Busser​/Barback

Busboys and Poets is a restaurant/bar/bookstore/event space/community that celebrates racial and cultural connections, providing a deliberate pause to nourish mind, body, and soul. The venue is intentionally curated for art, culture, and politics to inspire social change and transform the community.

We are looking for passionate, hospitality-driven individuals to join our team as a busser/barback. In this fast‑paced, guest‑centric environment you’ll support service staff, maintain clean spaces, and contribute to the overall positive experience for our diverse guests.

Job Type: Variable

Pay: $7.00 an hour plus tip out from servers/bar. You can earn as much as $25 an hour, with a guaranteed minimum of $17.50 per hour.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with 100% employer match of the first 4% and 50% of the next 2%
• 1 week sick leave per year
• Paid parental leave
• Company‑paid life insurance policy
• Pet insurance
• Additional benefits available

• 81% of our workforce identifies as a person of color; 45% identify as female; 5% identify as a person with disabilities.
• Over 60% of managers were promoted from within.
• We use a tech‑forward training program, self‑managed tip distribution, POS Toast, and inventory management systems.
• Engaging staff programs: raffles, anniversary boxes, a dedicated web forum, blog, and podcast.

• Wipe tables, bar, or seats with dampened cloths or replace dirty tablecloths.
• Set tables and bar with clean linens, condiments, or other supplies.
• Scrape, stack, and carry dirty dishes and tableware to kitchens; move dishes, trays, or silverware from kitchens to the expo line.
• Clean up spilled food or drink, broken dishes, empty bottles, and trash.
• Maintain adequate supplies of to‑go materials, clean linens, silverware, glassware, dishes, and trays; stock cabinets or serving areas with condiments and refill containers.
• Serve ice water, coffee, rolls, or butter to patrons when required.
• Fill beverage or ice dispensers.
• Assist with food service when food runners, bartenders, or servers need help.
• Clean and polish counters, shelves, walls, furniture, or equipment in food service areas; mop or vacuum floors.

• Must have weekend availability and work a minimum of 3 shifts per week.
• Must be able to work with a team.

• Spend time bending or twisting the body.
• Spend time lifting heavy weight.
• Spend time standing on feet for long hours.
• Spend time using hands to handle, control, or feel objects/tools.

• Entry level

• Part-time

• Management and Manufacturing

• Hospitality

Busboys and Poets owns and operates eight multi‑concept restaurant, bar, event, and bookstore spaces in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, including 14th & V, 450K, Anacostia, Brookland, Columbia, Hyattsville, Shirley, and Takoma.

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Busboys and Poets by two‑fold.