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Weekend Barback Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

We're hiring people to join our team as BARBACK STAFF ! A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits ... Available to work a variety of hours, days and shifts, including weekends * Safely and effectively ...

Barback

Chicago, IL · On-site

We're hiring people to join our team as BARBACK STAFF ! A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits ... Available to work a variety of hours, days and shifts, including weekends * Safely and effectively ...

Ability to lift 35 pounds The BARBACK will be responsible for assisting the bartender in preparing and serving drinks, maintaining cleanliness of the bar area, and ensuring compliance with health and ...

Barback

Chicago, IL · On-site

We're hiring people to join our team as BARBACK STAFF ! A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits ... Available to work a variety of hours, days and shifts, including weekends * Safely and effectively ...

Barback

Barrington, IL · On-site

$9 - $10/hr

Are you a recent graduate or an aspiring bartender looking to jumpstart your career in the vibrant South Barrington restaurant scene? As a Barback at The Greggory, you'll be an essential part of our ...

Barback

Barrington, IL · On-site

$9 - $10/hr

As a Barback at The Greggory, you'll be an essential part of our dynamic dinner service team, working closely with seasoned bartenders and enhancing your skills in a lively, customer-focused ...

Barback

Chicago, IL · On-site

We are looking for a Barback who keeps the bar running -- fast, clean, and one step ahead of the bartender, every shift. The Role The Barback is the engine behind the bar. You keep the station ...

aliveOne is now hiring a Barback. Must have experience in a high-volume bar or restaurant. Work ... Must be able to work nights, weekends, and certain holidays  Apply now at Equal Opportunity ...

Barback - aliveOne

Chicago, IL · On-site

$12.62/hr

aliveOne is now hiring a Barback. Must have experience in a high-volume bar or restaurant. Work ... Must be able to work nights, weekends, and certain holidays Apply now at Equal Opportunity Employer ...

Barback - aliveOne

Chicago, IL · On-site

$12.62/hr

aliveOne is now hiring a Barback. Must have experience in a high-volume bar or restaurant. Work ... Must be able to work nights, weekends, and certain holidays Apply now at Equal Opportunity Employer ...

Showing results 21-40

Weekend Barback information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$5

$13

$22

How much do weekend barback jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for weekend barback in Chicago, IL is $13.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.90 and $16.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a weekend barback?

Weekend barbacks are support staff who assist bartenders in busy bars, pubs, or restaurants, primarily during weekends when customer volume is high. Their duties include restocking supplies, cleaning the bar area, refilling ice, collecting glassware, and ensuring bartenders have everything needed to serve customers efficiently. Barbacks play a vital role in maintaining the flow of service and helping the bar run smoothly, especially during peak hours on weekends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a weekend barback?

To thrive as a Weekend Barback, you need physical stamina, basic knowledge of bar operations, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, bar inventory tools, and safe handling of glassware and cleaning supplies is beneficial. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication help you support bartenders and ensure smooth service. These skills are vital for maintaining bar efficiency, guest satisfaction, and a safe, organized workspace during busy shifts.

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

Weekend barbacks often contend with high customer volume and fast-paced environments, which can make it challenging to keep the bar stocked and clean. Effective time management and strong communication with bartenders are key to staying ahead of inventory needs and maintaining smooth service. Familiarizing yourself with the layout of the bar and anticipating bartender requests can help reduce stress and improve efficiency during busy shifts. Building good rapport with the team also ensures that everyone works together seamlessly, making even the busiest weekends more manageable.

What is the difference between Weekend Barback vs Weekend Bartender?

AspectWeekend BarbackWeekend Bartender
CredentialsNone required, basic knowledge of bar operationsFood handler permit, bartending license or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentBehind the bar, supporting bartenders during busy hoursDirectly serving drinks to customers, engaging with patrons
Job ResponsibilitiesRestocking supplies, cleaning, assisting bartendersTaking orders, mixing and serving drinks, handling payments

Weekend Barbacks primarily support bartenders by restocking and cleaning, requiring minimal certifications. Weekend Bartenders interact directly with customers, often needing specific permits or licenses. Both roles are common in nightlife venues, but they differ in responsibilities and credentials required.

How many hours does a weekend barback work?

