Best Busser Jobs: Top Restaurants for Great Pay & Tips

Best Busser Jobs: Key Findings

• The best Busser jobs are found in high-traffic tourist restaurants, upscale brunch spots, exclusive VIP venues and event-focused locations.
• Restaurants with large guest volumes and strong tipping culture give Bussers more opportunities to earn high wages.
• VIP and wedding venues tend to offer higher tips due to premium service expectations and large party sizes.

The best restaurants for Busser jobs are those that attract large volumes of customers, provide exceptional service and offer generous tipping opportunities.

In this article, we’ll explore a range of establishments where Bussers can earn top wages, from high-traffic tourist spots to exclusive VIP dining venues.

Disclaimer: The restaurants listed are examples where Bussers can earn competitive pay. However, details may change, and other restaurants may offer higher pay or better opportunities. For the most accurate information, research specific restaurants and inquire about current compensation and benefits.

High-Traffic Tourist Restaurants Offering Lucrative Busser Jobs

Restaurants that attract large numbers of tourists often provide Bussers with ample opportunities to earn tips. These locations rely on high foot traffic and a bustling environment, ensuring that Bussers receive consistent tips due to the high volume of customers.

1. The Cheesecake Factory

[Source: The Cheesecake Factory]

The Cheesecake Factory is a national chain known for its extensive menu and large portions. Due to its popularity with tourists and locals alike, Bussers can expect consistent work and generous tips. With its large dining areas and frequent busy hours, this chain offers great earning potential for those working in fast-paced environments, where the high volume of customers and the busy atmosphere create significant tip opportunities.

Address: 5701 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045

2. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

[Source: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.]

Located in many tourist-heavy areas, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. attracts visitors with its seafood menu and fun atmosphere. Bussers here benefit from large crowds and frequent turnarounds of tables, resulting in more tips. The casual setting doesn’t sacrifice the potential for high earnings, as the tourist-centered locations and high traffic make this a top choice for Bussers looking to earn good tips.

Address: 1501 Broadway, New York, NY 10036

Upscale Brunch Spots With High-Paying Busser Jobs

Brunch has become a popular dining experience, particularly in upscale locations. Restaurants specializing in brunch offer high-quality food and attract affluent guests, making them great spots for Bussers to earn top wages. These venues often offer slower-paced yet high-earning opportunities, especially on weekends.

1. The Butcher’s Daughter (New York, NY)

The Butcher’s Daughter, a popular vegetarian brunch spot in New York, offers a chic and trendy atmosphere, drawing in guests willing to pay premium prices for fresh, plant-based brunch items. Bussers at this popular spot earn well due to its reputation and loyal clientele who leave generous tips, especially during the weekend brunch rush when the trendy atmosphere and dedicated clientele contribute to substantial tipping potential.

Address: 19 Kenmare St, New York, NY 10012

2. Café Gratitude

Café Gratitude offers a vegan and plant-based menu in a stylish, eco-conscious setting. Located in a high-end neighborhood, it’s a popular brunch and lunch spot for health-conscious guests. Bussers here are compensated well for their service, thanks to the clientele’s focus on quality dining and sustainable ingredients, which contribute to strong tipping potential for Bussers at this upscale, eco-friendly venue.

Address: 512 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Exclusive VIP Dining Experiences Offering Top Busser Jobs

Restaurants offering exclusive dining experiences cater to high-profile clients, celebrities and VIPs. These venues often provide a level of service that demands attention to detail, making them great places for Bussers to earn top-tier wages.

1. Nobu

Nobu, a globally renowned restaurant known for its sushi and upscale dining experience, attracts A-list celebrities and VIPs. Bussers working here can expect high earnings due to the celebrity clientele, high turnover rate and luxurious environment. The focus on impeccable service and the upscale experience ensures that Bussers receive substantial tips from the exclusive clientele.

Address: 1953 Broadway, New York, NY 10023

2. The Polo Lounge

Located in the Beverly Hills Hotel, The Polo Lounge is a landmark dining destination for elite guests. The restaurant’s exclusive ambiance and VIP clientele ensure that Bussers can earn significant tips while providing high-quality service to a distinguished guest list. The luxurious atmosphere creates a steady stream of high-paying opportunities for bussers.

