(For bartenders/ex-bartenders) how to..?

Question

I am thinking of bartending once a week on the weekend. I am thinking of a club scene but I do not have any experience in bartending. How would I go about getting my first job? What are the most common drinks that I should know by heart?

What are the requirements to become a part time bartender.

I am 24 yrs old, not ugly, friendly and energetic. In to make good cash one night a week to pay bills but want to have fun while doing it.

Would attire matter in reeciving tips? I heard the more you show the better the tips> Is that a myth?

Answer 1

Bartending once a week on weekends may not give you the tips you're looking for, because customers tend to identify with bartenders who know what they (the customers) like and how they like it -and that's where your tips come from. One day a week makes it tough to get to know anyone that well.

You mention the "club scene," but that doesn't tell us WHICH club scene. If its a country western joint, you're going to be serving a lot of beer -which takes no special talent. But if the place is all about contemporary urban scene and is sophistocated, here come the chocolate martini drinks and cosmopolitans, B-52s, call brand liquors and god knows what other faddish nonsense, ordered by people who in fact have very little sophistication.

Currently, "white" liquor is in favor: stuff made from gin, vodka, tequila, and rum, mainly. And, of course, wines. No bartender can be expected to know them all, which is why there is either a copy of the Mr. Boston Bar Guide back there, or a card file or even computer terminal. But look, half of making the drink is "show business," how you handle the bottles, cocktail glasses, ice and equipment. It doesn't matter if the customer is on the other side of the room, you do the show (without it looking like you are) for the people at the bar to watch.

I suggest that you actually hang at a few places where you might want to work and make friends with the BT's there. Best time is EARLY, before the crowd comes in, or on an "off" night like Tuesday through Thursday. When the crowd DOES start to expand, move off so paying customers can move in (unless you're still drinking, in which case do so MODESTLY or you ain't gettin' a job.) Anyway, see what kind of people are there and note what they order, and how its prepared at THAT bar.

At some point, tell the bartender you most like that you'd like a job , be honest about your experience, but suggest that you could work with a pro on the early evening shift to get your feet wet. At some point, if you do the job well, they'll call you for a prime later evening spot. It can be a BIG help if you have a friend in the business -most BTs and wait staff at class places are referred by people already on the job. This is serious business and many people are in it for years, following a favorite chef or owner from here to there. Personality and appearance are a BIG deal. A winning personality will get you in even if you're short on experience.

Fun?

You'll see.

Answer 2

The places I worked didn't require a bartending class. And to get a job, dress like you would for the job, and just ask if you don't see anything in the help-wanted ads. A lot of bars have problems keeping help on the weekends. As far as drinks, brush up on the normal ones, like cosmos and martinis and how to pour beer, and how to garnish.

You might have to look for a job that says "bar back" for a first timer. You'll learn a lot watching the bartender.

Good luck!

Answer 3

What you wear..........depends on where you work I suppose. Personally I think its a bit demeaning to wear less in order to make more. I bartended/waitressed for 3 1/2 years at BW3 (sports bar) and made GREAT money. Easily walked out w/ $200.00 + on a good night. And trust me when I say I was completley covered. The uniform is a polo shirt. It's more about your personality and ability to be attentive. Plus in a more low key place like that (not a club scene) you can take the time to learn, and have people there to help you out. I had no expierence when I started, and had NO problems catching on.

Answer 4

Save your time and do something else, trust me. But if you are determined. You could start somewhere that is beer and wine only or you could lie. I got my first job at a small bar by telling them I knew what I was doing. I had no clue. I was a fast learner though and had a good work ethic so it worked out. Many came through that did the same as me but couldn't catch on and were let go. PS-Bartending is glorified babysitting only for adults and it gets old FAST!

Answer 5

You won't find a job in a decent club or bar with no experience. Most clubs are not impressed with bartender school, they want to see plenty of real life experience in a similar place. Hotel bars will hire from schools, or will train occasionally. I would start there.

What you wear is up to the club, not you.

Answer 6

That's a good one, but I prefer the one where a horse walks into a bar, and the bartender says, "Why the long face?"

Answer 7

I would suggest getting a job in a resturant/bar as a waitress first and then working your way up. From what i hear, it is hard to get a job as a bar tender with no experience.