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I've gotten a lot of
e-mails from other cocktail waitresses, bartenders, etc., so I
thought I'd make a separate page for their e-mails. Send me
your rants!
I just came
across your website accidentally. It
is so funny and sooo true! I love
when you break it down with what
types of people drink what
beverages. You really touched on
some very important things that no
one every writes in a public forum
such as this. I am a true Vegan and
have cocktailed for ten years. I
have worked on the strip and
downtown too. I have been at my
current job 4ever!! But I am number
one in seniority and a shop steward.
So you know that I am always in the
shit so to speak. This is really a
love/hate kind of job, as you know,
working with the public. People
think that are jobs are so
glamorous. Wrong! This is a laborous
job but it can be worth it. This job
isn't for everyone, trust me I have
trained so many girls over the
years. I have a degree and people
always ask me why I don't use it and
get a "real" job. Well my answer is
always the same , this is as real as
you want it to be and I don't have
to take my job home with me every
night! You have done a good job
marketing yourself, so props girl! I
had a website about five years ago
but I didn't want to put the work
into it and I got married and
wanted to spend time with my
hubby! Keep doing what your doing!
P.S. everybody
knows me as hello kitty and Winnie
the Pooh girl too!
P.P.S. I saw the
places that you eat at, do you ever
go to sushi fever? Thats my fav!!
You must be my
soulmate. I'll be calling you
for a sushi date!
Hello Dollie,
You have a
wonderfully insightful website. I just
moved up here from Phoenix. I am
attending college majoring in
hotel/gaming hospitality. I was
wondering perhaps if getting a
recommendation from one of the
Professors that are in the casino
industry would give me a leg up on the
competition applying for these
hotel/gaming positions? This semester I
will be taking a bartending class to
possibly get a job while going to
school. Any ideas as to if I should
start in a local casino for experience.
As for you, you are very gorgeous and
very intelligent, and totally hilarious.
Cute baby also.
Thanks Aaron
A local bar is a
great way to get experience, but keep in
mind that most local bars like to hire
female bartenders. And it always
helps to be juiced in. Good luck!
Hi! My name is
Theresa, and I live in Washington State.
I have an interview this coming monday
for a cocktail waitressing job at a
casino in WA. I was originally going to
be a dishwasher ( of all things) but I
was told from a higher head that I would
be a great cocktail waitress instead.
So I guess you can say that I got juiced
in(now that I know that, I'm gonna keep
it to my self..hehe). I have no
experience at all in this profession and
it will be totally new to me, and so
I'm glad I surfed into your site and now
I have and idea of what to expect.
Thankyou!
Good for you.
Some days you'll wish you took the
dishwashing job.
I got online
today to study Video Poker before
our upcoming stay at NY NY, and i've
spent the last 2 hours here hanging
on your every word. Informative and
funny at the same time.
My wife has been
a waitress for about 18 years, and i
totally understand about how it is
working with the public. Back in the
early 90s i was a pizza deliverer,
that's another job that could use a
site like yours. I have alot of
experiences good and bad with that
job.
Anyway, you
remind me so much of my wife, it's
funny. The same type of job, same tv
music interests ect. Same kind of
humorous, friendly, yet doesnt take
any bs kind of attitude.
I showed her this
site and she thought it was a great
idea that you did this.
An example of her
similar humor:
She was at work
one day and had a tray in both hands
full of dishes, plates ect, and a
younger guy who had been a little
arrogant to her earlier, stuck his
glass out in front of her as she was
walking by his table, he shook it,
rattling the ice, (kinda like the
snapping the fingers thing), and he
said he needed a refill.
My wife sort've
leaned forward and said "Sure, just
set it on my head". lol
Thanks, great
site you have, great idea.
Larry and Celia
Food waitresses
work the hardest. People who
have never been a waiter or waitress
don't know how much skill it takes
to time the delivery of drinks,
appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
And everyone wants their food done a
different way with special requests,
and they all want their food NOW.
Delivery guys have it hard too.
People complain about the jacked up
price for delivery. Well, duh!
That's why you can sit on your ass
at home and have it delivered.
And I can just imagine how many
times people say to them, "It took
you long enough!" My boyfriend
also used to deliver pizza, and
because of the things he told me, I
make sure I'm always nice when I
order and I always tip them 20% of
the bill. It's called "smart
insurance." I always get my
pizza hot and on time, and there are
never any extra toppings.
