StartenderStartender

How to Become a Bartender in Chicago

No experience needed to start. Here’s the real path to your first shift in Chicago — and how to get discovered once you’re ready.

Build your free profile →

The fast path

  1. Learn the basics. Take a short bartending course or start as a barback in a busy Chicago bar — both teach you the craft fast.
  2. Get certified. Grab your alcohol-service certification (TIPS or your local equivalent). Quick, cheap, and venues expect it.
  3. Get real reps. Work the volume — speed and consistency behind a real bar are what get you hired and tipped.
  4. Get discovered. Build a profile that shows your work and personality so Chicago venues find and book you directly.

Where to start in Chicago

These are the busiest nightlife pockets — where the shifts (and the tips) are:

● LIVE ON STARTENDER

50 bartender gigs open right now in Chicago

Real openings at real venues, newest first. Applying takes one tap in the app — your STARCARD goes straight to the venue.

SSpearhead Hospitality, LLC
Bartender / Server - The Up Room NEW
Spearhead Hospitality, LLC
Bartender📍 Chicago$12.96 per hour plus tips
Apply now → 2 hrs ago
SSpearhead Hospitality, LLC
Bartender / Server - Valedor (Wicker Park) NEW
Spearhead Hospitality, LLC
Bartender📍 Chicago$12.96 per hour plus tips
Apply now → 2 hrs ago
AAfter Chicago
Bartender NEW
After Chicago
Bartender📍 Chicago$13/hr

After Chicago seeks experienced bartenders with a passion for serving guests and creating memorable experiences. The ideal candidate has 3 years of cocktail bar experience and a team-first mentality. This role offers a creative outlet for cocktail making and exploration of culinary techniques.

Apply now → 6 hrs ago
NNaKorn
Bartender NEW
NaKorn
Bartender📍 EvanstonOpen to discussion

NaKorn, an upscale-casual Thai restaurant, seeks a knowledgeable and dependable bartender with evening and weekend availability. The ideal candidate is passionate about providing memorable experiences. A creative beverage program is offered in a warm and hospitable environment.

Apply now → 1 day ago
NNaKorn
Lead Bartender NEW
NaKorn
Bartender📍 EvanstonOpen to discussion

NaKorn, an upscale-casual Thai restaurant, seeks a knowledgeable Lead Bartender to drive its creative beverage program. The ideal candidate is warm, dependable, and passionate about crafting memorable experiences. A reopening opportunity with a reputable establishment awaits a skilled professional.

Apply now → 1 day ago
PPeanut Park Trattoria
Bartender
Peanut Park Trattoria
Bartender📍 Chicago$13/hr

Join a top hospitality team as a skilled bartender with a flexible schedule and strong earning potential. A charismatic and skilled professional is needed for this role. Great money is on offer.

Apply now → 2 days ago
LLe Sud Mediterranean Kitchen
Full-Time Bartender
Le Sud Mediterranean Kitchen
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion

Le Sud Mediterranean Kitchen in Chicago's Roscoe Village seeks a dependable full-time bartender for a stable, long-term position. The ideal candidate is experienced and wants a guaranteed schedule. A consistent role awaits a skilled bartender at this Mediterranean kitchen.

Apply now → 2 days ago
CCeleste
Bartender
Celeste
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion
Apply now → 2 days ago
NNettare
Server/Bartender
Nettare
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion

Nettare, a small restaurant, seeks a versatile server who can also bartend. The role involves serving dinner tables and potentially covering lunch shifts and other stations. A flexible team player is needed.

Apply now → 4 days ago
BBoyd Gaming
Bartender
Boyd Gaming
Bartender📍 Michigan CityOpen to discussion
Apply now → 4 days ago
MMONEYGUN
Bartender
MONEYGUN
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion

16 On Center Chicago seeks a skilled bartender to join their live music venue team. A diverse and experienced candidate is preferred. Competitive opportunities are available in a dynamic environment.

Apply now → 5 days ago
TTrino
Bartender
Trino
Bartender📍 Chicago$13/hr

Trino Steakhouse, a premier Latin-inspired steakhouse, seeks a high-energy bartender passionate about craft cocktails and exceptional service. The ideal candidate is hospitality-driven and experienced. Competitive opportunity in a top Chicago restaurant.

Apply now → 5 days ago
TTopography Hospitality-The Lake
Bartender
Topography Hospitality-The Lake
Bartender📍 Chicago$13/hr

The Lake, a private social club in Chicago's River North, seeks a skilled bartender to join its team. This upscale venue offers an elegant atmosphere and exceptional food and beverage program. A charismatic and experienced professional is desired for this role.

Apply now → 6 days ago
SStudy Hotels
Bartender
Study Hotels
Bartender📍 Chicago$15/hr

British-inspired tavern in Chicago seeks an experienced and hospitality-driven bartender. Competitive hourly rate of $19.57. Delivering thoughtful beverage service and creating a welcoming experience is key to this role.

