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What are the Different Cocktail Waitress Jobs?

Harriette Halepis
Harriette Halepis

A cocktail waitress is a type of server who usually works in casinos, nightclubs, comedy clubs, or entertainment facilities. While the different venues that employ cocktail waitresses may vary, job positions are relatively the same. The main task of a cocktail waitress is to bring drinks to patrons of a particular venue.

Cocktail waitresses differ from regular waitresses only slightly. While a regular waitress may work within a bar or restaurant setting, a cocktail waitress will only work within an entertainment setting. Cocktail waitress jobs can be found in a number of places ranging from classified advertisements to job sites.

Martinis are a common drink that a cocktail waitress might serve.
Martinis are a common drink that a cocktail waitress might serve.

Often, clubs, casinos, and other similar locations will advertise available cocktail waitress jobs. In order to obtain this type of position, a waitress must possess a few key qualities. Cocktail waitresses must be able to work well with others, have great organizational skills, and be able to communicate well with the general public.

In addition, a cocktail waitress should have basic mathematical skills, given that tabulating customer bills is a large portion of this job. Some establishments will also ask cocktail waitresses to be aware of various customers. Since it is often up to a cocktail waitress to determine when a customer has had enough to drink, it is important that a waitress have reliable instincts.

Las Vegas hires an abundance of cocktail waitresses.
Las Vegas hires an abundance of cocktail waitresses.

Casinos will often ask cocktail waitresses to wear flashy outfits. These outfits tend to be made from sequins, feathers, and other eye-catching materials. In addition, a cocktail waitress might be asked to wear a short skirt with high heels, which requires a vast amount of grace and coordination. Other establishments may ask cocktail waitresses to wear regular server attire.

Cocktail waitresses may work at nightclubs.
Cocktail waitresses may work at nightclubs.

Successful cocktail waitresses must learn the art of casual conversation. Customers of entertainment establishments often enjoy speaking with servers frequently. Thus, servers that gather the most tips at the end of the night are also those that can charm customers. This is a talent that requires a lot of experience and time spent as a cocktail waitress.

Cocktail waitresses differ from regular waitresses only slightly.
Cocktail waitresses differ from regular waitresses only slightly.

To be considered for cocktail waitress jobs, candidates must demonstrate an understanding of the serving industry. Most high-class establishments seek servers that have industry experience, though entry-level positions do exist. It is not uncommon for a cocktail waitress to begin her career as a regular server at a restaurant.

After many years of handling customers, regular servers often make ideal candidates for cocktail waitress jobs. Cities such as Las Vegas often employ the most cocktail waitresses, though other popular areas may have an abundance of available cocktail waitress jobs as well.

Discussion Comments

whiteplane

Being a cocktail waitress is almost better than a lot of bartending jobs. The work is fast paced but you make just as much money and you don't have to deal with pouring drinks all night. You mostly just run around and smile and try not to spill your tray.

jonrss

I used to work as a cockatil waitress at a really high volume bar. On Friday and Saturday nights we would have upwards of 300 people inside the bar. I basically spent my entire 6 hour shift on my feet moving from table to table as fast as I could.

It was hard work and I earned every cent that I made. You had to put up with a lot of funny business too. People get drunk and then they do and say stupid things. It is a universal law and you are right at the center of all that nonsense.

ZsaZsa56

Every cocktail waitress job will be different depending on where you work. The nature of the work depends a lot on the nature of the bar.

If you are a cocktail waitress in a casino that will be completely different than working in a little dive bar. You will deal with different customers, serve different drinks, wear different outfits and make different money. I can't say which way is better, it really all depends on you.

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    • Martinis are a common drink that a cocktail waitress might serve.
      By: dondesigns
      Martinis are a common drink that a cocktail waitress might serve.
    • Las Vegas hires an abundance of cocktail waitresses.
      By: aberenyi
      Las Vegas hires an abundance of cocktail waitresses.
    • Cocktail waitresses may work at nightclubs.
      By: KR MEDIA Productions
      Cocktail waitresses may work at nightclubs.
    • Cocktail waitresses differ from regular waitresses only slightly.
      By: Paul Hill
      Cocktail waitresses differ from regular waitresses only slightly.
    • At a small bar or restaurant, the cocktail server may also handle customers' bills.
      By: bst2012
      At a small bar or restaurant, the cocktail server may also handle customers' bills.