I saw ur website
and read it, u seem to know exactly
what ur doing and that u have a good
head on ur shoulder...I wanted to
ask you though, I got the TAM and
health card but I need the sheriff's
card. But I am not an american
citizen and I don't have immigration
documentation that would give it to
me. I have my driver's licence and
ss card. Do u think that if I put
that I was born in the US on my
referal slip, they'll find out?
It's so
ridiculous to get a job here without
it!! Or not knowing anyone!!!
Yhanks a lot!!!
xoxo
Keki
You don't need a
Sheriff's card to be a cocktail
waitress. If you're looking to
be a bartender, you can't get a
Sheriff's card until a casino hires
you, then they give you a referral
to take with you to the Sheriff's
office. And as far as I know,
you don't need to be a citizen to
work here, you just need proof that
you are here legally. I
wouldn't recommend lying. I
don't know if they check, but I'm
sure nothing good would happen if
they found out.
Just wanted to
tell you how much I enjoyed/appreciated
my visit to your website. My mother was
a cocktail waitress for many years and I
was a bartender down in Daytona Beach (I
could tell YOU some tales about Race &
Bike Weeks, & Spring Breaks and Black
Reunion Week!)
back when I was youngER. :)
You clearly know what YOU are about &
know what you are TALKING about which is
soooo bloody refreshing, kiddo. You baby
is absolutely sweet & beautiful (and I
am NOT one to say such things) - must
get it from mom!
Thanks so much for all your efforts; I
hope many, many peoples will read & heed
all the info. I am off to LV (from
Oregon) in November and will keep my eye
out for you (yeah, I know it's a BIG
town) - just to say HOWDY.
Do take good care and be well.
Tim
Newport, Oregon (if you all ever decide
to come up and check out the Pacific
Northwest, do contact me & I'll be happy
to help out in any way I can).
Thanks Tim, I hope I
get a chance to meet you!
Hey girl. I
just wanted to email you and say
what everyone else says about your
site...It's freakin hilarious! I am
a vegas cocktail waitress too and
it's just funny how everything you
say to the TEEEEEE is so true and i
can relate totally!! of course i
call my boyfriend over and he thinks
i'm a total idiot because he doesn't
understand but whatever!! Anyhow
congrats on your baby!! i left the
wynn and i'm living in missouri
until my baby is born in January but
i'm thinking about moving back to
vegas soon as i can. living the life
we have in vegas and making our
money is really missed out here in
farmland missouri. i really miss
it!! well...you're on my favorites!!
by the way what nationality are you?
you say howlie? so you're
white/hawaiian? i dunno....just
wondering. you look asian and could
be my sister!! okie..take care and
thanks! Yara
So you're
Mormon/Jewish too? Wow, what a
coincidence! Bet there aren't
too many of us in Missour-a.
Congratulations with the baby, maybe
I'll see you back in Vegas soon!
Can a person
become a cocktail waitress if they have
a Felony and to they run a National
Criminal Backround Check or just a Basic
Criminal Backround Check! ALso do they
finger print you?
Cecily
I don't know what
kind of background check they do, but
they no longer fingerprint you because
you don't need a Sheriff's card.
hey whats up? my name is Daniela and im 24
from Brooklyn NY,, i was just thinking that
i want to become a cocktail waitress and
all,,, is there aNY suggestions that you
can give me to go about it,, and all,,,and
what do you do? and id they train you before
hand or what not,, thanxs
Hi Daniela,
I pretty much give all the advice that I
have on my "Want My Job?" page. Once
you are hired, some casinos do train you the
first week by having you follow another
cocktail waitress around while she takes
orders and shows you the policies and
procedures. Good luck!
I am also a cocktail
waitress in Las Vegas and I think your site
is a riot!! I cannot believe how many times
I busted out laughing reading things that
happen to me every day. I think the
information in your site should be a
mandatory read for anyone coming to Vegas.
Congrats on such an entertaining site!
Barbarella
Anytime you want to
submit your own stories, let me know!
Greetings,
My name is Stacy and I
just wanted to thank you for putting together
such an informative website. Your website
answered just about all of my questions,
regarding cocktail waitressing in Vegas. I
currently live in Orlando, FL, I am 27, and my
current profession is a school teacher. I have
no bartending or cocktail waitressing
experience, however, I have been entertaining
the thought of relocating to Vegas, and making a
career change as a cocktail waitress hopeful out
in Sin City. I know I 've got some stakes
against me considering I have no prior
experience in the field, however, I'm confident
and a fast learner. Enough about my story,
thanks again for creating your informative
website. If you have any further advice for me
it would be much appreciated. Take Care!
You can probably check online for
any casinos that are hiring cocktail waitresses.