Address: 9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Event and Wedding Venues With High-Earning Busser Jobs

Many high-end event venues, particularly those hosting weddings and private events, offer lucrative opportunities for Bussers. These venues often require Bussers to handle large parties and cater to special events, where the tips can be substantial.

1. The Mansion on Turtle Creek

The Mansion on Turtle Creek is an exclusive hotel and event venue known for hosting upscale weddings and private events. Bussers working at this elegant venue can expect great tips, especially during weddings and high-profile events, where the service level is exceptional and guests are generous. The high-end, event-focused atmosphere leads to significant tips for those who serve at weddings, galas and corporate events.

Address: 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219

2. The Ritz-Carlton

[Source: The Ritz-Carlton]

The Ritz-Carlton is a luxurious hotel chain that regularly hosts weddings, corporate events and private gatherings. Bussers at The Ritz-Carlton benefit from the hotel’s reputation for excellence and its affluent clientele, earning great tips while working in an upscale and busy environment. The elite clientele and consistent events at The Ritz-Carlton create excellent opportunities for bussers to maximize their earnings through tips.

Address: 900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Best Restaurants for High-Paying Busser Jobs: Conclusion

The best Busser jobs are in high-traffic restaurants, upscale brunch spots, VIP venues and event-focused establishments. These places offer steady pay, strong tips and fast-paced environments where Bussers can earn top wages.

How To Find the Best Busser Jobs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Finding a Busser job at a high-paying restaurant requires a focused approach. From identifying top-tier venues to submitting applications, follow these steps to maximize your earning potential.

Research Best Restaurants for Bussers to Make Money

Start by using this guide to identify top-paying restaurants for Bussers. Focus on fine dining, celebrity-owned spots and exclusive venues known for generous tips. Check review sites, restaurant websites and job boards to build your target list.

Check Job Listings

Once you have a list of target restaurants, check their career pages for available Busser positions. You can also use job search websites like Indeed, Glassdoor or LinkedIn to find Busser openings. Many restaurants in high-demand areas post job openings regularly.

Apply Directly

After finding job listings, apply directly through the restaurant’s website. If there are no online listings, visit the restaurant in person. Ask to speak with a Restaurant Manager or front-of-house staff to inquire about available Busser positions. Leave a copy of your resume to express your interest.

Highlight Relevant Experience

On your resume, emphasize any experience in customer service or food service. Bussers need to be efficient, able to handle busy shifts and work well with others. Even without prior Busser experience, any relevant background will help you stand out.

Network with Industry Professionals

Networking plays a big role in the hospitality industry. Attend industry events, join hospitality groups or network with people working at restaurants you're targeting. Building connections can lead to job opportunities that aren't listed publicly.

Prepare for Interviews

Once you secure an interview, be ready to show your understanding of the role. Bussers need to thrive in fast-paced, customer-focused environments. Highlight your motivation, reliability and readiness to contribute to providing excellent service.

Follow Up

After applying or interviewing, follow up with a thank-you email or note. This shows professionalism and reinforces your interest. If you haven't heard back in a couple of weeks, it's okay to check in with the Hiring Manager.

Balancing Wages and Cost of Living as a Busser

As a Busser, managing your finances is essential — especially when balancing wages and tips against living costs in the U.S. 

Start by tracking your total income and monthly expenses like rent, food, and transportation. Budget for both fixed and flexible costs and look for ways to save — such as shared housing or cutting discretionary spending. 

In high-cost cities, consider part-time side gigs to supplement your income. With a clear budget and consistent tracking, you can stretch your earnings and stay financially stable.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Busser Jobs at Restaurants That Pay Well

These restaurants were selected based on their reputation for excellent service, high customer traffic and strong tipping culture. We focused on venues that attract affluent clientele and offer competitive wages along with consistent tips. 

The selected establishments also maintain high service standards, ensuring Bussers are rewarded for their efforts. This combination makes them ideal spots for maximizing earnings as a Busser.