Lead Host

Host / Front of House Lead (Full-Time)

Bar Contra — Lower East Side, New York, NY

Position Details

Role

Full-Time Host / Front of House Lead

Compensation

$27.00 / hour

Shift Schedule

4:30 PM – 12:00 AM (3-5 shifts per week)

Location

138 Orchard Street, New York, NY 10002

The Team 

Chefs Jeremiah Stone & Fabián von Hauske Valtierra, in collaboration with Dave Arnold

About Bar Contra

Bar Contra is a high-precision, craft cocktail bar and culinary concept located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Spearheaded by Michelin-starred chefs Jeremiah Stone and Fabián von Hauske Valtierra alongside beverage director Dave Arnold (Liquid Intelligence), Bar Contra merges cutting-edge beverage chemistry with progressive hospitality and elevated bar dining.

We pride ourselves on maintaining an intentional, welcoming, and high-energy service environment built on teamwork, precision, and genuine warmth.

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated, highly reliable, and warm Full-Time Host to serve as the face of Bar Contra and manage our front door operations.

As the first and last impression for every guest entering our space, the Host plays a vital operational role in pacing service, managing seating flow, handling walk-in waitlists, and maintaining seamless communication between the floor, bar, and kitchen teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Guest Greeting & Arrival: Warmly welcome every guest upon arrival, setting an inviting and professional tone for their dining experience.
• Door & Reservation Management: Manage floor seating, reservations via OpenTable, and walk-in waitlists with poise and efficiency during peak evening service hours.
• Flow & Pacing Communication: Coordinate closely with the MOD, servers, and bar staff to track table turnovers and prevent floor bottlenecks.
• PX & VIP Recognition: Identify regulars, industry guests, and special reservations, communicating guest notes and dietary preferences to the service and management teams.
• Host Stand Standards: Keep the entrance area, host stand, and menus immaculate, organized, and fully prepped prior to door opening at 5:30 PM.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

• Reliability & Punctuality: High personal accountability and exemplary attendance habits. Consistent arrival for 4:30 PM pre-service meal and setup is required.
• Positive, Professional Attitude: A naturally warm, empathetic, and solution-oriented demeanor under pressure.
• Hospitality Background: 1+ years of host, maitre d', or guest relations experience in upscale, high-volume NYC restaurants or cocktail venues preferred.
• Tech Proficiency: Familiarity with reservation systems (OpenTable or Resy) and POS systems.
• Team-First Mindset: Strong communication skills and a desire to actively collaborate with floor servers, bartenders, and kitchen staff.

Schedule & Benefits

• Hourly Rate: $27.00 per hour.
• Hours: Evening shifts from 4:30 PM to 12:00 AM.
• Staff Meal: Daily family meal served at 4:30 PM prior to evening service.
• Discounts: Employee dining privileges and discounts across group venues.

To Apply

Please send your resume along with a brief intro highlighting your hospitality experience and availability to [email protected].