Good luck in your search. By the way, Vegas is
in need of good schoolteachers!
Hi Cocktaildoll,
I just read your entire site, and found it to be as
informative as it is entertaining...thanks!
I have a situation at hand that maybe you can be of
some help, possibly. I am a nurse by profession,
however, I am in the first stage process of writing
a book...the location for the book is Downtown Las
Vegas, which is what the book is all about in the
mid 1970's...will be light entertainment, funny!
Anyways, I wish to give up Nursing indefinitely (at
least for duration of book to be finished 4/5 years)
and pursue this project. Here is my problem...I need
to live the life of one of the book's main
characters, and that is a Cocktail Waitress, which I
think I can do....except I'm 49 years old, it's not
enuff anymore to be told I look like Priscilla
Presley, because fact remains, I'm pushing
50...(tips will be flowing, yeah, right!) and most
of girls from what I can see are 30's/40's top...You
might say that Downtown is best suited for me
anyways, doesn't really matter, as "the strip" does
absoloutely nothing for my book, or the reason I'm
doing this in the first place...the book is the
reason for everything...I'm not going to Las Vegas
to work in Nursing...I can do that here! But...I
need to eat and pay bills while I'm there...My
question to you, Sweet Cocktaildoll, Do I stand a
chance of making it in that town for however long it
takes to write book (4 or 5 years)?...Any advice
would be greatly appreciated...Thanks in advance,
Dollie!
Best Regards,
Johnna
I live in Arizona, and have
for past 30 years...So, I go to Las Vegas about 3
times a year...I am married, and my husband is going
along with what I want to do, and, of course, he can
help at times, but it's really all about me and
wanting to do it on my own, and not wanting/having
to rely on him for anything during this time...it's
enuff that he's not telling me I'm crazy!
It's my choice and he's just going along with
it....it's the most I can/want to ask from
him....gosh, this is like a "Dear Abbey" thing,
sorry!!!!!!!!!
Unfortunately, nurses, like
teachers, don't make the income that they deserve.
Once you get a job as a cocktail waitress you may
find that you never want to go back. You'll
have the same crazy stories to tell without the
stress and long hours. Good luck with your
book!
when i was a bartender in
discos, black guys would order courvoisier & coke
alot. one black guy came up & ordered a pink
squirrel, adding "and put some proof in it."
great website,
jim
I would have put out my tip jar
and said, "You first."
I just want
to say that I love your site! I'm a cocktail
waitress in Tunica, MS, and everything you write is
oh so true! Keep up the good work!
Thanks J.C.!
Dollie, I love your
website! It was very clever and dead-on about the
industry... I am a cocktail waitress and I think your
commentary and assessments are hilarious, and so
frighteningly true. Kudos to you and your work!
Your sister in this fabulous/horrible arena,
Vanessa
We sisters have to
stick together, thanks for the support!
This may seem like
a truly silly questions, but I am beginning work cocktailing
at the Spearmint Rhino next month. I was hoping you could
suggest some comfortable, yet sex shoes for work. Thanks!! I
live in Reno right now and all the girls shoes I see are
absolutley hideous...Man, am I glad I found your site. I
live In Vegas and I've been trying to get into cocktails
for way too long now (I went to bartending school in 2003).
Comfortable sex shoes? I've been looking for those
myself. Anyway, I have a feeling you won't want to
be cocktailing there too long...it's too tempting to get
up on that stage.
Hi
Dollie enjoy your website. I'm currently
looking for a cocktail job. I've been
studying a book called "Professional Guide
to Bartending and Cocktailing". I wanted to
ask you,what is the calling order of drinks
to bartenders in casinos? I worked in a
gentlemen's club for a year and we entered
our orders on micros which automatically
came up in order to the bartender we didn't
have to verbally call the drinks to the
bartender. The book says 1. Frozen 2
Bottles, cans 3. Drafts, wine 4. Soft/well
5. call, brand 6. Prem. multi. I'm a little
rusty when it comes to garnishes and certain
drinks.
I
have had two interviews with no success. I
have two more this week. I really want to be
a good cocktail waitress and ace my
interviews I didn't enjoy the gentlemen's
club.Working in a casino would give me an
opportunity to learn more and have
benefits.Any advice or tips you can give I
would really appreciate it.......Thank
you...Jennifer
The calling order in a casino is 1. well
2. call 3. premium 4. plain 5. frozen 6.
draft 7. wine 8. bottle (water/beer).
