Demo

Host / Reservationist

The Carlyle Club
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 9/1/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 9/11/2026
Role Overview

We are looking for a charismatic, sharp, and high-energy Host to be the face of our restaurant. In a high-volume steakhouse, the host desk is 'Mission Control.' You aren't just greeting guests; you are managing a complex puzzle of reservations, waitlists, and table turns while maintaining an upscale, welcoming atmosphere. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment, possesses exceptional communication skills, and can project calm and warmth even when the lobby is packed.

Position Type: Full-Time / Part-Time

Reports To: Front of House Manager / General Manager

Core Responsibilities
  • The First & Last Impression: Warmly greet arriving guests, manage coat check (where applicable), and provide a sincere, polished farewell as they leave.

  • Strategic Seating & Flow Control: Seat guests strategically to maximize restaurant capacity while spacing out covers so the kitchen and service staff do not get overwhelmed (pacing the floor).

  • Waitlist & Reservation Mastery: Confidently navigate OpenTable, Resy, or our in-house reservation platform. Quote accurate wait times and manage guest expectations with grace during peak dining hours.

  • VIP & Special Request Recognition: Identify regulars, high-profile guests, and special occasions (anniversaries, birthdays), communicating these details instantly to servers and management.

  • Lobby & Entrance Upkeep: Keep the host stand, entryway, and menus immaculate and organized throughout the shift.

Required Skills & Qualifications
  • Experience: Minimum of 1 year of host or customer-facing experience in a high-volume, fast-casual, or fine-dining environment. Experience with digital reservation systems is a major plus.

  • High Emotional Intelligence: An outgoing, energetic personality with the ability to read a room and de-escalate guest frustrations with empathy and poise.

  • Multitasking Under Pressure: Ability to answer phones, update the floor plan, and check in guests simultaneously without losing your composure or smile.

  • Professional Presentation: Polished appearance and demeanor that aligns with an upscale steakhouse environment.

  • Physical Endurance: Ability to stand, walk, and navigate a multi-level or expansive dining room for shifts of 6 to 8 hours.

Salary : $17 - $26

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at The Carlyle Club

  • The Carlyle Club Chicago, IL
  • Role Overview We are seeking a polished, high-energy, and deeply knowledgeable Bartender to anchor our luxury steakhouse bar and lounge. In an upscale stea... more
  • 3 Days Ago

  • The Carlyle Club Chicago, IL
  • Role Overview We are seeking a sophisticated, dynamic, and experienced Server to join our premier waterfront culinary team. Our restaurant offers an upscal... more
  • 3 Days Ago

  • The Carlyle Club Chicago, IL
  • Overview Join our dynamic culinary team as a Line Cook, where your passion for food and dedication to excellence will shine! In this energetic role, you wi... more
  • 10 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Host / Reservationist jobs in the Chicago, IL area that may be a better fit.

  • Black Briar Chicago, IL
  • Company Overview Black Briar is a Bold American Tavern anchored by an open coal grill, a serious raw bar, and ingredient-first cooking. We are opening in t... more
  • 3 Days Ago

  • Black Gates Chicago, IL
  • ABOUT THE ROLE Han Cha is an intimate Korean- and Japanese-inflected tea service at the Stony Island Arts Bank, serving a seasonal $75 prix fixe alongside ... more
  • 18 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!