Bartender

Kay's Luxury Eats; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Kay's Luxury Eats in Chicago and surrounding suburbs is seeking professional bartenders for weddings, corporate events, and private parties. You will set up, serve from curated menus, and maintain a polished bar experience throughout high-volume events.

Ideal candidates have an Illinois BASSET certification, previous bartending experience, and excellent customer service. We value reliability, speed, and a professional appearance, with evening and weekend availability a plus.

Qualifications

• Valid Illinois BASSET certification required.
• Previous bartending experience preferred.
• Experience at weddings, catering events, private parties, restaurants, or high-volume bars is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, beer, wine, and mixers.
• Must work quickly while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
• Excellent communication and customer-service skills.
• Reliable and punctual for scheduled events.
• Professional appearance and grooming.
• Must be comfortable standing for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift and carry approximately 25–40 pounds.
• Available for evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Reliable transportation to event locations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up and organize the bar area before guest service begins.
• Prepare and serve beer, wine, mixed drinks, cocktails, mocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Follow provided drink menus, recipes, and event-specific instructions.
• Properly measure and control alcohol portions.
• Check identification when necessary and follow responsible alcohol-service guidelines.
• Monitor guests and refuse alcohol service when appropriate.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional bar throughout the event.
• Keep ice, mixers, garnishes, cups, napkins, and other bar supplies stocked.
• Assist with garnishes and batching beverages as required.
• Communicate with barback, event captain, servers, and management throughout service.
• Provide friendly, professional, and timely customer service.
• Assist with bar breakdown and cleanup at the conclusion of the event.
• Pack company bar equipment and supplies after service.
• Report shortages, damages, spills, guest concerns, or other issues to the event captain or manager.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Reliability

Teamwork

Time management

Education

Illinois BASSET certification

Job description

Bartender Job Description

Position: Event Bartender
Employment Type: Part-Time / Event-Based
Pay: Starting at $20+ per hour, based on experience
Location: Chicago & Surrounding Suburbs

Position Overview

We are seeking professional, dependable, and energetic bartenders to work weddings, corporate events, private parties, and other catered events. Bartenders are responsible for providing excellent guest service while preparing and serving beverages safely and efficiently.

Responsibilities

Set up and organize the bar area before guest service begins.

Prepare and serve beer, wine, mixed drinks, cocktails, mocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Follow provided drink menus, recipes, and event-specific instructions.

Properly measure and control alcohol portions.

Check identification when necessary and follow responsible alcohol-service guidelines.

Monitor guests and refuse alcohol service when appropriate.

Maintain a clean, organized, and professional bar throughout the event.

Keep ice, mixers, garnishes, cups, napkins, and other bar supplies stocked.

Assist with preparing garnishes and batching beverages when required.

Communicate with the barback, event captain, servers, and management throughout service.

Provide friendly, professional, and timely customer service.

Assist with bar breakdown and cleanup at the conclusion of the event.

Properly pack company bar equipment and supplies after service.

Report shortages, damages, spills, guest concerns, or other issues to the event captain or manager.

Requirements

Valid Illinois BASSET certification required.

Previous bartending experience preferred.

Experience working weddings, catering events, private parties, restaurants, or high-volume bars is a plus.

Strong knowledge of standard cocktails, spirits, beer, wine, and mixers.

Must be able to work quickly while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.

Excellent communication and customer-service skills.

Must be reliable and arrive on time for scheduled events.

Professional appearance and grooming are required.

Must be comfortable standing for extended periods.

Must be able to lift and carry approximately 25–40 pounds.

Must be available for some evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Reliable transportation to event locations is strongly preferred.

What We Look For

We are looking for bartenders who are:

Dependable and punctual

Fast and organized

Friendly and outgoing

Professional with guests and clients

Comfortable working in a team environment

Able to follow instructions and event timelines

Able to maintain composure during high-volume service

Willing to assist the team when needed outside of basic bar service