When a bartender is at the well, the
first thing he does is pick up the well
gun and soda gun. You want to call your
drinks so that the bartender doesn't
have to change guns back and forth, and
once he sets down the guns, he doesn't
have to pick them up again. Nobody is
perfect, and most bartenders don't
really care if you screw up, but when
it's busy, it sure makes things go a lot
smoother. You book's calling order
could be used too. Some bartenders like
the frozen drinks first so they can get
those going. Also, if you have martinis
that need to be chilled, you can call
those first. All bartenders prefer that
you call all your bottles together,
either first or last. Garnishes are a
bit confusing at first, but it's easy to
catch on. Don't go crazy with them.
Limes go in all soda drinks with a clear
alcohol, like vodka and soda, all
gimlets and "Mexican" drinks, like
tequila, Margaritas, and Coronas, and in
Caesars, Bloody Caesars, and Bloody
Marys (I put an olive in my Bloody Marys,
but that is technically incorrect).
They do not go in vodka and seven, or
vodka on the rocks, gin on the rocks,
etc. Limes also do not automatically go
in Cape Cods or rum and Cokes even
though some waitresses do it. Cherries
go in sour drinks like amaretto sours or
vodka sours. They also go in drinks
like Pina Coladas and Strawberry
Daiquiris. Also in drinks like
Manhattans, Old Fashioned, and apple
martinis. Cherries do not go in
plains. A lime and cherry go in Tom
Collins and Mai Tais. A lemon goes in
any iced teas or lemonades, like Long
Islands and those infamous vodka
lemonades. Olives go in martinis.
Whipped cream goes on sweet frozen
drinks like daiquiris and Pina Coladas,
and hot drinks like Baileys and coffees
and hot chocolates. And if your casino
has them, beans go in Sambuca, and
onions go in gibsons. Most casinos do
not have the fancy stuff like celery or
pineapples, at least not for the casino
area. It sounds like you're really
making the effort to know your stuff, so
you'll be fine. Good luck!
I loved your "So
you want my job?" section. From now on when people ask me
why I am still looking for a cocktail server position, I
will be sending them to your site. People don't seem to
understand how hard it is to get a cocktail server job. They
think it's a piece of cake trying to get the most
sought after position in Vegas!
I knew it was going
to be hard though, but not this hard. It's especially tough
when you don't know anybody who can get you juiced in, you
know? Well, I figure since I have to work my ass off trying
to get this job, I'll appreciate it that much more.
Anyway, take care
and have an excellent day!
Donna
Well, I don't know
about it being the most sought-after position...Celine
Dion's got a pretty good gig. But damn,
she's annoying, and I'm not the only one who thinks so.
So, my roommate
just emailed me the link to your site and I absolutlely
adored it!!! We are both ex-cocktail waitresses @ indian
casinos in the San Diego area (I am now a bartender/ she's
now a dealer). My favorite sections were the Ordering Tips
and Tipping Tips; I've always said that casino guests should
have to complete a common-sense crash course @ valet before
they are allowed in the building! Reading your Ordering Tips
would probably do the trick! Anyway, I'm sure you get
similar emails eneryday, but thanks for such a
great addition to my "favorites" list, it is refreshing (as
it is frightening) that not only "guests" of my casino are
freaks, it's a world-wide epidemic, apparently! Have a
great day
~yvonne
If I could just save
one stiff, then I will know I've made a difference.
Hi Dollie!
Up until VERY recently I have been a cocktail waitress at a
large casino in CA. (I am now a dealer at the same casino). I
absolutely LOVE your site!!!
Everything that you said is SOOO true it is so amazing!!! I just
thought that it was our idiot customers that were like that! I
absolutely CANNOT stand it when people whistle, or better yet
from across the pit, or slot section, snap there fingers and
hold up their beer with their eyebrows raised like if they
didn't make a big scene I would forget that they had been
drinking Coors Light every single round for the past three
hours!!! ha ha ha.
The other things that I agree with you on wholeheartedly are:
#1 "I haven't seen a waitress in ____ hours." (Usually at my
casino the magic number is 3 hours... which I absolutely love to
hear, because, really?
. even if I am having a 'lazy' day.. there is absolutely NO WAY
that I am going to be able to sit on my ass for 3 hours without
getting in a shit load of trouble my my managers!!!) Or, I am
walking my slots to get orders, and a guy orders, I walk around
to the other side of the slot machine take orders over there,
then have to walk by the guy that ordered again to get to my
service station, and he says "where is my drink?" I always have
to wonder do these people really think that I am Samantha from
Bewitched, and I can just wiggle my nose and have their drink
magically appear on my tray while I am standing there?!?!?! I
mean, I am fast, but I am not lightening!
