It's a tough town to get started in for some reason.

Apply to food service jobs at places you'd actually like to work. If you are back of the house only take jobs that split tips. Have a resume when you apply, you usually won't get the job if you don't have one.

Go in during a slow time earlier in the day. If it's at all possible chat someone up before you ask for a job. Say something you like about the space or read their good yelp reviews, or talk about what ever it is that makes them special (where they get their coffee, the hand massaged chickens or the the fact that they are vegan). Introduce yourself, shake hands and look them in the eye than ask if they are hiring.

Best job I had in this town was a Craigslist add down the street from my house. It was a newly opened bar. I walked in early in the day, two owners were there. Started chatting, told them three things I liked about their build out, introduced and chatted for another twenty minutes, had a drink with them and finally told them I saw their craigslist add. Started work the next day.

People come, in and ask if I'm hiring and push a resume in my hands. Little eye contact, no social interaction, no handshake no introduction. If I was hiring I wouldn't hire them. Most people apply like this, so anything more you can do than that gives you a big leg up.

I've gotten one person an interview for a job (which they got) that payed really well this year and found another person a place to live which is cheap and agreeable, I'll ask around and keep an ear out for ya.