Apply now → 6 days ago
SSoho House & Co
Berenjak Bartender - Soho House Chicago
Soho House & Co
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion

Berenjak, a Tehran-inspired kebab house, seeks a skilled bartender to join its founding team in Soho House Chicago. The ideal candidate is passionate and dedicated to delivering genuine hospitality. This role offers the opportunity to craft memorable experiences in a unique and vibrant venue.

Apply now → 6 days ago
BBodega Taqueria Y Tequila
Bartender
Bodega Taqueria Y Tequila
Bartender📍 Chicago$13/hr

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila seeks a dynamic bartender with a passion for hospitality and a charming personality. This role requires preparing and serving beverages with speed and excellence. A world-class standard of service is expected.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
PParachute HiFi
Bartender
Parachute HiFi
Bartender📍 Chicago$17/hr

Parachute HiFi, a Michelin-awarded listening bar, seeks a skilled bartender to craft intentional drinks in a thoughtfully designed space. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented and passionate about hospitality. A unique audio-driven experience awaits.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
PParachute HiFi
Lead Bartender
Parachute HiFi
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion

Parachute HiFi, a Michelin-awarded listening bar in Chicago, seeks a skilled Lead Bartender to craft exceptional drinks. The ideal candidate is a hospitality-driven professional with a passion for music and mixology. A thoughtful and immersive guest experience is key to this role.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
LLove Street
Bartender
Love Street
Bartender📍 Chicago$13/hr

Love Street, a Chicago neighborhood cocktail bar, seeks a friendly and professional bartender. The ideal candidate is organized and communicates effectively with guests and teammates. A sophisticated atmosphere and one-of-a-kind experiences are key to this role.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
AASM Global
Bartender - Huntington Bank Pavilion
ASM Global
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion
Apply now → 1 wk ago
L
Bartender
Lucky Strike
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion
Apply now → 1 wk ago
MMoon Star Kitchen & Bar
Bartender
Moon Star Kitchen & Bar
Bartender📍 Chicago$13/hr

Moon Star Kitchen and Bar, an elevated cocktail bar, seeks experienced bartenders with strong cocktail and spirits knowledge. Passion for craft cocktails and exceptional service is required. A team-focused culture and curated cocktail program await.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
CChicago Brewhouse
Server/Bartender
Chicago Brewhouse
Bartender📍 Chicago$13/hr

Chicago Brewhouse seeks a skilled server to deliver exceptional service in a lively riverfront setting. The ideal candidate is professional, personable, and knowledgeable about craft beers and cocktails. A passion for providing memorable guest experiences is a must.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
TThe Gage
Bartender
The Gage
Bartender📍 Chicago$13/hr

Gage Hospitality Group seeks a skilled bartender to join their team at a refined dining venue. The ideal candidate is charismatic and knowledgeable about curated beverage programs. A passion for hospitality and creativity is valued.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
YYardbird Chicago
Bartender
Yardbird Chicago
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion
Apply now → 2 wks ago
TThe Getaway
Bartender - The Getaway
The Getaway
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion
Apply now → 2 wks ago
TThe Albion Manor
Bartender
The Albion Manor
Bartender📍 Chicago$13/hr

Upscale venue seeks a skilled bartender with craft cocktail and beer knowledge. The ideal candidate is outgoing, punctual, and certified in Serve Safe and Bassett. Food service experience is also required.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
LLabriola Italian Specialties
Bartender
Labriola Italian Specialties
Bartender📍 Chicago$13/hr

Join a visionary restaurant group with new concepts on the horizon. A talented and flexible individual is needed to prepare drinks with excellence. Flexible scheduling is available for full-time and part-time positions.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
HHouse of Blues
Aragon Ballroom - Bartender
House of Blues
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion
Apply now → 2 wks ago
CChicago Cut Steakhouse
Bartender Wanted
Chicago Cut Steakhouse
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion

Chicago Cut Steakhouse seeks a skilled bartender to join their team. This upscale steakhouse demands a professional with exceptional service skills. Competitive candidates have a passion for mixology and providing top-notch hospitality.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
Aavec Highwood
Bartender
avec Highwood
Bartender📍 HighwoodOpen to discussion

One Off Hospitality seeks a skilled bartender to join their team at a renowned Chicago venue. The ideal candidate is charismatic and knowledgeable about craft cocktails. Competitive pay and opportunities for growth are offered.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
TThe Paramount Group
Bartender Wanted
The Paramount Group
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion

The Paramount Group is hiring bartenders for part-time and full-time positions with entertainment savings opportunities. They seek skilled and experienced candidates. Apply through their website.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
TThe Boss Bar
Bartender Wanted
The Boss Bar
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion

The Boss Bar seeks charismatic and hospitality-driven individuals for bartender roles. Full-time and part-time positions are available in a high-energy environment. Outstanding personalities are a must.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
TTwin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern
Bartender Wanted
Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion

Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern seeks a skilled bartender. A hospitality-driven individual with a strong work ethic is desired. Competitive opportunity in a historic tavern setting.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
CChicago Cut
Bartender Wanted
Chicago Cut
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion

