Job Description
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.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Candidate must be extremely guest focused and have excellent communication skills (both verbal and written), 1 year minimum food and beverage experience, be attentive to detail and computer skills are helpful but not required; flexible hours.
• 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.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• 2-3 years related experience and/or training
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Knowledge of the Micros POS system.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
Food Handler's Certification Requirement:
As a requirement by the Illinois Department of Health (Section 750.570 of the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Code) all food handling employees are required obtain a food handling certification within 30 days of hire. Certifications must be accredited by the American National Standards Institute and can be completed online within a 24 hour period. For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health at www.dph.illinois.gov
Work Environment:
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Fast-paced, high-volume restaurant environment
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Ability to stand for long periods of time; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear and taste or smell. Frequent climbing, balancing, stopping,
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Frequent lifting and carrying of trays, plates, and beverages
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Constant interaction with guests and team members
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Ability to multitask and work efficiently under pressure
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Flexible schedule required, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
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Exposure to varying noise levels and crowded dining areas
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Must maintain professionalism during busy service periods
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Indoor work environment with frequent movement throughout the restaurant
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Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Compensation:
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$12.62 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:
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Medical Plans: Choice of three plans to meet your healthcare needs.
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Dental Plans: Two options for dental coverage.
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Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine eye care and eyewear.
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Paid Time Off (PTO): To support work-life balance.
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Accident/Hospital Indemnity/Critical Illness plans (new for 2026).
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401(k) Retirement Plan: Plan for your future with employer contributions.
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Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
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Life and AD&D Insurance: Employer-provided coverage with additional voluntary options.
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Short-Term Disability (STD): Employer-provided coverage to support you during temporary disability.
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Voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD): Additional protection for extended disability.
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Commuter Benefits: Save on transit and parking expenses.
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Pet Insurance: Options to support your furry family members.
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Hilton travel discounts and employee room rates worldwide
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Career growth and training opportunities
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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.