Is it best to go to bartending school to become a bartender? If so, which one is the best in New Jersey?!
Is it best to go to bartending school to become a bartender? If so, which one is the best in New Jersey?
I was told by someone I know that did a bartending course that it was a waste of money.
Answers: It is a huge waste. I've been bartending for about 12-13 years and I have never worked with or hired anybody that had some 'bar diploma'. This is the one industry where your schooling means nothing, experience is everything. All you would get out of a class would be learning your basic recipes but that's only a part of it. Another big part of it is your demeanor, your confidence, your attitude, your friendliness, etc... Things that come naturally. You can buy a book (The Complete Bartender is a good one) and learn alot of recipes, but alot of drink recipes are regional, some drinks are made one way in NY but in FL they may add another mixer or something. Shots particularly are regional. Until you're behind the bar, you won't really know which shots you make on a regular basis. Actually, until you're behind the bar, recipes on paper don't mean much. You have to DO it to get the hang of it. Practice flairing, jokes, tricks, how to hold the bottle, pouring & things like that. Check out showtenders.com, they have alot videos, from the basics to advanced stuff, that you can order & learn from. My recommendation? Buy the books, learn your basics & apply for a job at a corporate restaurant, say an Applebee's or an Olive Garden, & lie on your application. Say you worked at some small mom & pop place somewhere far away that has since closed down so they can't get a reference. The best part of this is that these types of places are going to put you thru a training program anyway so that you can learn their house recipes & the way they want you to do things. That way you'll get the hang of being back there as well as getting some face time with real guests. Check with the NJ Alcohol Commission. They should know.
But why would you want to sell alcohol to some one who goes out and kills some one or injures them because they had one to many drinks and you end up in jail because you were the last one to serve them and then there comes up the question is that person of legal age. bartending school is a hoax. it is just a money maker, and every bar has their own little way of doing things. if you want to learn, make your self a little bar with all the staples get some recipes and invite your friends over give them the menu and practice. and throw a bottle or two around for some flair! wellmy sister took bartending, and she said it was basic. I believe having took a bartending class may make a prospective job easier to get. Someone hiring a bartender may like It's best to get a job as a bar back & watch & learn!! try to get a mentorship at a bar. work for tips only. you can do this without paying anyone. Find the right bar for you where you can make money Then start at the bottom and work your way up from bar back to bartender. Ask lots of questions and pointers. Once you start to learn how things go, Im sure the bartender would appreciate the help on busy nights. choice #2 buy booze, find friends and drink your mistakes! The someone who told you that is right. Better off to learn from a real bartender. If you can get a job where you can learn as you go you'd learn far more. You won't make much money until you get the hang of it. Most bartenders don't split tips while they are breaking you in, but you'd be saving the cost of the school and learning things you need to know in the real world. I went to bartending school..and the only job i could get was for catering companys..actual bar jobs..are given mostly on a time basis..gatta be there..every bar has there own main drinks and busy times..and they only want to put someone behind the bar that knows them. so being a bar back or a waiter or waitress is really the first step...having gone to bartending school with help..but its only the pinky toe of getting your foot in the door...