Bartender

At Dakar, we embody Teranga—the Senegalese spirit of warmth, hospitality, and exceptional service. We create a memorable experience through soulful West African cuisine and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. West African cuisine is rich with history, flavor, and heart—and we’re honored to share its story with every guest.

Position: Bartender

We are seeking a dedicated Bartender to contribute to our bar program while partnering closely with the Front-of-House team to ensure seamless service and exceptional guest experiences. This role is responsible for the preparation and execution of craft cocktails and thoughtfully developed non-alcoholic beverages, as well as maintaining bar readiness and service flow throughout each shift. The ideal candidate demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, consistency under pressure, and a deep respect for fine-dining standards. Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Bartender plays an important role in upholding quality, hospitality, and intentionality at every point of service.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Setup the service bar and ensure all stations are fully stocked, organized, and polished.
• Prepare bar mise en place, including spirits, syrups, garnishes, glassware, ice, and non-alcoholic components.
• Review cocktail, wine, and non-alcoholic beverage menus; confirm pacing and service flow.
• Coordinate with Front-of-House leadership to align timing, reservations, and special guest needs.
• Support dining room readiness as needed, including assisting with table setup and final service touches.

• Greet guests warmly, embodying Dakar NOLA’s hospitality standards.
• Execute craft cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages with precision, consistency, and attention to detail.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and composure behind the bar throughout service.
• Communicate clearly with servers, expo, and the kitchen to support pacing and menu progression.
• Step in to assist with table maintenance as needed to support overall service flow.
• Support servers during service, providing direction and calm under pressure.

• Reset and break down the bar according to standards, ensuring all glassware, tools, and surfaces are clean and organized.
• Restock spirits, mixers, garnishes, glassware, and non-alcoholic components
• Review product levels and note prep needs or shortages for follow-up.

• Final bar cleanup, including dishware, glassware, trash, and recycling.
• Secure bar inventory and ensure proper storage of perishable and non-perishable items.
• Assist with the dining room or shared closing tasks as needed to support the team.
• Confirm the bar is fully reset, locked, and ready for the next service.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 4 years of bartending/restaurant experience with focus on craft cocktails
• Strong attention to detail and a passion for fine dining hospitality
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment

Schedule:

• Five-day shift (Tuesday-Saturday: 2:30 pm - Close)

Attire:

• Black close-toed nonslip shoes and professional pants
• Hair must be pulled and pinned back

About You:

• Reliable and supportive; attendance and punctuality is high priority
• Keeps a positive attitude in high stress situations with strong problem-solving skills
• Works expeditiously while maintaining quality; adaptable to varying deadline-driven needs
• Maintains high expectations for self; a continual learner that is always seeking growth

To apply for this position, serious candidates only:

Upload your resume and a cover letter including why you want to work at Dakar NOLA. Applicants without a cover letter will not be considered.

About Dakar NOLA
Dakar NOLA is a modern Senegalese tasting-menu restaurant in New Orleans, founded by Chef Serigne Mbaye and Effie Richardson, offering a seasonal, pescatarian menu that bridges the flavors of Senegal and the Gulf South. Since opening in late 2022, Dakar NOLA has earned earning Dakar NOLA global acclaim as No.4 in North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 and The Best Restaurant in South USA two years in a row (2025, 2026), and national acclaim, recognized as No.6  in North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2025, Michelin Guide Recommended 2025, Eater’s All-Time 38 Most Essential and Influential Restaurants in America in the past 20 years, the 2024 James Beard Award for ‘Best New Restaurant’, Bon Appétit’s The 24 Best New Restaurants’, Esquire’s ‘The 50 Best New Restaurants in America’, and USA Today’s ‘Restaurants of the Year’. Chef Mbaye, a four-time James Beard nominee and TIME 100 Next honoree, brings Michelin-starred training and deep cultural storytelling to each course, setting Dakar apart with a distinctive focus on the spirit of teranga—Senegal’s tradition of warm, generous hospitality that makes every guest feel welcome. For more information about Dakar NOLA, visit dakarnola.com