Cocktail Server
Company : Highgate
Location : San Francisco, CA, 94103
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 10 January 2026
Compensation Type
HourlyHighgate Hotels
Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value.
With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. www.highgate.com
Location
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA is an artful blend of chic design and exemplary service. The hotel is conveniently located in the South of Market district and is within walking distance to premier Union Square shops and designer boutiques, trendy SOMA dining and lounge hot spots, the Powell Street Cable Car Terminal and Market Street Vintage Trolley Car line. Explore the Artisan shops at the Ferry Building and experience local favorite's in Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf. Mission District and North Beach. This modern, ultra-chic hotel has 686 guestrooms.
Overview
The Cocktail Server is expected to provide timely, courteous service with guest satisfaction as the primary goal. He/she is responsible for promotion of specials and up selling.
Responsibilities
- Complete opening/closing checklist according to standards.
- Welcome guests, take their drink orders relay order to bartender, process order, deliver order to guest and receive payment for order.
- Have knowledge of which garnishes go in each drink.
- Process credit card and room charges.
- Clear and clean tables when guests leave, return glasses to be washed.
- Keep lounge area clean and free from debris at all times.
- Follow all cash handling policies, and prepare closing report for night audit.
- Perform all side work duties according to the schedule.
- Full knowledge of state liquor laws.
- Be familiar with the computer system.
- Help the bartender prepare drinks when needed.
- Assist bartender with hors d’oeuvres tables for cocktail hour in set up and breakdown.
- Ensure overall guest satisfaction.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent and/or experience in a hotel or a related field preferred.
- Must be of legal age to serve alcoholic beverages, according to local state laws.
- Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
- Light work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
- Ability to stand during entire shift.
- Must be able to effectively communicate, both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
- Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
- Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.
- Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
Top trending job titles hiring now
Popular Searches for Cocktail Server
Frequently asked questions
Serving cocktails in San Francisco's vibrant SOMA area means adapting to a fast-paced environment filled with diverse guests. Expect dynamic shifts with high foot traffic, especially near hotspots like Union Square and the Ferry Building, requiring quick, attentive service and strong multitasking skills to enhance guest satisfaction.
Maximizing tips at a fashionable hotel involves knowing drink specials, suggesting premium cocktails, and engaging guests with personalized attention. Cocktail servers at Highgate's Hyatt Regency can boost earnings by confidently promoting signature drinks and building rapport in a social yet professional atmosphere.
California requires cocktail servers to comply with strict liquor regulations like age verification and responsible service. While formal certifications aren't always mandated, understanding local laws and completing responsible beverage service training can prevent violations and ensure safe service.
This role demands stamina for standing throughout lengthy shifts and the ability to occasionally lift or carry items up to 20 pounds. Servers must maintain energy and attentiveness while navigating a bustling lounge area, balancing physical endurance with professional, courteous service.
San Francisco's cocktail server positions see steady demand, especially in upscale hotels and nightlife venues. Hiring trends favor candidates with versatile skills, local liquor knowledge, and flexibility for varied shifts, reflecting the city's vibrant hospitality industry and competitive talent pool.
Cocktail servers in San Francisco typically earn between $15 to $22 per hour, depending on experience and venue prestige. Upscale hotels like Highgate's Hyatt Regency often offer competitive hourly wages plus tips, which can significantly increase overall income.
Highgate emphasizes a forward-thinking hospitality culture with opportunities for growth and access to a global hotel network. Cocktail servers benefit from supportive management, advanced training tools, and a vibrant work environment that values guest satisfaction and professional development.
Highgate cocktail servers engage more deeply with guests by promoting specials, managing payment processes, and assisting bartenders, reflecting a blend of service and operational tasks. This hands-on approach fosters a higher level of guest interaction and teamwork unique to Highgate's service standards.
Many think cocktail servers only serve drinks, but the role includes guest relationship building, cash handling, and maintaining lounge cleanliness. It requires multitasking, detailed knowledge of drinks, and compliance with liquor laws, showcasing a multifaceted position beyond simple beverage delivery.
While some flexibility exists, the cocktail server position at Highgate often involves long, sometimes extended shifts to accommodate hotel events and peak hours. Candidates should be prepared for scheduled side work and consistent availability to meet service demands effectively.