Prep Cook

Job Overview

Full job description

Full-Time/Part-time · Hourly · Starting at $18.40
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 Back of House team and looking for people who take pride in the craft of cooking and the discipline of a clean, well-run kitchen — Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, Dishwashers, Lead Cooks, and Pastry Cooks who bring focus, consistency, and teamwork to every shift. Whether you're firing plates on the line, prepping components for service, keeping the dish pit moving, crafting desserts and baked goods, or stepping up to run a shift, you'll help bring Bar Nuestro's food to life exactly as it's meant to be. No matter which role you're applying for, you'll be part of a team that holds a high standard and has each other's backs when service gets busy.
Key Responsibilities
Line Cooks

• Prepare and execute menu items to Bar Nuestro's standards of quality, consistency, and presentation
• Set up and break down your station according to prep lists and par levels
• Follow standardized recipes and portioning guidelines
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards throughout service
• Communicate with expo and kitchen leadership on ticket times and special requests
• Handle and store food safely, monitoring temperatures and rotation

Prep Cooks

• Prepare ingredients, sauces, and components according to recipes and prep lists
• Portion and store product properly to maintain freshness and minimize waste
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked prep area
• Follow food safety and sanitation standards at all times
• Support line cooks during service as needed
• Rotate stock and assist with inventory counts

Dishwashers

• Wash and sanitize dishes, glassware, utensils, and kitchen equipment promptly and thoroughly
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the dish pit and surrounding areas
• Support the BOH team with basic food prep and stocking as needed
• Properly store clean dishware and equipment
• Remove trash and maintain compliance with health and safety standards
• Assist with deep-cleaning tasks as assigned

Lead Cooks

• Act as the manager on duty in the kitchen during assigned shifts when the Head Chef or Sous Chef is not present
• Oversee Line Cooks and Prep Cooks, ensuring food quality, consistency, and ticket times are on standard
• Run pre-shift kitchen briefings and communicate priorities for the shift
• Monitor food safety, sanitation, and DC Health Department compliance throughout service
• Step in to problem-solve equipment issues, staffing gaps, or service bottlenecks
• Communicate handoff notes clearly to the next shift and to kitchen leadership

Pastry Cooks

• Prepare and execute all pastry, dessert, and bread items to Bar Nuestro's standards of quality, consistency, and presentation
• Follow standardized recipes and portioning guidelines for pastry production
• Coordinate with kitchen leadership on inventory and ordering of pastry-specific ingredients
• Maintain proper storage, labeling, and rotation of pastry products
• Uphold food safety and sanitation standards throughout prep and service
• Coordinate with the kitchen team on plating and dessert service timing

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 — Job Fairs
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 kitchen experience preferred; entry-level candidates encouraged to apply for Prep Cook and Dishwasher roles
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-heat environment with tight timelines
• Ability to stand for extended periods; must be able to lift up to 50 lbs
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
• Ability to work well under pressure as part of a team
• Lead Cooks should have prior line cook or kitchen leadership experience
• Pastry Cooks should have prior baking or pastry experience
• 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