Bartending school then become a barback, or what?!
Bartending school then become a barback, or what?
im confused, school would train me on the ins and outs of the bar and different drinks and mixes and lingo and stuff. but being a barback would give me cool expierence.
im not really interested in clubs and such but restaurants and hotels, classy places
Answers:
I have been in the restaurant bizz basically all of my life. From casual to fine dining. For the last six years I have been going all over the U.S. training and developing bartenders for a certain corporate restaurant. The best way to actually learn what you are supposed to when bartending, and basically everything you need to know from the ground up is to go to a corporate chain that "specializes" and "takes pride in.." their bar. Work hard, know the drinks, know the recipes, and know the customers.
barback, forget school, you can easily get a book and learn technique on your own, and how to make many drinks. getting behind the bar is about being in good with the boss. you can do that as a barback. a great bartender to work with could be of help.
lots of bartending schools are not what they're cracked up to be- they are expensive, teach you cheesy drinks, and then often charge fees for references, employment aid, etc.
being a barback might be a better avenue for you. helps get a foot in the door. also, study yourself- read up on wines, etc. if it's a classy job you're looking for, knowledge of wines, good liquors, etc will take you far.