The Chicago hospitality scene offers a dynamic environment for aspiring bartenders, ranging from intimate neighborhood taverns to world-class fine dining establishments. Successfully transitioning into this career requires navigating legal requirements, developing practical service and mixology abilities, and strategically approaching a competitive job market. Understanding these steps is the foundation for a sustainable career behind a Chicago bar.
Meeting the Foundational Legal Requirements
The most immediate requirement for serving alcoholic beverages in Chicago is meeting the minimum age standard. While Illinois permits individuals as young as 18 to serve alcohol in some capacities, Chicago maintains a stricter local ordinance. Bartenders and servers must be at least 21 years old to handle, sell, or serve alcohol for on-premise consumption.
Applicants must also establish general employment eligibility, which includes possessing the legal right to work within the United States. This eligibility is a prerequisite for all employment in the city’s hospitality sector.
Obtaining Mandatory BASSET Certification
Obtaining the Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training (BASSET) certification is a mandatory legal step for Chicago bartenders. This program is required for all individuals who sell or serve open containers of alcoholic beverages, check identification for alcohol purchases, or deliver mixed drinks. The certification trains personnel in responsible service practices, including preventing sales to minors and recognizing signs of intoxication.
Training is available through numerous Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC)-approved providers, offering both in-person and online courses. On-premise training typically requires about four hours of instruction and costs between $10 and $50. The certification is valid statewide for three years, and new employees must obtain it within 120 days of their hire date. Employers must keep a copy of the current BASSET certificate on file for every alcohol-serving employee.
Mastering the Skills of the Trade
While the BASSET card is a legal necessity, practical skill secures a position in a high-volume market like Chicago. Bartending schools offer structured learning in classic mixology, glass identification, and pouring techniques. However, many hiring managers value on-the-job experience gained through barbacking more highly than a school certificate alone.
Working as a barback allows an aspiring bartender to be paid while learning the flow of a busy bar, mastering inventory management, and developing speed and efficiency. Essential abilities include rapid memorization of recipes, multitasking to manage multiple orders, and accurate cash handling. Strong customer service skills, clear communication, and the ability to manage conflict calmly are also necessary for providing a professional experience.
Preparing Your Bartending Résumé and Portfolio
The hospitality résumé should be concise, ideally limited to one page, and focus on immediate transferrable skills. If direct bartending experience is limited, highlight roles that demonstrate high-volume stress management, complex customer service, and cash handling proficiency. Use action verbs and quantify achievements, such as “Managed up to 100 customer transactions per shift” or “Maintained a 95% positive customer service rating.”
A bartender’s “portfolio” represents a demonstrated knowledge of the craft, extending beyond a physical document. This can involve having a prepared list of original cocktail recipes with notes on flavor profile and preparation complexity. For higher-end establishments, applicants might present a curated list of classic cocktails they can execute flawlessly, or demonstrate their understanding of spirit categories and wine pairings. Developing a personal brand, often showcased through professional social media, also serves as a modern portfolio that presents creativity and style.
Navigating the Chicago Job Market
The Chicago job market features high turnover, translating to frequent employment opportunities across diverse venue types. Job search strategy must be tailored to specific neighborhoods, as the atmosphere and required skills vary widely.
Fine Dining Establishments
Found in the West Loop and River North, these require deep product knowledge, refined service, and a formal presentation.
High-Volume Clubs and Bars
Concentrated in areas like River North and Wrigleyville, these prioritize speed, efficiency, and composure under intense pressure.
Neighborhood Taverns
In areas like Wicker Park or Logan Square, these bars look for bartenders who can build rapport with regulars and cultivate a welcoming local atmosphere.
Hotel Bars
Particularly those downtown, these often require experience with formal corporate standards and extensive wine or liquor service.
Networking remains a primary path to securing a position, as bar managers frequently hire based on referrals from trusted industry contacts. Attending local hospitality networking events or becoming a respectful regular at a desired establishment creates valuable connections. Effective job seekers combine online applications with delivering a printed résumé in person during non-peak hours.