How to Be Restaurant Beverage Server - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 20, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The job of a restaurant beverage server is to take orders, serve drinks and collect payment for drinks. This job requires excellent customer service skills and knowledge of different drinks. The successful performance of this job can have a direct effect on the restaurant's reputation and profitability.

A restaurant beverage server must be able to quickly take orders, accurately mix drinks, keep track of customer tab and handle cash. they must be able to remain calm under pressure and work in a busy environment. Good communication skills are essential for this job, as the server must relay order information to the bartender and food runner.

Good beverage servers will help create a positive atmosphere in the restaurant, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many employers require restaurant servers to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete any necessary training programs. Many states and cities require restaurant servers to complete an alcohol awareness or food safety program.
Obtain a food handler's license or certificate. This is usually required by law in many locations.
Find a job as a restaurant server. You can search job websites, contact local restaurants, or visit the establishment in person to inquire about open positions.
Learn the menu and beverage offerings. Make sure you know what's available and how to properly serve each item.
Become familiar with the serving etiquette, such as how to set the table, how to handle customer complaints, and how to handle difficult customers.
Practice good customer service skills, such as being polite and friendly and answering customer questions accurately and promptly.
Be aware of local laws and regulations regarding alcohol service, including the legal drinking age and when it is appropriate to serve alcoholic beverages.
Establish relationships with customers and build loyalty by providing excellent service and being knowledgeable about the menu and drink offerings.

The need for skilled and capable restaurant beverage servers is increasing as more restaurants are providing more complex beverage options. This demand has caused the need for servers to have a more in-depth knowledge of wine, beer, and liquor offerings and the ability to educate guests on their choices. Furthermore, servers must be able to quickly and efficiently serve guests while maintaining high standards of hygiene, cleanliness and attention to detail.

As a result, employers are looking for candidates with a greater level of knowledge and skill when hiring restaurant beverage servers. This increased demand for knowledgeable and capable servers is leading to higher wages and more job security as employers are willing to pay for quality staff.

You may want to check Restaurant Dining Room Attendant, Restaurant Delivery Driver, and Restaurant Greeter for alternative.

Job Description

Greet and welcome guests in a professional and friendly manner.
Take beverage orders from customers and provide them with appropriate beverages.
Serve beverages to customers in a timely manner.
Refill drinks as needed.
Ensure that all drinks are served in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Collect payment for beverages served.
Maintain cleanliness and tidiness of bar and dining area.
Maintain inventory of beverage supplies and stock bar as needed.
Ensure that all beverage orders are accurate and delivered promptly.
Provide excellent customer service and address any customer complaints or concerns.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Ability to take orders accurately
Ability to make recommendations based on customer preferences
Ability to properly pour and serve drinks
Ability to address customer complaints in a professional manner
Knowledge of beer, wine, and spirits
Working knowledge of food safety regulations
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to multitask

Being a successful restaurant beverage server requires a variety of skills, but none are more essential than excellent customer service. When customers come in for a meal, they expect to be greeted and engaged with politeness and professionalism. Servers must have the ability to quickly read customers wants and needs, and provide prompt and accurate service.

A good server understands the menu inside and out and is able to make recommendations and answer questions. In addition to being personable, servers must also possess multitasking skills, as they must be able to serve multiple tables at once, as well as handle payment transactions. Finally, attention to detail is also a must for beverage servers, as they must be able to keep track of inventory, opening and closing duties, and any other tasks that may arise during their shift.

With these skills, restaurant beverage servers can provide the best possible dining experience for customers and ensure the success of any establishment.

Restaurant Cocktail Server, Restaurant Bartender, and Restaurant Maintenance Worker are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the restaurant industry?
Describe your knowledge of wine, beer, and other beverages.
Are you familiar with the proper pouring and presentation of alcoholic beverages?
How do you ensure customer satisfaction when taking beverage orders?
What would you do if a customer becomes intoxicated?
What is your experience in taking orders and processing payments?
How do you handle difficult customer requests?
Are you able to multi-task in a busy restaurant environment?
What steps do you take to prevent spills and other accidents?
How do you handle customer complaints or requests for additional drinks?

Common Tools in Industry

Point of Sale (POS) System. A computerized system used to record sales and payments, manage inventory, and track customer information. Example: Square POS.
Cash Register. A device used to record sales and payments and keep track of cash transactions. Example: Casio SE-G1 Electronic Cash Register.
Ordering Screen. A digital screen used to place orders, check prices, and manage customer orders. Example: Toast POS Ordering Screen.
Beverage Dispenser. A machine used to serve drinks, such as sodas, coffee, tea, and mixed drinks. Example: Bunn OMNI Commercial Beverage Dispenser.
Blender. A device used to mix drinks and food ingredients. Example: Vitamix Professional Series Blender.
Glassware. Various types of glasses used for serving drinks, such as beer mugs, martini glasses, and tumblers.
Ice Machine. A device used to make and store ice for use in drinks and other items. Example: Scotsman SCN60PA-1SS Prodigy Plus Ice Machine.
Refrigerator. A device used to store food and beverages at a cool temperature. Example: Frigidaire FFTR1821TW Top-Freezer Refrigerator.
Bar Caddy. A portable tool used to store and transport items such as drink garnishes, napkins, straws, and glassware. Example: Winco BC-20 Plastic Bar Caddy.

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
National Association for Catering and Events
International Foodservice Distributors Association
National Bartenders Association
United States Bartenders Guild
Specialty Coffee Association of America
National Association of Beverage Retailers
National Association of Professional Bartenders
American Distilled Spirits Association
American Craft Spirits Association

We also have Restaurant Chef de Partie, Restaurant Server, and Restaurant Floor Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Waitstaff. A general term for a person whose job is to take orders, serve food and drinks, and assist customers in a restaurant.
Menu Knowledge. Knowledge of the items available on a restaurant's menu and the ability to explain them to customers.
Food Handling. The safe and sanitary preparation and serving of food.
Bartending. The preparation and serving of alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits.
Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws. Laws that regulate the production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Point of Sale System. An electronic system used to process sales transactions in a restaurant or bar.
Food Safety. Practices that ensure food is safe to consume, including proper storage, handling, and preparation.
Table Service. The process of taking orders from customers, delivering food to their tables, and providing additional services as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Restaurant Beverage Server?

A Restaurant Beverage Server is a professional who serves drinks, including alcoholic beverages, to customers at a restaurant or bar.

What qualifications are needed to be a Restaurant Beverage Server?

Restaurant Beverage Servers typically need to be of legal drinking age and possess basic knowledge of beer, wine, and spirits. In some cases, certifications may be required such as a Responsible Alcohol Service (RAS) or Alcohol Awareness Training (AAT).

What are the responsibilities of a Restaurant Beverage Server?

The primary responsibilities of a Restaurant Beverage Server include taking orders from customers, pouring drinks, providing excellent customer service, handling payment transactions, and checking for valid identification for alcohol purchases.

What are the working hours of a Restaurant Beverage Server?

Working hours for Restaurant Beverage Servers depend on the hours of operation of the establishment they are working in. Generally, they can range from part-time to full-time hours and include evening and weekend shifts.

What is the average salary for a Restaurant Beverage Server?

The average salary for a Restaurant Beverage Server is around $12.00 per hour. However, this figure can vary depending on experience, location, and other factors.