Server Job Description: Duties, Responsibilities, and Skills for Restaurant Servers

Restaurant servers do more than just take orders—they set the tone for the entire dining experience. From greeting guests with a smile to juggling multiple tables during a rush, they keep service smooth and customers happy.

And not every server role looks the same. A café server, a fine dining pro, and a banquet server all have their own unique responsibilities. Some even step into hybrid roles, balancing hosting and table service to keep things running.

This guide has everything you need to hire a great server: server job descriptions, key duties, must-have skills, resume tips, and interview questions. Let’s jump in!

TL;DR: All about server job descriptions

Servers are the heartbeat of restaurant service. They take orders, deliver food, process payments, and make sure every guest leaves happy.

Server roles vary: Restaurant servers, banquet servers, fine dining servers, and host/server hybrids each bring something different to the table.

Top skills: Communication, multitasking, customer service, teamwork, and stamina.

The duties of a server can vary depending on the type of restaurant:

Restaurant servers: Restaurant servers work in casual or mid-tier spots, focusing on speed, efficiency, and friendly service to handle a high volume of guests.

Banquet servers: Banquet servers specialize in large events like weddings or conferences. They serve pre-set menus, work in big teams, and manage fast-paced, large-scale service.

Fine dining servers: These servers bring a higher level of polish to the dining experience. They’re experts in menu details, wine pairings, and formal service etiquette, providing a more personalized, elevated experience.

Host/server hybrid roles: Host-servers balance greeting and seating guests with handling tables during busy shifts. This role is common in smaller restaurants where flexibility is key.

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What does a server do at a restaurant?

Servers are the glue that holds restaurant service together. They’re the first face guests see when they sit down and the last person they interact with before leaving. In between, they’re juggling orders, timing dishes, and keeping everyone—from guests to kitchen staff—on the same page.

At its core, a server’s job is about creating a smooth, enjoyable dining experience. That means:

• Greeting guests warmly and setting the tone for their meal.
  
  
• Taking food and drink orders accurately and relaying them to the kitchen or bar.
  
  
• Delivering meals promptly and checking in throughout service.
  
  
• Handling payments and saying goodbye with the same energy they started with.

Types of server job descriptions

Not every server job looks the same. The role can shift a lot depending on the restaurant’s style, pace, and customer expectations. Here’s how the different types of servers stack up and what their day-to-day actually involves.

Restaurant server job description

The classic server role. Restaurant servers are the backbone of casual and mid-tier dining. They’re experts at keeping tables turning while still making guests feel welcomed and cared for.

Typical duties include:

• Greeting customers and helping them settle in.
  
  
• Sharing specials and answering menu questions.
  
  
• Taking food and drink orders quickly and accurately.
  
  
• Delivering meals and drinks with a focus on speed and presentation.
  
  
• Processing payments, splitting checks, and issuing receipts.
  
  
• Cleaning and resetting tables between seatings to keep service flowing.
  

These servers thrive in fast-paced environments where multitasking and a friendly attitude go a long way.

Fine dining server job description

This is a step up in formality and expertise. Fine dining servers deliver a polished, high-touch experience that matches the atmosphere of upscale restaurants.

Key responsibilities often include:

• Memorizing complex menus and wine lists to make confident recommendations.
  
  
• Timing multi-course meals flawlessly and coordinating with the kitchen for seamless service.
  
  
• Providing tableside service, such as preparing dishes or pouring wine.
  
  
• Following formal etiquette, from where to stand to how to clear plates.

Banquet server job description

Banquet servers shine in large-scale, event-driven environments. They’re quick on their feet and skilled at working as part of a coordinated team.

They typically:

• Set up event spaces with tableware, linens, and place settings.
  
  
• Serve multiple courses efficiently to large groups.
  
  
• Keep beverage stations stocked and assist with bar service when needed.
  
  
• Clear plates and reset tables between courses or events.
  
  
• Help with event breakdown and clean-up post-service.
  

Banquet servers often work irregular hours, including weekends and evenings, to accommodate event schedules.

Host and server job description

In smaller restaurants, hybrid host/server roles are common. These team members juggle front-of-house hosting duties with traditional server responsibilities.

Tasks include:

• Greeting guests at the door and managing the reservation or waitlist.
  
  
• Seating guests and ensuring smooth table turnover.
  
  
• Jumping in to take orders and deliver meals during peak hours.
  
  
• Answering phones and handling takeout or delivery orders when needed.

Server duties and responsibilities

Servers wear a lot of hats during a shift. They’re not just taking orders, they’re managing the flow of service, anticipating customer needs, and keeping the team in sync. Here’s what’s typically on their plate:

Greeting and seating guests

First impressions matter. Servers set the tone from the moment guests walk through the door. A warm smile, friendly greeting, and efficient seating process make guests feel welcome and kick off a positive experience. In smaller restaurants or hybrid roles, servers may also manage waitlists or reservations.

Taking food and beverage orders

This goes beyond jotting down items. Good servers know the menu inside and out, confidently answering questions about ingredients, preparation methods, or potential allergens. They might also recommend pairings or upsell specials to enhance the dining experience.