Chicago Cut, a premier restaurant group, seeks a skilled and charismatic bartender to join their team. This role offers the opportunity to work in a high-end environment with a talented staff. Experienced professionals are preferred.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
PPressbox
Bartender Wanted
Pressbox
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion

Pressbox is hiring skilled and energetic team players for full-time and part-time roles. The venue seeks individuals who can bring a strong work ethic and teamwork to their front and back of house positions. Apply to join a dynamic team with various opportunities available.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
CChicago Steakhouse
Bartender Wanted
Chicago Steakhouse
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion

Chicago Steakhouse seeks a skilled bartender to join their team. They're looking for someone with a passion for delivering exceptional service. Premium restaurant group offers a great opportunity.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
DDel Seoul
Bartender Wanted
Del Seoul
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion

Del Seoul is hiring a skilled bartender to join their team. They're looking for a qualified and experienced individual. Competitive opportunity in a unique venue.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
TThe Up Room
Bartender
The Up Room
Bartender📍 Chicago$13/hr

Spearhead Hospitality seeks a skilled bartender to deliver attentive service at The Robey Hotel's Up Room. Strong leadership skills are required for this role. The ideal candidate provides top-notch service with confidence and poise.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
HHMG Plus - Chicago
Event Bartender
HMG Plus - Chicago
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion

Flexible event bartender gigs in Chicagoland pay $18-$22/hour. Work according to your schedule with AM, PM, and all day shifts available. Shifts are offered through a convenient app.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
WWinter's Jazz Club
Head Bartender/Assistant General Manager
Winter's Jazz Club
Bartender📍 Chicago$17/hr

Winter's Jazz Club in Chicago seeks a skilled Head Bartender/Assistant General Manager who leads with warmth and thrives under pressure. This role involves a five-shift-per-week schedule, primarily as Head Bartender, with additional AGM responsibilities. A close-knit team and premier jazz club environment await.

Apply now → 3 wks ago
AArmitage Alehouse
Bartender
Armitage Alehouse
Bartender📍 Chicago$13/hr

Armitage Alehouse seeks a dedicated bartender who embodies harmony, accountability, and resilience. The ideal candidate provides genuine hospitality and contributes to a collaborative workplace. Benefits include partially subsidized medical coverage.

Apply now → 3 wks ago
SSnorkelbox
Bartender
Snorkelbox
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion

16 On Center Chicago seeks a skilled bartender to join their live music venue team. The ideal candidate is charismatic and experienced in high-volume environments. Competitive pay and opportunities for advancement are offered.

Apply now → 3 wks ago
HHouse of Blues
Bartender- Foundation Room
House of Blues
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion
Apply now → 4 wks ago
SSTK Chicago
Bartender
STK Chicago
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion

Bartender job at STK Chicago in Chicago.

Apply now → 5 wks ago
VVela Chicago
Bartender
Vela Chicago
Bartender📍 Chicago$13/hr

Bartender job at Vela Chicago in Chicago.

Apply now → 5 wks ago
HHouse of Blues
Bartender - Restaurant
House of Blues
Bartender📍 ChicagoOpen to discussion

Bartender job at House of Blues in Chicago.

Apply now → 5 wks ago
VVirtue Restaurant
Bartender
Virtue Restaurant
Bartender📍 Chicago$13/hr

Bartender job at Virtue Restaurant in Chicago.

Apply now → 5 wks ago
VVendador
Bartender
Vendador
Bartender📍 Chicago$25/hr

Bartender job at Vendador in Chicago.

Apply now → 6 wks ago
MMastro's Steakhouse
Bartender (Upscale / Fine Dining)
Mastro's Steakhouse
Bartender📍 ChicagoInquire for pay

Bartender job at Mastro's Steakhouse in Chicago.

Apply now → 6 wks ago

What you’ll make

Chicago’s nightlife concentrates in River North and the West Loop, where high-volume bars and clubs drive the best tip nights. Plan around roughly $180–$380 on a strong night with tips.

Get discovered

Once you’re ready, Startender gets you in front of the venues actually hiring. It’s a private, invite-only network where Chicago bars and clubs find and book bartenders directly — free for talent. Build a profile that works like a portfolio and get found.

There are 61 bartender gigs open in Chicago right now — get discovered for them.

Build your free profile →

FAQ

How long does it take to become a bartender in Chicago?
Most people can start in a few weeks. A bartending course runs 1–2 weeks; many Chicago bars also train barbacks on the job and promote them. The real timeline depends on how fast you get reps behind a busy bar.
Do you need a license or certification to bartend in Chicago?
You typically need an alcohol-service certification (like TIPS or your state/local equivalent) — it’s quick and inexpensive. Beyond that, Chicago venues care most about speed, reliability and real experience.
Can you bartend in Chicago with no experience?
Yes — most pros start as a barback, learn the bar, and move up. Pair that with a course or certification and a profile that shows you’re ready, and you can land your first shift fast.
How much do bartenders make in Chicago?
Chicago’s nightlife concentrates in River North and the West Loop, where high-volume bars and clubs drive the best tip nights. Plan around roughly $180–$380 on a strong night with tips.

Startender — the private network for nightlife pros. Bartender jobs in Chicago →