Cafe Associate / Barista

Job Overview

Full job description

Full-Time/Part-time · Hourly · Starting at $10.30 (plus Tips & Gratuities)

About Bar Nuestro
Bar Nuestro is a neighborhood bistro rooted in the rhythms of old-world Europe and the sazón of Latin America — a place where the aperitivo hour lingers, the dining room hums, and every gathering feels like it was meant to happen here. Opening at Navy Yard in summer 2026, we are building a team that leads with warmth, operates with precision, and believes that hospitality is something you feel.

The Roles
We're building our founding Front of House team and looking for people who love taking care of others — Servers, Hosts, Food Runners, Bussers, Bartenders, Barbacks, and Shift Leads who bring energy, care, and pride to every shift. Whether you're greeting guests at the door, walking them through the menu, crafting drinks behind the bar, running plates hot from the kitchen, resetting a table so it's guest-ready in seconds, or stepping up to run a shift, you'll help set the tone for what Bar Nuestro is all about. No matter which role you're applying for, you'll be part of a team that has each other's backs during service and celebrates the wins together.

Key Responsibilities
Servers

• Deliver warm, attentive, and knowledgeable service from greeting through farewell
• Speak confidently to the food, wine, and cocktail menus, including daily specials
• Take accurate orders and enter them into the POS system promptly
• Anticipate guest needs and personalize the dining experience
• Process payments and ensure check accuracy
• Communicate clearly with the kitchen and bar to keep service seamless

Bartenders

• Craft and pour drinks with precision, consistency, and hospitality — from classic cocktails to Bar Nuestro's seasonal, ingredient-driven creations
• Maintain deep knowledge of the cocktail, wine, and beer program to guide guests confidently
• Follow all recipes and specs to ensure consistency across shifts
• Check identification and monitor guest alcohol consumption in accordance with responsible service standards
• Keep the bar clean, organized, and fully stocked throughout service
• Process orders and payments accurately through the POS system
• Communicate with servers and management on 86'd items, specials, and guest needs

Hosts

• Welcome every guest warmly and set the tone for their visit
• Manage the reservation system (OpenTable or equivalent) and seating flow
• Balance sections and pacing in coordination with the floor team
• Manage waitlists and communicate accurate wait times
• Answer phones professionally and assist with reservation questions
• Keep the host stand and entryway clean, organized, and guest-ready

Café Associate

• Demonstrate strong product knowledge of coffee, espresso, and beverage offerings
• Prepare and present beverages and light bites following Bar Nuestro standards and recipes while meeting speed of service standards
• Follow Bar Nuestro's service steps and selling skills to create an exceptional guest experience
• Educate and sample guests on food and beverage offerings
• Maintain PAR stock levels, product presentation, and merchandising standards
• Open and/or close the café area following checklists, verifying completion with the MOD
• Maintain cleanliness of the work area and equipment in accordance with Health Department standards

Food Runners

• Deliver food from the kitchen to the table promptly and accurately
• Confirm each dish matches the ticket before it reaches the guest
• Communicate with kitchen and servers on timing and special requests
• Support expo standards and plate presentation
• Assist with table resets and bussing during peak periods
• Maintain a clean, organized pass and expo area

Bussers

• Clear and reset tables promptly and quietly between courses and turns
• Support servers with water, bread, and other table touches
• Maintain cleanliness of the dining room and service stations
• Polish glassware and silverware, fold linens, and stock service stations
• Jump in wherever needed to support the team during busy periods and events

Barbacks

• Keep the bar stocked with liquor, beer, wine, garnishes, ice, and glassware throughout service
• Support bartenders by prepping garnishes, batching ingredients, and restocking supplies in real time
• Maintain cleanliness of the bar area, including glassware, tools, and service stations
• Rotate stock and assist with inventory counts and deliveries
• Empty trash, break down boxes, and maintain a safe, organized back-bar area
• Jump in to support bartenders and the wider FOH team during peak periods and events

The responsibilities listed above are representative of the roles and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and activities that may be assigned. A full list of job responsibilities can be shared upon request and at one of our upcoming job fairs.

Come Meet Us at Our Job Fairs & Hiring Open Houses
Join us at one of our upcoming job fairs to learn more about these roles, meet the team, and interview on the spot.

Times: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Mon, Aug 3
• Tue, Aug 4
• Tue, Aug 11
• Wed, Aug 12
• Mon, Aug 17
• Tue, Aug 18

What We're Looking For

• A friendly, team-first attitude and genuine enthusiasm for hospitality
• Prior restaurant experience is a plus, but not required — we're happy to train the right person
• Ability to stand, walk, and carry trays for extended periods; must be able to lift up to 30 lbs
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment
• Clear communication skills with guests and teammates
• Must be at least 18 years old for roles that involve serving alcohol
• Bartenders must be at least 21 years old, in accordance with D.C. alcohol service regulations.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus — not required
• Availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage, plus tips for tipped positions
• Employee dining discounts
• Paid Sick and Safe Leave
• Dining privileges across Bar Nuestro and the 5C Hospitality portfolio
• A front-row seat to opening one of DC's most anticipated new restaurants