Job at a glance
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 Role Servers are the connective tissue of the Bar Nuestro dining room — the ones who turn a meal into an experience guests want to return for. You will guide guests through the menu with genuine enthusiasm, anticipate needs before they're spoken, and work in lockstep with the kitchen and bar to deliver seamless, memorable service. This role is for someone who takes real pride in hospitality as a craft, not just a job.
Key Responsibilities Guest Experience & Service Greet guests warmly and guide them through food, wine, and cocktail offerings with genuine knowledge and enthusiasm Take accurate orders and communicate them clearly to the kitchen and bar Anticipate guest needs throughout the meal — pacing courses, refilling drinks, clearing plates — without being asked Build rapport with guests, turning first-time visitors into regulars Handle guest concerns and service recovery with grace, escalating to management when appropriate Process payments accurately and efficiently using the POS system Menu & Product Knowledge Maintain complete, current knowledge of food, wine, and cocktail menus, including ingredients, preparation, and the stories behind them Confidently answer guest questions about dietary restrictions, allergens, and substitutions Stay current on daily specials, menu changes, and 86'd items each shift Make thoughtful upsell recommendations that enhance the guest experience Service Standards & Teamwork Follow all steps of service and sequencing standards consistently Communicate clearly with kitchen, bar, and fellow servers to keep tables moving and service smooth Support bussers, food runners, and hosts as needed to keep the floor running seamlessly Maintain cleanliness and organization of the dining room, service stations, and side work areas Complete opening, closing, and side-work duties accurately and on time Events & Operations Support Communicate clearly with barbacks, servers, and kitchen staff to keep service seamless Support training of new team members as needed Assist with private events and offsite catering beverage service alongside the Events and culinary teams as needed Participate in menu tastings, trainings, and pre-shift meetings Follow all cash handling, POS, and reporting procedures as required Take an active interest in the techniques, ingredients, and stories behind Bar Nuestro's menu Contribute ideas and feedback during recipe development and seasonal menu changes Report any equipment, safety, or facility issues to management promptly What We're Looking For 1+ year of serving experience in a full-service restaurant; upscale or high-volume experience a plus Strong knowledge of food, wine, and cocktail service; comfortable speaking confidently about the menu Excellent communication skills — with guests, the kitchen, and the rest of the floor team Calm under pressure; able to read a busy room and prioritize without losing warmth A natural, genuine hospitality instinct — you enjoy people and it shows Experience with POS systems; reservation platform experience (OpenTable or equivalent) a plus Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus — not required Availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays as service schedules demand Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and stand or walk for extended periods during service Compensation & Benefits Competitive hourly wage commensurate with experience Health benefits Dining privileges across Bar Nuestro and the 5C Hospitality portfolio Paid time off Continued Career Development & Opportunities for Growth A front-row seat to opening one of DC's most anticipated new restaurants Bar Nuestro is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.
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To apply, send your resume and a brief note to [email protected]