Position: Bartender
Department: Food & Beverage
Location: Chicago, IL
Employment Type: Hourly
Compensation: $19.57 per hour
Truth Be Told , the British-inspired tavern located within The Study at University of Chicago , is seeking an experienced, engaging, and hospitality-driven Bartender to join our Food & Beverage team. This role delivers thoughtful beverage service, prepares cocktails with consistency and precision, and creates a welcoming tavern experience for hotel guests, university visitors, neighborhood regulars, and the UChicago community.
The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in classic cocktails and an appreciation for modern interpretations, along with a genuine interest in spirits, beer, wine, and the traditions of a great neighborhood tavern. We are looking for someone who understands that great bartending is equal parts craft and hospitality, and always focused on the guest experience.
Our caring and attentive associates reinforce our belief that guest service is our highest priority. We seek energetic, service-oriented individuals who take pride in their craft, enjoy connecting with people, and contribute positively to a collaborative restaurant and hotel environment.
Restaurant Snapshot
Truth Be Told – British-inspired tavern located within The Study at University of Chicago
Full-service restaurant and bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Classic tavern atmosphere with thoughtful food and beverage offerings
Beverage program featuring cocktails, spirits, beer, and wine
Integration with hotel operations and guest services
Serving hotel guests, university visitors, Hyde Park neighbors, and the surrounding community
Responsibilities
Provide warm, attentive, and efficient beverage service while creating an engaging and welcoming tavern experience for guests.
Prepare classic and specialty cocktails accurately and consistently according to established recipes and standards.
Demonstrate a strong understanding of classic cocktail techniques while embracing thoughtful modern interpretations and seasonal beverage offerings.
Maintain current knowledge of spirits, cocktails, beer, wine, menu items, and beverage offerings.
Guide guests through beverage selections and make thoughtful recommendations based on their preferences.
Develop a strong understanding of Truth Be Told's food and beverage offerings and how they contribute to the restaurant's British-inspired tavern concept.
Maintain knowledge of menu ingredients and allergy considerations and communicate guest needs appropriately.
Monitor the guest experience and respond promptly and professionally to requests or concerns.
Accurately handle guest checks, cash, credit card transactions, room charges, and other forms of payment.
Complete opening, closing, and ongoing side work including stocking, preparation, cleaning, polishing, and organization of the bar.
Monitor product and supply levels and communicate inventory or restocking needs to restaurant leadership.
Maintain a clean, organized, sanitary, and safe bar and service environment.
Follow responsible alcohol service practices and all applicable liquor laws and regulations.
Work collaboratively with servers, restaurant support, culinary team members, and hotel departments to provide seamless service.
Continue developing knowledge of cocktails, spirits, beer, wine, food, ingredients, techniques, and current beverage trends.
Perform additional duties as assigned based on restaurant and hotel operational needs.
Fundamentals
Minimum of 2 years of bartending experience in an upscale casual, tavern, full-service restaurant, hotel, or comparable environment preferred.
Strong knowledge of classic cocktails and spirits with an appreciation for modern interpretations and evolving beverage trends.
Working knowledge of beer and wine and the ability to confidently guide guests through beverage selections.
Ability to execute classic cocktails consistently while embracing thoughtful and contemporary approaches to beverage…