Bartender

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 service.
• Current responsible alcohol service certification recognized in Illinois preferred or ability to obtain as required.
• Previous experience with restaurant POS systems and handling guest transactions preferred.
• Friendly, engaging, and professional demeanor with a genuine passion for hospitality.
• Ability to build relationships with both first-time visitors and returning guests while creating the welcoming atmosphere expected of a neighborhood tavern.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to remain composed, attentive, and service-focused during high-volume periods.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative restaurant and hotel team.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Proficiency in English required; a second language is a plus.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or otherwise move items weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to stand and remain active for extended periods.

About Us

The Study at University of Chicago is a 167-room hotel located on the Midway Plaisance in Chicago's historic Hyde Park neighborhood. Designed as a place of discovery and connection, the hotel reflects the character and energy of the University of Chicago while providing thoughtful, contemporary accommodations for university visitors, families, faculty, business travelers, and the surrounding community.

The hotel is home to Truth Be Told, a British-inspired tavern offering a welcoming gathering place for hotel guests, the University of Chicago community, Hyde Park neighbors, and visitors to the area.

Eligible full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, and paid holidays. Team members may also participate in our 401(k) retirement savings plan and Employee Assistance Program.

Study Hotels is a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug test and background check required.

Study Hotels is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, disability, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Keywords: Bartender, Restaurant Bartender, Tavern Bartender, Hotel Bartender, Classic Cocktails, Craft Cocktails, Mixology, British Tavern, Beer, Wine, Spirits, Food & Beverage, Hospitality, Chicago Bartender Jobs, Hyde Park Jobs