Job Description

Job Location: Chicago, IL 60601,

Salary Range: $12.96 - $12.96 Hourly, State and Lake Chicago Tavern @ theWit

State and Lake Chicago Tavern is located in the heart of downtown Chicago’s Loop and Theater District at the iconic intersection of State and Lake Streets. Surrounded by major hotels, corporate offices, shopping destinations, entertainment venues, and public transportation, the restaurant attracts a diverse mix of locals, tourists, business professionals, and theatergoers year-round. The fast-paced, high-traffic environment provides team members with experience in upscale hospitality, elevated American tavern dining, live entertainment service, and high-volume guest engagement in one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Position Overview – Server

A Server at State and Lake Chicago Tavern delivers exceptional dining experiences by providing attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly service to guests in a fast-paced downtown Chicago environment. Responsibilities include taking food and beverage orders, ensuring accurate and timely service, maintaining menu knowledge, handling guest requests professionally, and collaborating with team members to create a welcoming atmosphere for locals, tourists, and business travelers.

Responsibilities

• Candidate must be extremely guest focused and have excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)
• At least one-year minimum food and beverage experience.
• Be attentive to detail and computer skills are helpful but not required.
• Present menu, answer questions, and make suggestions regarding food, beverage and service; communicate guest orders including any special needs or requests to the kitchen using the hotel's point-of-sales system; coordinate food timings; check completed kitchen orders with the guest's original order; transport items to the guest table in a timely manner to ensure proper food quality.
• Anticipate guest needs, ascertain satisfaction, and offer suggestions, and respond urgently and appropriately to guest concerns and requests.
• Properly and accurately close guest checks; process cash and credit card payments; properly settle voided checks or complimentary meals.
• Breakdown, clean and set-up of tables, buffets, and food stations.
• Work harmoniously and professionally with co-workers and supervisors
• Post side work duties and ensure staff completes side work as instructed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a server, or similar front-of-house role.
• Food Handler's Certification
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and hospitality service procedures.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Knowledge of the Micros POS system
• High school diploma or equivalent required; hospitality or restaurant management training preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a friendly, welcoming attitude.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively.
• Ability to handle guest inquiries, complaints, and concerns with professionalism and courtesy.
• Basic knowledge of reservation systems and/or point-of-sale (POS) systems is a plus.
• Communicate properly and effectively with the guests, associates and managers.
• Effectively respond to guest complaints. Promote teamwork and associate morale.
• Maintain knowledge of hotel property, hotel staff, hotel services, hotel service hours of operation and hotel surroundings (i.e. mall, restaurants).
• Adhere to all work rules, procedures and policies established by the company.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced hospitality environment.
• Requires extended periods of standing and walking.
• May involve occasional lifting of items up to 25 lbs.
• Indoor work environment with frequent movement throughout the restaurant
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Compensation

• $12.96 per hour

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. Our offerings include:

• Medical Plans: Choice of three plans to meet your healthcare needs.
• Dental Plans: Two options for dental coverage.
• Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine eye care and eyewear.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): To support work-life balance.
• Accident/Hospital Indemnity/Critical Illness plans (new for 2026).
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Plan for your future with employer contributions.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Life and AD&D Insurance: Employer-provided coverage with additional voluntary options.
• Short-Term Disability (STD): Employer-provided coverage to support you during temporary disability.
• Voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD): Additional protection for extended disability.
• Commuter Benefits: Save on transit and parking expenses.
• Pet Insurance: Options to support your furry family members.
• Hilton travel discounts and employee room rates worldwide
• Career growth and training opportunities
• Access to wellness programs and employee appreciation events

Please note that eligibility for certain benefits may vary depending on your employment status. Detailed information, including plan summaries and enrollment instructions, will be provided during onboarding or upon request. This summary complies with applicable state laws and is subject to change based on legislative updates or company policies.

E-Verify Participation

theWit Hotel participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Equal Employment Opportunity

theWit Hotel and ROOF on theWit are proud to be Equal Opportunity Employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Qualifications