#2 When I walk by yelling (and yes, I yell) "Cocktails,
Beverages" don't ask me, "Are you taking drink orders?" ?!?!?!?!
No... I am just yelling for the hell of it, cause I like the way
it sounds!!!
#3 I yell "Cocktails, Beverages", and the customer says, "Do you
serve cocktails?" again... ?!?!?!?! Then... "OK... I'll have a
cocktail" And again... ?!?!?!?! WHAT KIND?!?!?!?! Why is this so
hard for customers to do? Or even, "I'll have a coffee".
Again... What is soooo hard about saying, "I'll have a coffee,
black... or I'll have a coffee, Cream and sugar ? And, while I
am on that subject... do you ever get the... "I'll have a black
coffee, with cream and sugar." What is that about?!?!?!?! How
can it be a black coffee if it has cream?!?!
As for the "what do people drink" section... I had to lol on
that one.
Soooo true. But, I gotta help add to your list: in our casino...
Orange Juice No Ice... is always said "Orn U - No I". (Try
figuring out what that one is the first time that you hear
it!!!) Also, from the Asians: hot milk with Honey. Hot
Chocolate, (no whip cream), and Tomato - No I" And if they
drink, which is rare... Henekein.
Anyway girl -- GREAT SITE! I can't wait to email the link to all
my cocktail girls!! They are going to LOVE it too!!! I am glad
to see that one of us is out there educating the world on
tipping and ordering ettiquette!!! It needs to be done!
And if I ever see you at your casino... I will be sure to ask
for your autograph! (So... on the DL... which casino is it?) ;o)
Thanks!
Steph - Temecula, CA
Damn, I hope you don't
start your own web site because you're stealing my thunder! As
for your add-ons to my "Who Orders What" page, you're absolutely
right. The "Orn U - no I" is actually the corrupted
Americanized version of the Asian accent, as opposed to those
who are fresh off the boat. I'll make the appropriate
amendments. Thanks!
I just came across your
site. Interesting read. I can relate to many of
the scenes you described!
Being a bartender, sometimes I wonder if people
really know what a tip is. I always seem to hear
the same arguments for, and against, tipping (no
thanks to the movie Reservoir Dogs for the
anti-tipping rant.) but no one seems to mention
the "you get to decide my salary" aspect of it.
Here's my take on it:
It's really an opportunity for the customer. Let
me put it this way, if tipping didn't exist,
you'd be paying an extra buck or two with the
price you pay for a drink, to pay my salary,
except that you wouldn't get a choice how much I
get paid. Make no mistake, the tips are my
salary. The paycheck basically covers tax (if
your server even gets
one) The way it is now is *better* for the
customer, as you get to pay depending on what my
service was worth. You decide my salary. This is
a good thing! If only you got to decide what the
service was worth in more industries. If you
hire a carpenter, you will pay him the same
regardless of what kind of job he does. The same
with your doctor. Some jobs are even the
reverse, like car salesmen. The more they screw
you, the better they get paid!
So tipping, the ability to decide a salary, is a
rare benefit that you usually don't get when
paying for a product.
Anyway, I'll part by sharing a story:
Female Redneck Customer: I'll get an Old Style.
Me: Sorry, we don't carry Old Style.
FRC: Oh, well I'll take it in a bottle then.
Me: I don't have it in a bottle either.
FRC: Well a can then!
Me: No, we don't have Old Style at all.
FRC: Ya ain't got Old Style!??
(at this point she looked like she was about
ready to leap over the bar and beat me)
That was at least more creative than:
Customer: Gimmie a beer!
Me: What kind?
Customer: Beer!!!!
Me: No, what kind of beer?
Customer: BEER!!!!
Me: ... bottle or draft?
Marco
Hey, I think I had the same
customers today...and the day before...and the
day before that. I wonder how these people make
it cross country safely.
I have
been at a casino since we legalized gambling in
Indiana in 96. I find your site fascinating.
People do the same stupid stunts everywhere.
Although on the surface our basic jobs are the
same, it's so strict here. EVERYONE (high
rollers, employees, 21st birthday partiers) must
pay for every drink no matter what. State law.
We could lose our liquor license over it. So we
get the stories like "I just lost $3000 to you
(though somehow I personally never find it) and
I can't get a draft beer? I only lost fifty
bucks in Vegas and I drank free all weekend." We
also have last call at 2:15 but we cannot leave.
