville, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

At SONIC Drive-In restaurants, you'll have all that, along with great pay, flexible hours, a cool uniform and the camaraderie of fantastic co-workers. As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will ...

Sonic

Cook

Highland, IL · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

At SONIC Drive-In restaurants, youll have all that, along with great pay, flexible hours, a cool uniform and the camaraderie of fantastic co-workers. As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will ...

Sonic

Cook

Country Club Hills, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

At SONIC Drive-In restaurants, youll have all that, along with great pay, flexible hours, a cool uniform and the camaraderie of fantastic co-workers. As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

At SONIC Drive-In restaurants, you'll have all that, along with great pay, flexible hours, a cool uniform and the camaraderie of fantastic co-workers. As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Columbia, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

At SONIC Drive-In restaurants, you'll have all that, along with great pay, flexible hours, a cool uniform and the camaraderie of fantastic co-workers. As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will ...

Sonic

Cook

Cicero, IL

$14 - $18.75/hr

At SONIC Drive-In restaurants, youll have all that, along with great pay, flexible hours, a cool uniform and the camaraderie of fantastic co-workers. As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will ...

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All JobsRestaurant Cook JobsRestaurant Cook Jobs in Illinois

Restaurant Cook information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$12

$16

How much do restaurant cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant cook in Illinois is $12.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.20 and $14.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a restaurant cook do?

A restaurant cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food according to the restaurant's recipes and standards. They handle tasks such as chopping ingredients, operating kitchen equipment, and ensuring food safety and cleanliness. Cooks may also help with menu planning, inventory management, and plating dishes before they are served to customers. Their role is essential in delivering quality meals and maintaining the overall efficiency of the kitchen.

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

To thrive as a Restaurant Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or culinary certification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are key soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure consistent food quality, safe kitchen practices, and smooth kitchen operations in a fast-paced environment.

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

Restaurant cooks often face challenges such as working under time pressure, managing multiple orders simultaneously, and maintaining consistency in food quality. Effective communication with kitchen staff and front-of-house teams is essential to keep operations running smoothly. Staying organized, preparing ingredients ahead of busy shifts, and practicing good time management can help cooks navigate these challenges and ensure a positive dining experience for customers.

What is the difference between Restaurant Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectRestaurant CookLine Cook
CredentialsFood safety certification often requiredFood safety certification often required
Work EnvironmentKitchen of a restaurant, preparing various dishesKitchen of a restaurant, focusing on specific station
Job RolePrepares a variety of menu items, may oversee other cooksPrepares specific dishes or stations during service
Industry UsageCommonly used in restaurants, hotels, cateringCommonly used in restaurants, especially during busy hours

Both Restaurant Cooks and Line Cooks work in restaurant kitchens and often share similar certifications. However, Restaurant Cooks typically have broader responsibilities, preparing a variety of dishes and sometimes supervising staff, while Line Cooks focus on specific stations during service. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How much do restaurant cooks get paid in a restaurant?

Restaurant cooks typically earn an hourly wage that ranges from minimum wage to around $15-$20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the establishment. Entry-level cooks may start at lower rates, while experienced cooks or those with specialized skills can earn higher pay. Overtime, tips, and benefits can also affect overall compensation.

What is the work of a restaurant cook in a restaurant?

A restaurant cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food according to recipes and quality standards. They handle tasks such as chopping ingredients, operating kitchen equipment, and maintaining cleanliness and safety in the kitchen environment. Strong cooking skills and knowledge of food safety regulations are essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Restaurant Cook jobs in Illinois?

For Restaurant Cook jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Restaurant Cook jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Restaurant Cook jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Restaurant Cook jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Restaurant Cook job openings:

Restaurant Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Cook job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $26,742 per year, or $12.9 per hour.

Restaurant Cook

Huddle House

Litchfield, IL • On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Huddle House rating

3.9

Company rating: 3.9 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 20 rated casual dining restaurants

Job description

HUDDLE HOUSE is a unique member of the communities it serves. The bonds created between our team members and our customers are unlike those seen in most other chain restaurants. Our Company Purpose reflects this unique element of the Huddle House dining experience:
Bringing Friends and Families Together over Delicious Food Served from the Heart
At Huddle House, we believe it's "YOUR HOUSE. YOUR KITCHEN." Huddle House is the place where the guest is the boss. We're giving families across America a place that gives them exactly what they want: freshly prepared food, any way they like it. Whether it's a quick bite before work, or a place to sit, chat and laugh with family and friends, we tell guests: "Get comfortable...this is YOUR HOUSE and YOUR KITCHEN".
JOB SUMMARY
The Restaurant Cook will oversee the day to day operation of the grill and food prep in the restaurant. The incumbent will be responsible for proper food preparation, handling, and storage. This person will be expected to provide excellent customer service and will be a strong teammate to our franchise partner.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Report to work on time in a clean and complete proper uniform
  • Greet all customers with a smile and a verbal greeting: "Good Morning or Welcome to Huddle House."
  • Prepare food in a timely manner once the order is placed
  • Complete the position checklist while stocking and preparing the unit for the next shift
  • Bring all items of concern to the attention of the manager immediately, especially safety concerns and customer service complaints
  • Know the menu, the daily features when applicable and be sure they are cooked and presented correctly
  • Know and follow the Huddle House steps of service with each and every guest to maximize shift sales
  • Practice all rules for safety food handling cash security and all other restaurant policies
  • Perform all prepping and cleaning duties as detailed or assigned by supervisor
  • Make a difference in food cost by controlling waste and portion control

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Ability to communicate effectively with all restaurant staff
  • Some previous restaurant experience preferred
  • "Can do" attitude and willingness to be at your during your shift

OUR VALUES
  • Commitment to Excellence
  • Work Hard
  • Teamwork
  • Make a Difference
  • Have Fun

Compensation: $15.00 - $17.00 per week
HUDDLE HOUSE is a unique member of the communities it serves. The bonds created between our team members and our customers are unlike those seen in most other chain restaurants. Our Company Purpose reflects this unique element of the Huddle House dining experience:
Bringing Friends and Families Together over Delicious Food Served from the Heart.
At Huddle House, we believe it's "YOUR HOUSE. YOUR KITCHEN." Huddle House is the place where the guest is the boss. We're giving families across America a place that gives them exactly what they want: freshly prepared food, any way they like it. Whether it's a quick bite before work, or a place to sit, chat and laugh with family and friends, we tell guests: "Get comfortable...this is YOUR HOUSE and YOUR KITCHEN".
This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchise location, and not to Huddle House Corporate.

What Huddle House employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Huddle House logo

About Huddle House

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1964, Huddle House is a renowned player in the food service industry, operating successfully in Decatur, GA, U.S., and with over 400 locations across the country as stated on their official website, huddlehouse.com. This full-service family restaurant chain is known for serving quality food in a warm, friendly, and casual environment that symbolizes the essence of ‘Any Meal. Any Time’. Their offerings encompass a wide variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, including mouth-watering burgers, homestyle dinners, all-day breakfast, and Southern-style lunches.

Industry

Restaurants

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Decatur, GA, US

Social media

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