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Restaurant Server Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Summary The server will take orders, answer questions about the menu and food, sell the restaurant's food and drinks, obtain and process payments, have great customer service skills, and assist in ...

The Server Assistant / Busser plays a vital role in supporting the dining experience by assisting servers, maintaining cleanliness and organization of the dining area, and ensuring guests' needs are ...

The Server Assistant / Busser plays a vital role in supporting the dining experience by assisting servers, maintaining cleanliness and organization of the dining area, and ensuring guests' needs are ...

Summary The server will take orders, answer questions about the menu and food, sell the restaurant's food and drinks, obtain and process payments, have great customer service skills, and assist in ...

The Server Assistant / Busser plays a vital role in supporting the dining experience by assisting servers, maintaining cleanliness and organization of the dining area, and ensuring guests' needs are ...

Showing results 21-40

Restaurant Server information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$5

$13

$23

How much do restaurant server jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant server in Elgin, IL is $13.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.52 and $15.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a restaurant server?

Restaurant servers are hospitality professionals responsible for taking orders, serving food and beverages, and ensuring guests have a positive dining experience. They act as the main point of contact between customers and the kitchen, answering menu questions, making recommendations, and handling payments. Good restaurant servers possess excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Their goal is to provide efficient, friendly, and attentive service to enhance the overall experience for restaurant patrons.

What does a restaurant server do?

A restaurant server works in a restaurant, providing tableside customer service to restaurant patrons. As a restaurant server, your responsibilities and duties include greeting customers, taking their orders, bringing their food and drinks, checking to see that they are enjoying their dining experience, and clearing their plates when finished. You also complete side work which consists of cleaning and preparing the restaurant for the next shift. Your job is to represent the restaurant in a friendly, professional, and knowledgeable manner and provide excellent customer service.

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

To thrive as a Restaurant Server, you need strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and basic math abilities, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and food safety certifications are typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient service, satisfied guests, and smooth restaurant operations in a fast-paced environment.

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

Restaurant Servers often encounter challenges such as handling multiple tables at once, managing special requests, and maintaining a high level of customer service during peak hours. To manage these effectively, it's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with both the kitchen staff and fellow servers, and prioritize tasks efficiently. Developing strong multitasking skills and remaining calm under pressure also helps ensure a positive dining experience for guests and a smoother workflow for the entire team.

Is working as a restaurant server worth it?

Working as a restaurant server can be rewarding through tips and flexible hours, but it also involves physically demanding work and variable income. Success often depends on customer service skills, experience, and the establishment's environment.

What are popular job titles related to Restaurant Server jobs in Elgin, IL?

For Restaurant Server jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Restaurant Server jobs in Elgin, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Restaurant Server jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Restaurant Server jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Restaurant Server job openings:

Infographic showing various Restaurant Server job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,852 per year, or $13.4 per hour.

$12.66 - $13.66/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Sonesta International Hotels rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 109 rated hotels


Job description

We're People People. Are you?
We're Sonesta International Hotels-the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. (and growing fast 🚀).
With a dynamic mix of full-service and focused hotels across major cities, our diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties means we're everywhere our guests need us to be.
But here's the thing-we're not just in the business of hotels, we're in the business of people. We bring service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and create experiences that genuinely connect-delivering quality, value, and memorable stays across 1,000+ properties in eight countries (and counting).
What this role is all about
What this role is all about
At Sonesta, great dining experiences are all about connection, energy, and exceptional service. As a Food Server, you'll help create memorable moments for guests by delivering attentive hospitality, personalized service, and outstanding food & beverage experiences across our restaurants, lounges, banquets, or dining outlets.
This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment, enjoys interacting with people, and loves creating experiences guests genuinely remember. From menu recommendations to seamless service and genuine conversation, you'll play an important role in bringing our People People culture to life every day.
If you're outgoing, service-driven, and passionate about hospitality - we'd love to meet you.
What you'll be doing
What you'll be doing
  • Provide friendly, attentive, and professional food & beverage service to guests across restaurants, lounge, banquet, and dining operations.

  • Take guest orders accurately, answer menu questions, make recommendations, and deliver exceptional guest experiences throughout service.

  • Serve food and beverages according to hotel service standards, presentation guidelines, and timing expectations.

  • Maintain a strong knowledge of menu offerings, beverages, wine selections, promotions, and daily specials.

  • Process guest transactions, payments, and POS system operations accurately and efficiently.

  • Monitor guest satisfaction throughout dining experiences and respond quickly and professionally to guest requests or concerns.

  • Maintain cleanliness and organization across dining rooms, service stations, tables, and guest-facing areas.

  • Support opening duties, closing side work, banquet setup, and operational readiness throughout shifts.

  • Partner closely with Culinary, Bartenders, Food Runners, Banquets, and Food & Beverage leadership teams to support smooth operations.

  • Follow food safety standards, sanitation procedures, responsible alcohol service guidelines, and hotel operational policies at all times.

  • Support upselling initiatives, promotions, and guest engagement opportunities that drive revenue and enhance the dining experience.

  • Help create a welcoming, energetic, and team-oriented atmosphere aligned with Sonesta's People People culture.

  • Any other duties as assigned

What great looks like
  • Previous restaurant, hotel, banquet, hospitality, food service, or customer service experience preferred.

  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and guest service skills with a friendly and professional attitude.

  • Ability to multitask and thrive in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

  • Knowledge of food & beverage service, dining etiquette, POS systems, and responsible alcohol service practices preferred.

  • Strong attention to detail, presentation, cleanliness, and guest satisfaction standards.

  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a high-energy hospitality team.

  • Food Handler Certification, TIPS Certification, or alcohol service certification preferred where applicable.

  • A passion for hospitality, guest engagement, teamwork, and creating memorable dining experiences.

  • Flexible availability including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and event support as needed.

Anticipated Pay Range & Additional Job Information
Pay range $12.66 -$13.66
Pay rate outlined follows contract requirements.
Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. Employees are offered a variety of benefits including:
• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Paid Holidays
• Pension
• Legal Services
• Maternity and Parental Leave
Go Beyond @SonestaHotels
WHO WE ARE
We are an organization made up of people, thoughts and ideas - all working towards fulfilling our simple mission: To wow every guest, team member, partner & community we operate in by delivering quality, value & amazing hospitality.
We will achieve our mission by being passionate about exceeding expectations - by being persistent, resilient, and constantly seeking new and creative ways to succeed. Doing the Right Thing and Going Beyond are our principles that guide everything we do.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
Our Commitment to You
Sonesta is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Before You Apply
To be considered, please complete the full application in addition to submitting your resume. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

What Sonesta International Hotels employees say

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