We stay and serve coffee and cokes until day
shift comes in at 8 and resumes alcohol service.
Unfortunately, we only have 2 shifts (a remnant
from when state law mandated only 18 hours of
operation per 24 hour day) so no matter when you
work, you get that no drink shift part of the
time so we clean and bitch and make our 4
dollars an hour. We also have alot of problems
with girls raping other girls stations,
especially since most of our business is
regulars. We all know who tips. Not a big
tourist population here in Indiana. And the
"FAIR" rotation seems to be quite the conundrum
for our scheduling supervisor. How do you figure
your station assignments? Anyway, congrats on
the baby. I truly enjoy your site. Best wishes,
Angela
We've
never had anything as exciting as girls sexually
assaulting each other's stations, but there are
girls who will try to serve another girl's big
tipper. That's a very bad thing, and a
reputation that can not easily be repaired. All
the hotels I've worked at have set stations and
shifts, and there are overlapping hours with
each shift so you don't have everyone coming and
going at the same time. When people give me the
"drinks are cheaper at such-and-such a place,"
my response is always, "I know...this place is
such a rip-off. You should go back to
such-and-such a place." Usually people aren't
sure if I'm on their side or slamming them.
Hey Dollie,
Just wanted to thank you for your informative site.
I'm a Las Vegas local whos trying to break the food
server barrier and start serving cocktails instead.
I recently had an interview but was told to call
back after i learned how to call orders, garnishes,
ect. I couldn't find much information on this, only
bartending guides. Your site, however, was a big
help.
Thank you for taking the time to make such an
informative site, I truly appreciate it.
Take Care,
Amy
Good luck Amy!
Dollie,
Thanks for a great website. I've been in Las
Vegas for 3 and a half years now, and have lots
of friends in the food & bev. industry. After
much consideration, and sitting behind a desk
with NO interaction for entirely too long, I'm
going to give the cocktailing biz a shot.
I have
zero experience and I'm having my first child in
July, but I think the financial benefits in the
long run will be worthwhile. Any recommendations
for certain hotels/casinos that are more
flexible than others, as far as age (I'm 31),
marrital status(Married), having a kid go? I
know they can't "technically" discriminate
against these things, but let's be realistic...
they sometimes do....
And I
want to be as prepared as possible, like you
said, don't want to be the new kid not knowing a
damn thing. So, besides reading up, (I'm
definitely picking up the book you mentioned and
I'll be checking back to your website as a
regular visitor) is there anything else I can do
to better my chances at getting in to a good
casino and making a "career" of this?
Thanks
for your advise! You're experience and knowledge
is very beneficial to those of us who want to
work our asses off, too!
Kae
First,
congratulations on your baby! Second, you
should wait at least a few months after you have
the baby before applying for a job. Cocktailing
is not easy on the body. Actually, if you wait
until December, your chances of being hired will
be better because even though it's a slow month,
casinos really need the extra help for Christmas
and New Year's Eve. Your age and having a baby
is almost a non-issue, the biggest hurdle will
be that you have no experience. A lot of
casinos make you apply online or at an
employment center where it's all computerized.
If you have no experience, your application
won't even be seen by the beverage manager.
Since you have lots of friends in the industry,
see if they can talk to their manager for you.
Good luck!
Hi
Dollie, Ben from Coca- Cola gave me your website
since I’m a Vegas cocktail waitress also. Have been
since ’79. Our rules about a few things aren’t as
strict as yours. You info was right on the money!
Had a few good laughs! One thing I have to add is
guys who chew!! They ask for a cup and then leave it
on the table. Like I want to pick up that disgusting
thing. Or they won’t let you take their empty beer
bottle or empty glass. I know their chewers so I
always say, “Are you chewing because if you are KEEP
IT OFF THE TABLE AND TAKE IT WITH YOU WHEN YOU GO!!”
It’s a health law! Don’t know if it is or not but
it’s my rule! Of course I don’t say the last part.
And I don’t care how much money they are betting. A
chewer is a chewer! I once had this famous baseball
player ask for a cup so I told him what the rules
were. Well he left the table and went over to the
next one and left his “chew cup” on the table. I
made the floor man throw it away. So when I went up
to him and asked him if he thought I was kidding
about taking it with him. He says does this mean I
can’t get another drink? I told him he could get
another drink but he dam sure wasn’t getting another
cup!
I
had some guy the other night chewing and I told him
to take it off the table. After I left he asked the
dealer if I could tell him that! The dealer was
smart enough to say yes!
