Hello out there. I'm thinking about being a bartender. Anyone been one/is one? How did you start out? Did you pay for those bartender courses or did you just learn on the job? If you did take the course - do you think it was a ripoff? Do they really place you or is that a gimmick?
2006-07-05 07:15:42 · 10 answers · asked by Think.for.your.self 7 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Bartending courses are more about making money for the comapny selling the courses than about helping you!
Buy a good cocktail guide from the bookstore. Dress cleanly & smartly, and always have polished shoes, teeth and tidy hair, and you can make a mint tending bar. 90% of drinkers will order "highballs" (you know, something & something) like bourbon & coke, gin & tonic, Seven & 7-up, etc.... Folks who drink something "unusual" (especially martini-drinkers) are almost always 'fussy' enough about how they like their drink made they will give you exact instructions so you can't get it wrong!
It can be hard work, but is always fun, and as I said you can make a lot of money. Tips to improve your tips: Try to remember what people had so you know it when they come back for another. Always carry pens, paper & lighters you can give to people who will ask for these things. Have access to a local map wherever you are, someone is going to ask how to get to somewhere. Smile. Laugh at people's jokes even if they aren't funny. And if you are allowed to openly accept tips, always leave a $1 bill and a $5 bill on the bar as "seed money", it reminds people that as a great bartender, you deserve a tip.
Have fun!
2006-07-05 07:26:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 14⤊ 0⤋
I took the course. Only half of it was necessary, most of the drinks you learn you never make! It also depends on what type of bar you work at. If you find a place thats willing to show you and give you a job, go for it. I never got placed in a position after bartending school.
Buy a book, and make flashcards to help you remember some of the most popular drinks, and the proper way to serve them.
I worked in mostly clubs. You make more money that way and work less hours. The only catch is to work at the hot spots at the busiest time, is a bit of a popularity contest. Who you know and how good you look basically to get in those spots.
If you have a great personality and can hold a conversation with just about anyone....will also help you!
2006-07-05 07:28:57 · answer #2 · answered by shop_addict123 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on how fancy the bar you are working in is. I can teach you 15 basic drinks....there is a bartenders handbook that contains a mixed drink guide. Check the library. Your bar may even have one. If you need any help email me. I've been a bartender almost 14 years. Good luck.
2006-07-05 07:22:43 · answer #3 · answered by frogspeaceflower 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I spent nearly 20 years in the hospitality industry. I learned to tend bar on the job but I would take the class anyways. It can be fun and very enlightening. Remember one thing though. Not every establishment makes their drinks the same way and you have to be flexible enough to learn something new from wherever you go to work. The classes will give you the basics and historical recipes for most drinks but batenders all over the world are always creating new libations to bring to the party.
2006-07-05 07:23:35 · answer #4 · answered by Carlos C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
athe best way to learn to be a bartender is to become a barback--which is a bartenders assistant-u get paid--its fun work and u will learn by being in the action. I wood aplly at a buzy fun restaurant chain such as TGI fridays--who I think has the best bartending training in the biz--a great personality is just as important as drink knowledge. good luck and get out b4 yur 40!
2006-07-05 07:22:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was for 13 years I learned on the job. My mom who is a food and beverage administrator has sent some people to those classes and I know more than they do. I don't think it would be a rip off tho cuz it takes awhile to learn some drinks and they teach you those. I would go for it cuz even if they don't place you you'll find a job.
2006-07-05 07:22:30 · answer #6 · answered by Kookie M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, on and off for over 10 years
No, I didnt take the course, I learned on the job. I got good experience and didnt have a problem getting a job when I needed one.
2006-07-05 07:18:14 · answer #7 · answered by mand 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i took the class for fun and learned a lot. made me confident enough to bartend as a job. especially if u have no previous experience.
2006-07-05 07:20:20 · answer #8 · answered by absolutbianca 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i myself, along with others, learned on the job. and i've known people to take the bartender course and end up wasting their time and money.
2006-07-05 07:20:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
21, large establishments do not employ 'grads' from bar tending faculties. commence operating in a eating position at any element and enable administration comprehend you've an pastime in bar tending.15 is somewhat youthful to convey early pastime in tending bar.
2016-11-01 06:11:50 · answer #10 · answered by Erika 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