Need to know about Bartending.?!
I was just wondering I have no experience in bartending what so ever. Except for when i get drunk and mix drinks myself or for friends.
Do I have to go to a School?
Would it benefit me to go to a school to learn how?
are there schools out there that can teach me how to bartend correctly?
I understand lots of places are scams. I dont really even need a promise of a job after I learn from them. I can get that on my own. I was just wondering what direction I should take, and How i need to start out.
Thank you very much for your help.
Answers: I am going to be going to Northern Illinois Next semester for school and I am very interested in bartending. I have a part time job right now and need another part time job. I have been kicked out of my house and the only way ill be able to pay for school is with extra jobs. The reason I'm interested in bartending is the ability to work on weekends at night.
I was just wondering I have no experience in bartending what so ever. Except for when i get drunk and mix drinks myself or for friends.
Do I have to go to a School?
Would it benefit me to go to a school to learn how?
are there schools out there that can teach me how to bartend correctly?
I understand lots of places are scams. I dont really even need a promise of a job after I learn from them. I can get that on my own. I was just wondering what direction I should take, and How i need to start out.
Thank you very much for your help.
Don't go to bartending school (it is a waste of time and money) unless the job you are applying to requires such an endevour (usually only hotels and casinos ask for that kind of stuff). You can and will learn everything you need to know on the job.
Also, most states don't require a license either. Depending on what state you live in you need to make sure of the age requirements (most states require that you are 21 years old and that's it, some want you to get a state license...etc...) Just check the laws for your state (google bartending laws and the name of your state).
The most important thing that you should do is pick up the Bartender's Black Book (you can usually find it at a local package store, if not order it from Amazon). It has thousands of recipes, Plus all the basics, terms, and measurements you need to memorize immediately. Learning your pour count, knowing how to make a Long Island, a Martini, a Cosmo, a Margarita, etc...how to tap a keg, etc...
Other than knowing how to pour drinks and serve drinks quickly, the main thing a bartender has to do is listen/talk to people. Make sure you are a people person. You have to love to listen too, especially to drunks. You also want to be up to date on local stuff (where the best local entertainment spots are, the nearest hotel, the cab's number, etc...) You also need to have at least two jokes you can pull from memory. One dirty, and one you could tell your mother. Both have to be funny. Also be up to date on all sports scores, especially on local teams. Know who is playing who and at what time (make sure to have it on the TV too).
When starting out, it may be tough to get a job. The best thing to do is to apply to all the places that cycle through bartenders/barbacks a lot (like restaurants, hotel bars, etc...) Then find bars that you like personally and become somewhat of a regular at those places. Get to know the other bartenders, owners, managers, and then in a few months drop the line that you would be willing to work for them. Start out as a barback and work your way up. Most small bars are run like families anyway. You will have to know your fellow employees well. That is how I got my first bartending job, was regular, and then just got hired.
Bartending is an extremely fun job. You will meet tons of people and hear lots of interesting stories. Plus you will know alcohol better than the back of your hand. I find it to be quite rewarding when it comes to the bank account too.
Have fun and good luck.
my friend learned to bartend at a local bowling alley that he grew up working at.