My
other favorite saying is when guys ask you if that’s
enough money when the tip you. I look them straight
in the eye and say, I
know you’re old enough to know better than to ask a
woman if that is enough money! Works every time,
they always give me more!
I
still call my Bourbon and coke,
etc the old timers way. Just like left right
means soda then water. Most bartenders don’t have a
clue what the hell I’m talking about. I don’t say
out because when I first started in the business I
had an older bartender that said when you are
ordering your last drink lower your voice. Still
works fine for me after all these years. I really
liked when you talked about when people ordered
coffee and say coffee sugar NO cream. I always tell
them don’t tell me what you don’t want because women
don’t hear NO’S!!! Or when they
order coffee light. So when I ask them do you
mean a lot of cream or a little they get frustrated
and just say just make it normal then! They get
mad!! Or when someone orders hot tea and I say to
them “black” and they say HOT TEA like I didn’t hear
them so I always say back “do you want anything in
it???” When they answer no, I have to say “then
black! They get the message the next time.
You didn’t include the stupidest question that
people ask us. Do you live here?? No I commute from
California everyday! Of course I live here!!
Of
course I love the man that is a regular and comes to
town one week with the wife then the next time comes
with the girlfriend then the next picks up a hooker.
And wonders why you won’t go out with him!!
I
agree with you about how a girl ordering for
herself. One thing I have to add is I think it says
a lot about a man when you come up to the table and
ask if anybody wants a drink and he his sitting
there w/ a woman and he doesn’t even ask her if she
wants something because he is so busy ordering for
himself. I find that rude! I just want to tell
girls, that’s a red flag!! Haha
Thanks for letting me add to your list of things!
Have a good day…..KK
I love your line, "I know you're
old enough to know better than to ask a woman if
that is enough money." I will definitely have to
use that one. We just had a memo at our casino
about chew, that if we find a cup we are not to
touch it, that we have to call housekeeping and they
will throw it away. Too many diseases going
around. That is just beyond disgusting. And "Do
you live here?" That's the first question I have on
my FAQ page. I still get that question at least
once a week. Yep, people are, indeed, stupid.
I just wanted to say that
I happened upon your website while LOOKING for
serving jobs and I found it to be both amusing
and extremely informative!!! I just landed a
job today in a casino in Rancho Mirage CA
working the graveyard and if I decide to take
it, I am going to use your advice and experience
as lessons for myself. I have never cocktailed
in this sort of environment before, so your site
really helped me contemplate doing it and taught
me a lot...Thanks a ton, and here's wishing you
TREMENDOUS tips!!!!
Cindy
Thanks Cindy...good luck to
you!
I just found your
website and I have a few questions if you don't mind me asking,
my husband and I are thinking moving to Vegas.
I would like to get a cocktail waitress job, what is your
average take home daily and if you don't mind where do you
work. If you don't want to tell me where you work can you tell
me the location as in other hotels it's by, is it a high class,
middle, downtown, thanks this will help lots.
Do you know anyone that works at like the spearmint rhino as a
cocktail waitress, I was wondering how much they make there.
Thanks Kori
I don't know anyone who
works at the Spearmint Rhino, but I'm sure they make tons of
money. Oh, you meant as a cocktail waitress! I don't know any
cocktail waitresses there either. If you read through my web
site you won't find out where I work or how much I make, but
you'll find all the information you need to become a cocktail
waitress. Good luck!
First of all I
want to thank you for taking the time to create such a
interestine and very useful website!!
My name is
Grace and currently I live in California but plan to move
out to Las Vegas to continue my education at UNLV for
nursing. My goal is to work part time as a cocktail
waitress while attending full-time at UNLV. I do have a
couple years experience as a cocktail waitress so I am
hoping that it wont be any different up there.
If you dont mind,
I would like to know what an average cocktail waitress
makes. I know that it varies depending on where you work and
how good one is. But what is the avaerage a cocktail
waitress makes working at a well known casino?
If you have any
more information on cocktail waitresses working at a casino
such as what their shift if one works evenings and any other
tips, please let me know.
Thank you so much
for taking the time. ; ) And congratulations on your new
baby!
Grace
You'll find all the
information on my "So You Want My Job?" page. If you're
looking for a part-time job that will accommodate your
schooling, a local bar will be better. Casinos require new
girls to be available whenever they need them. But you may
get lucky and find a casino that will try to work around
your schedule. Good luck!