A weekend barback typically works between 4 to 8 hours per shift, often during peak hours such as evenings and weekends. The total hours can vary depending on the establishment's needs and scheduling, with some positions offering part-time hours and others full-time weekend shifts.

How much should a weekend barback get paid?

A weekend barback typically earns between $10 and $15 per hour, with some locations offering higher wages based on experience and tips. Pay rates can vary depending on the establishment, location, and whether tips are included in the compensation.

Is being a weekend barback a stressful job?

Being a weekend barback can be stressful due to fast-paced environments, handling multiple tasks such as restocking supplies and assisting bartenders, and working during busy hours. The job requires physical stamina, multitasking skills, and the ability to work under pressure, especially on weekends when customer volume is higher.

What are the most commonly searched types of Barback jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Barback jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Weekend Barback jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Weekend Barback job openings:

Infographic showing various Weekend Barback job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Full Time, and 64% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $28,643 per year, or $13.8 per hour.

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

We're hiring people to join our team as BARBACKSTAFF!

A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits:

  • Restaurant Discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness
  • Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Life, Accident Protection & Critical Illness Insurance
  • Domestic Partner Benefits
  • 401(k)

The Oakville Grill & Cellar brings the vibes of California wine country to Chicago's Fulton Market neighborhood. This restaurant is a collaboration between Executive Chef Tim Havidic and Wine Director Richard Hanauer, Partner at RPM Restaurants. The menu focuses on simply prepared dishes made with expertly sourced, seasonal ingredients, with an emphasis on live-fire cooking. It also boasts the largest, exclusively California wine lists in Chicago and features a first-of-its-kind tasting room, the Cellar Door, that lets guests experience California from Fulton Market.


Caring. Creative. Careers.
Join the Lettuce Entertain You team! Our 100+ restaurants are nationally recognized for great food and service and as great places to work. We hire and care deeply for people with creativity, passion and the drive to be the best. And we reward our teams with top notch benefits, career-long training and development and opportunities for growth. If you want a career at a progressive company with a long-standing commitment to people, join our caring and creative team.
EOE. We participate in E-Verify / Participamos en E-Verify




BARBACK JOB DESCRIPTION

Barbacks are responsible for stocking the bar, coolers and storage areas with appropriate items as well as maintaining cleanliness and sanitation standards of these areas. Assists the Bartender with side work, glass washing, bussing and restocking. Also assists with Busser, Food Runner and Barista duties as directed.


Essential Functions

  • Stock/restock appropriate areas of the bar with alcohol, glassware, ice and supplies
  • Arrange and set-up beverages, mixes, garnishes and supplies, and prepare drink mixes
  • Available to work a variety of hours, days and shifts, including weekends
  • Safely and effectively transport filled glass racks, ice and cases of liquor, beer and wine
  • Ability to safely tolerate hands being exposed to liquids frequently, including water, cleaning solutions, alcohol, various juices and other liquids
  • Safely and effectively use and operate all necessary tools and equipment, including knives and blenders
  • Ability to effectively communicate in order to perform and follow job requirements in written and spoken direction
  • Ability to multitask calmly and effectively in a busy, stressful environment
  • Work in a confined, crowded space of variable noise and temperature levels
  • Able to move and lift up to 10 pounds, frequently move and/or lift up to 25 pounds, and occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to stand and walk for an entire shift and move safely through all areas of the restaurant, which may include stairs, uneven or slick surfaces

Key Responsibilities and Duties

  • Ensure the overall guest experience exceeds expectations and anticipate guests' needs
  • Greet guests with a warm, sincere smile
  • Use tact and good judgement when dealing with guest challenges and respond to guest needs with patience and courtesy
  • Safely and properly change beer kegs, CO2 tanks and soda dispensers
  • Manually wash and sanitize glassware using a three compartment sink
  • Account for and maintain the security of all bar stock and inventory
  • Ability to recognize an intoxicated guest, refuse to overserve guests and seek out management with any concerns about a guest that appears intoxicated
  • Understand and respond knowledgeably to questions about the restaurant and menu
  • Follow all steps of service
  • Understand and follow the food allergy procedure and special orders/restrictions
  • Comply with all safety and sanitation guidelines and procedures
  • Successfully complete alcohol awareness training
  • Follow all rules, policies, procedures and conditions of employment, including those outlined in the Employee Handbook
  • Get along well with others and be a team player
  • Other duties will be assigned as needed