Bartending School

I live in San Diego...considering going to a bartending school. Is it worth it though? I would really hate to waste money if i cant get a job aftewards. Thanks!!

i bartend, and i'd say no, it's not worth it. they might teach you something neat, like how to throw bottles, that's about it. the rest you can easily teach yourself. and i don't know of any bars that require you to go to school for it. you just have to get a liquor license anywhere you work. and you don't even have to know how to make a crown and coke to get one. your liquor license is a responsible vendor permit, meaning you have agreed not to serve anyone that's already drunk, too drunk, obviously on drugs, and not to serve after hours if you live in a county with restrictions. the best thing to do is get a book. memorize as many as you can. try to just remember 2 drinks a day. i'll give you a little list of the ones you really need to know. make friends with a good bartender, and ask them to give you the recipes for their favorite shots and drinks, and ask him/her to teach you to "float" liquors. that's good to know. you need to know what type of glasses all drinks go in. and in bartending, if you get a drink you have never heard of, just ask the customer what's in it. with female customers that don't know what they want, make something fruity and pink. it's so easy, and a lot of fun. good luck!
crown n coke
screwdriver
mai tai
sex on the beach
cape cod
white russian
long island iced tea
red snapper
red headed slutttt
toasted almond
buttery nipple
tequila sunrise
amaretto sour
surfer on acid

those are the ones i serve most often. besides beer and such. if you can make a drink called sex with an alligator, and make it right, that's when you know you are a great bartender.

2008-07-03 08:30:25 by Des

techniques at http from American Bartenders School Call 800-5532-9222 to join the fun ... Cocktails drink recipes alcohol drinks cocktail ...

Now do you think its best to go to school for bartending or just to learn on your own? One of my friends said that school is a waste of time, when you can just learn on your own.

DO NOT DO IT. its a huge waste of time and money. buy a drink book, study that, then apply at smaller family style places to get experience

2007-05-29 13:54:56 by diva j

I'm thinking of going to bartending school. Anyone else done it? Was it worth it? What kind of money do you make?

The people who run bars do not care if their bartenders went to bar-tending school. They want people who can muti-task and have great customer service skills. Bar-tending school is a WASTE of money. Buy a drink dictionary and apply for jobs at bars.

Tending bar is a good way to make a living. Good bartenders make good tips. However, most places don't hire bartenders without experience. Get a job as a server/waitress and work your way up. It is worth it.

2008-02-06 22:20:12 by nicole f

I am thinking about going to bartending school, I am married and have a 11 year old son. My husband does not think it is a good idea to go to bartending school, He thinks it is a waste of money and basically probably a scam. He does not like the idea of the hours of working in a bar, and the fact that I may be hit on, just a lot of factors including the time. Ect.

yes, bartending schools are a colossal waste of both. in my 25 years in the business i've never once seen a "graduate" get the job, because it takes too long to "de-program" them, most places prefer to train a novice over hiring a graduate. check out www.totallyfreebartending.com for starters. if you've never worked in the restaurant/bar industry, starting as a bartender without restaurant experience is a very bad idea. it is by far the hardest job, with the longest hours, and most physical work involved. hire on as a server, or cocktail server at a smaller place, to see, if this business is for you. if you are just looking for a part time job, you'll make more money that way, and is much easier work. as a bartender you are expected to set up the bar, cut fruit (google the term "bartender's rot"), carry kegs, cases of beer, wine, soft drinks, clean glasses, wait on your own customers, make drinks for waiters, cocktailers, supervise the barback & cocktailers, etc. you have to multi-task at high speed efficiently for hours. when the rest of the staff gets to go home, you are stuck breaking down the bar, clean, restock for the next shift, fill out spill & comp sheets, and balance your cash drawer to the penny.

2007-11-16 05:05:41 by Kathy A

I recently moved to the Nashville area, I am interested in going to the Nashville Bartending School, Is there financial aid for bartending school and how much does it cost (give or take) any info would be helpful.

Go to their website - or call them and ask how much it would run to complete an entire course....

2008-04-20 19:02:42 by FranklyIdo