Cocktail Doll-
I just came across
your website and I found it very humourous! (Especially
because I've encountered many of these situations serving
drinks to the moronic drunks in Wisconsin) I recently moved
here from Wisconsin and I am persuing a cocktailing
position. I did waitress for the past five years in WI at a
very lucrative bar next to Lambeau Field. (Where the Green
Bay Packers play, in case you hate football but I was
brainwashed to love it in WI because that is all there is.)
I was wondering if you could give me some suggestions on
how to get started since I have no formal training in casino
service. I applied at about twelve different casinos from
downtown to the new strip and really have no preference, I
just need a job and somehow truley like waitressing. Thank
you for your time and just a few suggestions would really be
helpful.
Carly
Well, I think you are
really making the effort to find a job, and your persistence
will pay off. Just be sure you have your cards and know
your drinks. In general, I would say it's better to work at
a bigger, newer casino, or a "locals" place, like a Station
casino, or a "hip" place, like the Hard Rock or The Palms.
Avoid, like the plague, any place that sells dollar shrimp
cocktails and hands out coupons.
Hi. Love the site.
I am 25 attractive no children with waitressing and
bartending experience from 3 years ago when I lived in NY.
My only problem is that I have a criminal record. It is not
extensive, but right before I left NY, I was charged and
convicted of criminal mischief. It the lowest level felony.
I did $750 in damage to someone's property.
Also, for the last 3 years off and on, I have been an exotic
dancer. I know there is no way for the casino not to find
that out because we have sherrif's cards, and the clubs
report it to the sherrif's department when they hire a girl.
So that would also be on my aplication.
So, if you could let me know, to the best of your knowledge,
would I be wasting my time? Is it like no casino will even
think of hiring me, or do I have a chance? Are there any
other sites you might recommend that I browse?
Dangerous Dee
Wow. Maybe you should
be a bouncer. But seriously, I have no idea what they are
looking for in the background check. They never tell
anyone, and if you don't pass it, they just tell you "thanks
but no thanks" without an explanation. Unless you are
trying to get out of the business, why don't you be a dancer
here? I'm sure the girls here make tons of money.
Otherwise, I would try a local bar instead of a casino.
They seem a little easier to get into.
My name is
Shannon and I just got offered a job at a casino as one
of their extra board coctail servers. I've got no
experience in coctailing and applied for the job back in
January. I'm 36, recently a divorced stay at home mom of
2 boys so this job opportunity is beyond my wildest
dreams. I NEVER thought that I could get a job at that
type of establishment without experience. Since I am
such an over-achiever with any job I take, I immediately
came home and surfed the net looking for information on
how to be the best coctail server. I recently took a
part time job at a Starbucks for something fun to do
while my kids are at school and absolutely love serving
people even if it is overpriced coffee. I'm constantly
amazed at the people who come in and spend $5.00 on a
cup of coffee and tip me $10.00 which I have to share
with the others. I'm very excited about becoming a
coctail server and while surfing for help, I stumbled
onto your website. IT IS AWESOME!!! Your personality
through your writing, is along the same lines as me. I
am writing hoping for some guidance if at all possible.
As informative as your website has been, what else can I
do to prepare for this job? I'm becoming very very
nervous because people are warning me about the girls
and how "diva-like" they are and will really try to
intimidate me and I'm just trying to do this job and
make the most money to create a life for my little boys
and myself. Again, I'm not sure if you are even able or
would be willing to help me however, I would be most
appreciative of any advice you can pass my way.
Have a great
weekend and thanks in advance if you're able to respond
to me.
Shannon
Don't worry about
the other girls. I've been the new girl a lot, and I
find it's best to keep my mouth shut for a couple of
weeks and be cautiously friendly. If one girl seems
especially helpful, take advantage of that and ask her
things like where exactly your station begins and ends
(you do not want to accidentally serve in another girl's
station as a new girl), rules about salt at the tables,
when your break is, sidework, etc. Find a friendly
bartender, tip him well, and ask him what the beers and
wines are, ask him what alcohols are on which gun so
that you can call your drinks without him having to
switch guns, and write it all down on the back of your
pad so you don't have to keep asking. Since you have no
experience cocktailing, you'll probably be nervous when
you get your first order and you're in front of the
bartender with girls lining up behind you, waiting
impatiently for you to get your drinks. Just relax, get
yourself together before you go up there, and do the
best you can. Save some of the pages with your orders,
and when you have time, ask the bartender how you should
call the drinks most efficiently. When you take your
break, sit with the girls and bartenders so they can get
to know you and not think you're snubbing them if you
sit by yourself, but don't give out too much personal
information. It's a lot of work to fit in and to work
well with others, but after a few weeks you'll be a
pro. Good luck!
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