Providing menu recommendations

Every been overwhelmed with menu options? Servers often act as guides when guests are unsure what to order. By suggesting crowd favorites or highlighting chef specials, they not only help customers make choices but also drive sales for the restaurant.

Delivering food and beverages efficiently

Timing is everything. Servers ensure meals arrive fresh and correctly plated. They monitor tables for refills and extra requests while balancing multiple orders in high-pressure environments.

Preparing beverages and barista duties

In smaller restaurants and cafes, servers often wear multiple hats, including taking on barista duties. This might mean preparing coffee, espresso, or other specialty beverages for dine-in guests or takeout orders.

Handling payments and transactions

At the end of the meal, servers manage the checkout process smoothly: splitting bills, processing credit cards or digital payments, and providing change with accuracy. A friendly farewell here often leaves a lasting impression.

Maintaining table cleanliness and reset

Between guests, servers clear dishes, wipe down tables, and reset settings quickly to keep service flowing. In many restaurants, they work alongside a busser, who supports the team by clearing and resetting tables efficiently. 

Coordinating with kitchen staff for prompt service

Servers are a vital link between the front and back of house. They relay orders accurately, flag special dietary needs, and work with the kitchen to time courses during busy service periods.

Addressing customer needs and resolving complaints

Not every shift goes perfectly. Servers need to handle complaints professionally and find quick solutions, whether it’s replacing a meal, comping a drink, or simply listening with empathy.

Server job description examples for resumes

When you’re hiring a new server on your team, you’ll need to know how to recognize a strong server resume. Candidates who go beyond just listing“waited tables” under experience, tend to use use action-driven examples that show their impact and skills in past roles.

Here are some examples of resume bullet points to look out for:

• Efficiently served up to 50 guests per shift in a fast-paced restaurant, ensuring timely service and high customer satisfaction.
  
  
• Handled daily cash and card transactions totaling $2,000+ with 100% accuracy and zero discrepancies.
  
  
• Trained and mentored three new servers, helping them master POS systems and company service standards within two weeks.
  
  
• Recommended daily specials and upsold appetizers and desserts, contributing to a 15% increase in average check size.
  
  
• Managed simultaneous large parties and individual tables during peak hours without sacrificing quality of service.
  
  
• Addressed customer complaints swiftly and professionally, turning negative experiences into repeat visits.
  
  
• Maintained a clean and organized section, reducing turnover time between seatings by 20%.
  

Common interview questions to ask server candidates

Finding the right server for your team isn’t just about looking for someone with the right experience. You’ll want someone who has a great attitude, is adaptable and flexible under stress, and handles the fast-paced reality of restaurant work. 

These interview questions can help you uncover the skills and mindset that matter most.

1. Describe your experience with customer service.

This open-ended question lets candidates showcase their communication skills and share how they’ve handled guest interactions in the past. Look for examples of turning a stressful situation into a positive outcome or going the extra mile for a guest.

2. How do you handle a difficult or dissatisfied customer?

Servers often deal with complaints or tricky situations. The best answers show patience, empathy, and problem-solving—qualities that keep small issues from escalating.

3. What techniques do you use to manage multiple tables at once?

This gives insight into their organization and time management. Great servers often mention prioritizing tasks, using mental checklists, or leaning on teamwork during a rush.

4. How would you handle a mix-up between the kitchen and a guest’s order?

Mistakes happen. What matters is how a server responds. Look for candidates who stay calm, communicate with both the guest and kitchen, and find a quick solution.

5. Are you familiar with food allergies and dietary restrictions?

A server’s awareness of these issues is crucial for safety. Candidates should show they understand how to communicate special requests clearly to the kitchen.

6. What do you do to keep your section running smoothly during a busy shift?

Strong answers often include teamwork, communication, and staying proactive about refills, check-ins, and table resets.

7. Can you share a time when you went above and beyond for a guest?

This helps you gauge their commitment to service and ability to create memorable experiences.

These questions evaluate technical skills and reveal how a candidate might fit with your team and handle the realities of restaurant operations.

Final thoughts

When you’re hiring a new server for your team, a clear, detailed job description helps you attract candidates who can thrive in this fast-paced role and deliver the kind of service that keeps guests coming back.

Putting up a job posting for a server in your restaurant? Customize the above examples to fit the role you’re hiring for. And if you need more guidance, check out our Essential Guide to Writing Restaurant Position Descriptions.

Frequently asked questions about server job descriptions

What is the role description of a server?

A server is responsible for ensuring guests have a smooth, enjoyable dining experience from start to finish. They greet and seat guests, take food and drink orders, deliver meals, check in during service, and handle payments at the end. They also coordinate with kitchen and bar staff to keep orders flowing and resolve any issues that arise during a shift.

What is the role of the server?

The role of a server goes beyond taking orders. Servers act as a bridge between guests and the kitchen, ensuring orders are accurate, delivered on time, and presented well. They handle multiple tables at once, anticipate guest needs, and help maintain a clean and welcoming environment.

What is the job description of a waitress?

A waitress has the same responsibilities as a server: greeting guests, taking and delivering orders, handling payments, and ensuring customer satisfaction. The title is often used interchangeably, though “server” is now more widely used as a gender-neutral term in the restaurant industry.

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