Wait Staff Jobs in Palo Alto, CA
Wait Staff, also known as servers, are integral to the Hospitality Service industry as they are primarily responsible for serving food and beverages to customers, taking orders, and providing excellent customer service in restaurants, cafes, and other food-service establishments. Their tasks include handling cash transactions, cleaning tables, answering customer inquiries about the menu, and ensuring that the food service area is clean and well-stocked. They are the face of the establishment, as they directly interact with customers, making them crucial in maintaining the restaurant's reputation and overall guest experience.
Essential skills for Wait Staff include strong communication, ability to work under pressure, customer service skills, physical stamina, and multitasking. They must also have a good memory to remember orders and the layout of the tables. No specific certifications are generally needed, but having a Food Handler's Card or ServSafe certification can be beneficial, while some upscale restaurants might require formal training or a degree in hospitality or a related field. Before becoming a Wait Staffer, a person may have roles such as Host or Hostess, Busser, or Food Runner. These positions allow individuals to gain experience in the food service environment and customer service, preparing them for a server position.
- Cupertino, CA (10 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 2 days ago
- Cupertino, CA (10 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 2 days ago
The Waitstaff/Servers day-to-day work includes routinely setting up, clearing and cleaning and resetting dining room. You would be taking menu orders and serving residents and guests meals in a...
- Los Altos, CA (5 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 4 days ago
- Los Altos, CA (5 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 4 days ago
The Waitstaff/Servers day-to-day work includes routinely setting up, clearing and cleaning and resetting dining room. You would be taking menu orders and serving residents and guests meals in a...
- Oakland, CA (23 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 4 hours ago
- Oakland, CA (23 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 4 hours ago
Catering Assistant Job Type: Permanent Job Sector: Unspecified Region: South East Location: Slough Salary Description: Competitive Posted: 09/06/2025 Recruiter: Compass Group Job Ref:...
Restaurant Cashiers, Bussers, Food Runners
- Sunnyvale, CA (8 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 5 hours ago
- Sunnyvale, CA (8 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 5 hours ago
Excellent guest service and interpersonal skills. 2. Excellent communication skills. 3. High energy with ability to work in a high-volume environment on a consistent basis. 4....
- San Ramon, CA (24 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 20 hours ago
- San Ramon, CA (24 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 20 hours ago
Join us and inspire with every cup! At Starbucks, its all about connection. People are at the heart of who we are, especially the people that are a part of our store team. We connect with each...
Barista / Cashier Flexible Hours
- Pacifica, CA (21 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 20 hours ago
- Pacifica, CA (21 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 20 hours ago
Join us and inspire with every cup! At Starbucks, its all about connection. People are at the heart of who we are, especially the people that are a part of our store team. We connect with each...
barista - Store# 07933, RENGSTORFF & MIDDLEFIELD
- Mountain View, CA (5 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 20 hours ago
- Mountain View, CA (5 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 20 hours ago
Join us and inspire with every cup! At Starbucks, its all about connection. People are at the heart of who we are, especially the people that are a part of our store team. We connect with each...
barista - Store# 24526, MARTINELLI & HACIENDA
- Dublin, CA (22 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 1 day ago
- Dublin, CA (22 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 1 day ago
Join us and inspire with every cup! At Starbucks, it s all about connection. People are at the heart of who we are, especially the people that are a part of our store team. We connect with each...
- Millbrae, CA (17 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 1 day ago
- Millbrae, CA (17 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 1 day ago
Dining Server - Part Time Cadence Millbrae by Cogir - 2.6 Millbrae, CA Job Details Part-time $18 - $20 an hour 18 hours ago Benefits Paid holidays Health insurance Dental insurance Employee...
- Pacifica, CA (21 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 1 day ago
- Pacifica, CA (21 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 1 day ago
un SERVER (pacifica) Nicks Restaurant image 1 of 1 compensation: Minimum wage plus tips employment type: experience level: mid level job title: Server Submit resume or call ... State you are...
Cashiers Assistant (Front End Service & Bagger) - Part Time
- Palo Alto, CA
- 1 day ago
- Palo Alto, CA
- 1 day ago
Cashier's Assistant (Front End Service & Bagger) - Part Time (part of Amazon.com) 3.6 3.6 out of 5 stars 774 Emerson Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301 A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just...
barista - Store# 17972, 120 W CALAVERAS - MILPITAS
- Milpitas, CA (18 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 1 day ago
- Milpitas, CA (18 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 1 day ago
Join us and inspire with every cup!** At Starbucks, it's all about connection. People are at the heart of who we are, especially the people that are a part of our store team. We connect with each...
- Dublin, CA (22 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 1 day ago
- Dublin, CA (22 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 1 day ago
This position is responsible for driving loyalty results, including credit, through a focus on performance (sales, guest experience, and loyalty), people (guest service, and associate training and development...
- Pleasanton, CA (21 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 1 day ago
- Pleasanton, CA (21 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 1 day ago
Compensation Range $16.50 - $16.50 / Hour (This Position Earns Tips) Overview: Why Join Our Team: Great earnings potential Full and part-time hours available Flexible scheduling to fit your life...
- Pleasanton, CA (21 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 1 day ago
- Pleasanton, CA (21 miles from Palo Alto, CA)
- 1 day ago
Compensation Range $16.50 - $17.50 / Hour Overview: Why Join Our Team: Great earnings potential Full and part-time hours available Flexible scheduling to fit your life Medical coverage starting at...
Demographic Data for Palo Alto, CA
Moving to Palo Alto, CA? Find some basic demographic data about Palo Alto, CA below.
Wait Staff Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Salary for Wait Staff Jobs in Palo Alto, CA
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Wait Staff positions.
Highest Education Level
Wait Staffs in Palo Alto, CA offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Wait Staff position
- Military Background
- MICROS Systems
- Banquet Catering
- Casual Dining
- Front of House
- Guest Service
- Dishwashing
- Back of House
- Food and Beverage Management
- Buffet
- Loyalty Marketing
- Menu Planning
- Grilling
- Fryer
- Sanitation
- Food Handling
- Catering
- Food Preparation
- Courteous
- Baking
- Food Safety
- Health and Safety
- Point-of-Sale System
- Long-Term Disability
- Wellness
- Cooking
- Cashier Skills
- Merchandising
- Reimbursement
- Energetic
- Cash Handling
- Stocking
- Scanning
- Friendliness
- High School Diploma
- Punctual
- Retail
- Driving
- Events
- Flexibility
- Interpersonal Skills
- Bachelor's Degree
- English
- Regulations
- Multitasking
- Inventory Management
- Policy Development
- Sales
- Problem Solving
- Teamwork
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
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