Chai Pani is coming to one of D.C.’s most vibrant neighborhoods - Union Market - and we’re building a passionate team to bring it to life!

In India, chai pani is slang for “going out for a cup of tea, a snack, or a little something.” For us, it means vibrant, joyful, delicious Indian street food paired with heartfelt hospitality — a place where people connect, celebrate, and feel taken care of.

We’ve been recognized with seven James Beard nominations, and in 2022, Chai Pani Asheville won Outstanding Restaurant. We've been featured in The New York Times, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and even landed on Oprah’s Favorite Things. But accolades don’t matter if the experience we offer doesn’t feel warm, genuine, and grounded. That’s where you come in.

We’re hiring Bartenders to help us build something truly special in D.C.

Position Summary: As a Bartender at Chai Pani, you’ll do more than just craft drinks — you’ll create experiences. From welcoming guests warmly to curating cocktails with Indian flavors, you'll bring curiosity, professionalism, and fun to every shift. You’ll play a vital role in shaping the bar culture during our restaurant opening, ensuring guests feel celebrated and taken care of.

What this role offers:

A brand new bar in a built-to-spec, highly anticipated D.C. restaurant
Collaboration on a cocktail program inspired by Indian ingredients and hospitality traditions
Competitive hourly pay + generous tip share
The chance to work with a James Beard Award–winning restaurant group and Chef
Flexibility, camaraderie, and a culture where your voice matters
Growth, mentorship, and a community that values excellence and care

What you offer:

Prior experience bartending in a full-service restaurant
Passion for service, and the intuition to anticipate guests’ needs
The ability to adapt your energy and approach based on each guest
A growth mindset, and a commitment to upholding a culture of excellence, love and care
A team-first attitude and a drive to go above and beyond for guests and coworkers alike

Benefits:

Medical, dental, vision, disability, dependent care FSA, and supplemental life insurance (full-time team members)
Company paid life insurance (full and part-time team members)
Tip-share program
Flexible work schedules
Paid sick days
Free shift meals
Employee discount on merch, Spicewalla products, and all of our other restaurant locations in Asheville, Charlotte & Atlanta
Cash advance program
Opportunity to apply to annual staff trip to India after 1 year of employment

Giving back is at the heart of Chai Pani's mission. We make a difference when and where we can - from our partnership with an educational non-profit in Mumbai; to feeding the homeless with dignity in our communities; and within our own walls, offering competitive pay, schedules, and benefits that support work-life harmony. We hope you’ll join our team and be a difference-maker too.

Chai Pani Union Market, LLC

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Chai Pani D.C. Hiring Bartenders