Cocktail Server

The Bartolotta Restaurants; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 19,286 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

The Bartolotta Restaurants is seeking a Cocktail Server in Milwaukee, WI to deliver elevated beverage service in our fine dining lounge and bar. You will apply strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine, and menu pairings to create a refined guest experience while upselling premium beverages.

Responsibilities include taking orders, entering them into the POS, ensuring compliance with liquor laws, and maintaining station cleanliness.

Qualifications

• Ability to provide attentive, personalized service in a fine dining environment.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, and beverage presentation.
• Ability to explain menu offerings and make appropriate beverage recommendations.
• Understanding of responsible alcohol service practices.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with front-of-house and bar teams.
• Composure and professionalism during high-volume service periods.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple tables and guest requests simultaneously and efficiently.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Commitment to professional appearance and grooming standards.
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and strong work ethic.
• Proficient with cash handling and payment processing using POS systems.
• Strong organizational skills and self-direction.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with team members and guests.
• Adaptability in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Professional, polished, and outgoing demeanor.
• Flexible schedule availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests professionally and provide attentive beverage service.
• Take and accurately enter beverage orders into the POS system.
• Serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in accordance with company standards and local liquor laws.
• Maintain strong knowledge of cocktails, wine, spirits, beer, and beverage menus.
• Confidently give beverage and pairings recommendations, and upsell premium products when appropriate.
• Monitor guest satisfaction and beverage needs, proactively anticipate guest needs, and provide timely service throughout the guest experience.
• As appropriate, verify guest age and follow all responsible alcohol service guidelines.
• Communicate effectively with bartenders, servers, hosts, and managers to ensure smooth service.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of service stations, lounge areas, and guest-facing spaces.
• Handle guest concerns professionally and escalate issues to management when necessary.
• Process guest payments and maintain accurate cash handling procedures.
• Assist with opening, closing, stocking, polishing glassware, and side work duties.
• Maintain compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and alcohol service regulations.
• All Other Duties as Assigned

Skills

Cocktail knowledge

Spirits & wine

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Multi-tasking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Description

The Cocktail Server is responsible for delivering prompt, courteous, and elevated beverage service in the cocktail lounge and bar areas while creating a refined and attentive guest experience. This role requires strong knowledge of spirits, wine, cocktails, menu pairings, and service standards, along with the ability to provide knowledgeable recommendations, anticipate guest needs, maximize beverage sales, and ensure timely and accurate service. The Cocktail Server maintains a polished and energetic presence, supports cleanliness and organization of service areas, and works collaboratively with bartenders, servers, and management to uphold fine dining hospitality standards and overall guest satisfaction.

Requirements

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Greet guests professionally and provide attentive beverage service.
• Take and accurately enter beverage orders into the POS system.
• Serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in accordance with company standards and local liquor laws.
• Maintain strong knowledge of cocktails, wine, spirits, beer, and beverage menus.
• Confidently give beverage and pairings recommendations, and upsell premium products when appropriate.
• Monitor guest satisfaction and beverage needs, proactively anticipate guest needs, and provide timely service throughout the guest experience.
• As appropriate, verify guest age and follow all responsible alcohol service guidelines.
• Communicate effectively with bartenders, servers, hosts, and managers to ensure smooth service.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of service stations, lounge areas, and guest-facing spaces.
• Handle guest concerns professionally and escalate issues to management when necessary.
• Process guest payments and maintain accurate cash handling procedures.
• Assist with opening, closing, stocking, polishing glassware, and side work duties.
• Maintain compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and alcohol service regulations.
• All Other Duties as Assigned

Qualification Requirements

• Ability to provide attentive, personalized service in a fine dining environment.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, and beverage presentation.
• Ability to explain menu offerings and make appropriate beverage recommendations.
• Understanding of responsible alcohol service practices.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with front-of-house and bar teams.
• Composure and professionalism during high-volume service periods.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple tables and guest requests simultaneously and efficiently.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Commitment to professional appearance and grooming standards.
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and strong work ethic.
• Proficient with cash handling and payment processing using POS systems.
• Strong organizational skills and self-direction.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with team members and guests.
• Adaptability in a fast‑paced, changing environment.
• Professional, polished, and outgoing demeanor.
• Flexible schedule availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Education and/or Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• At least two years of high-volume service in a restaurant/cocktail bar setting.
• Fine dining or upscale hospitality experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with POS systems (e.g., OpenTable, Toast).

Physical Requirements

• Capacity to stand and walk for extended periods of time, often up to 6–8 hours per shift.
• Comfort moving throughout the restaurant quickly and safely during busy service periods.
• Strength to lift and carry up to 15–25 pounds occasionally.
• Flexibility to bend, reach, stoop, and use repetitive hand motions.
• Clear communication skills in a loud, fast-paced environment.
• Tolerance for working near crowded dining areas, fluctuating temperatures, and moderate noise levels.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate phones, computers, reservation systems, and menus.
• Visual ability to read reservation screens, seating charts, and guest information.
• Position dictates working in a fast-paced environment and subject to irregular hours including late nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays.