Mesero

Mesero is the Spanish term for a person who serves food and beverages to customers in a dining establishment. It is widely used in many Latin American countries and in Spanish-speaking communities in the United States. In Spain and some other regions, the term camarero or mozo is more common. The feminine form is mesera, and gender-neutral usage is increasingly common in professional contexts.

Typical duties include greeting customers, presenting menus, taking orders, and relaying them to the kitchen. A mesero uses a point-of-sale system to enter orders, serves meals and drinks, and refills beverages as needed. They also clear finished dishes, reset tables, and maintain overall cleanliness of the dining area. Providing recommendations, upselling specials, handling payments, and assisting with an accurate tally for tips may also be part of the role. Coordination with kitchen staff and other service team members is important to ensure timely service and guest satisfaction.

Skills and training commonly emphasized for meseros include strong customer service and communication abilities, memory and multitasking skills, and knowledge of menu ingredients and potential allergens. Basic math and familiarity with alcohol service laws are often required. Training is frequently on the job, though some venues offer short hospitality courses or certifications in food safety and responsible beverage service.

Work environments for meseros are diverse, including restaurants, cafes, bars, and hotels. Shifts can be long and irregular, often involving evenings and weekends, and the job can be physically demanding. Career progression may lead to senior server roles, captains, or specialization in areas such as beverage management or sommelier services.