Barista

Barista

The Spoke & Bird — South Loop and Pilsen, Chicago, IL

Full-Time or Part-Time • $26–$34/hour (base + tips)
Third-wave coffee experience a plus

If dialing in espresso feels satisfying, house-made syrups make sense to you, and you don’t think a barista’s job ends at pushing a button—we should talk.

Spoke & Bird is a WBE-owned, farm-to-table hospitality group built on scratch cooking, locally sourced ingredients, and thoughtful execution. Our bar program lives at the intersection of specialty coffee, chef-driven food, and a small-but-mighty cocktail list—all handled by baristas who know their craft.

We’re currently hiring for South Loop and Pilsen

What Makes This Different

• All syrups and mixers are made in-house

• Coffee and beverage programs are built around local, seasonal ingredients

• Baristas collaborate directly with our chef and kitchen team on drinks and recipes

• A tight specialty cocktail menu —some batched, some made to order, all intentional

• Higher-than-average ticket totals thanks to a full food menu (yes, tips reflect that)

What You’ll Be Doing

• Pulling quality espresso and building thoughtful beverages, consistently

• Making and maintaining house-made syrups and components

• Preparing coffee, tea, and cocktails with care and efficiency

• Respecting your tools, equipment, and workspace

• Creating a welcoming, calm experience for guests—even when it’s busy

What We’re Looking For

• Baristas who care about craft, cleanliness, and consistency

• Third-wave or specialty coffee experience is a plus (but not the only qualifier)

• Comfort working in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment

• A positive presence who contributes to a strong team culture

• Someone who enjoys learning, collaborating, and refining their skills

Pay, Schedule & Perks

• $26–$34/hour (base + tips, depending on shifts and volume)

• Full-time and part-time roles available

• Health insurance

• Commuter benefits

• Potential bonuses

• Dining discounts

• Wellness program

How to Apply

We keep it simple.

Please apply here:

Include your work history (formal resume or otherwise) and a brief introduction. Tell us what you enjoy about coffee and hospitality.

Please—no phone calls. We promise we’ll reach out if it’s a good fit.

If you love made-from-scratch beverages, appreciate thoughtful systems, and want to work somewhere that treats baristas like professionals—not button-pushers—we’d love to hear from you.