Demo

Busser/Barback

450 K Street - Busboys and Poets
Washington, DC Full Time
POSTED ON 5/3/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/2/2026

Busboys and Poets is a restaurant/bar/bookstore/event space/community where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted and a place to take a deliberate pause and feed your mind, body and soul. It is also a space for art, culture and politics to intentionally collide. We believe that by creating such a space we can inspire social change and begin to transform our community and the world.

We are always looking for passionate, hospitality-driven, people-persons! Do you want to work in a diverse space, where you truly be yourself, that serves delicious food? As a busser/barback, you will work in a team-oriented, fast-paced, guest-centric environment where we want to see you succeed and ultimately grow, both personally and professionally. If this sounds like the vibe you’re looking for, we hope you will apply!

Job Type: Variable


Pay: $10.00 an hour plus tip out from the servers/bar. You can make as much as $25 an hour with a guarantee that you will never make less than $17.50 per hour.

COMPANY BENEFITS

Busboys and Poets offers competitive pay and benefits including a wide choice of health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with employer match of 100% of the first 4% and 50% of the next 2%, 1 week sick leave per year, paid parental leave, a company paid life insurance policy, pet insurance and so much more!


WHY WORK FOR US

Join a diverse space:
81% of our total workforce identifies as a person of color, 45% of our total workforce identifies as female and 5% of our workforce identifies as a person with disabilities. Our executive team also represents gender diversity, ethnic diversity, sexual orientation, and more. Men and women equally represented as well as various cultural and religious backgrounds. We strive to provide an inclusive workplace where you can bring your authentic self to work.

Grow with us:
Over 60% of our managers were promoted from within to their existing role from line staff or from Front-of-House manager to Assistant or General Manager. Our entire Executive Team consists of existing employees who showed promise and were promoted into leadership positions.

Work with latest technologies:
Striving to be a leader in our industry, we utilize a broad spectrum of technologies including our tech forward training program, employee payroll system, a self-managed tip distribution system, an events and catering platform, inventory management system, our POS Toast and much more!

Happy staff:
Busboys and Poets is always looking for the next best way to engage with our staff. This includes raffles, anniversary boxes, an employee dedicated web-based forum and information site, blog and podcast.

Job duties include but are not limited to:

  • Wipe tables, bar or seats with dampened cloths or replace dirty tablecloths.
  • Set tables and bar with clean linens, condiments, or other supplies.
  • Scrape and stack dirty dishes and carry dishes and other tableware to kitchens for cleaning as well as carrying dishes, trays, or silverware from kitchens or supply departments to expo line.
  • Clean up spilled food or drink or broken dishes and remove empty bottles and trash.
  • Maintain adequate supplies of items such as to-go materials, clean linens, silverware, glassware, dishes, or trays. Stock cabinets or serving areas with condiments and refill condiment containers.
  • Serve ice water, coffee, rolls, or butter to patrons when required
  • Fill beverage or ice dispensers
  • Serve food to customers when food runners, bartenders or servers need assistance
  • Clean and polish counters, shelves, walls, furniture, or equipment in food service areas or other areas of restaurants and mop or vacuum floors.

Qualifications:

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

Physical Requirements:

  • 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

Busboys and Poets owns and operates 8 multi-concept restaurant, bar, event, and bookstore spaces in DC, Maryland and Virginia.

Our locations include: 14th & V, 450K, Anacostia, Brookland, Columbia, Hyattsville, Shirlington, and Takoma with more on the horizon!



Salary.com Estimation for Busser/Barback in Washington, DC
$36,793 to $43,453
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