I want to bartend but i dont want to go to school, could a small bar or restaurant train me?

Question

Where is the best place to start, Restaurant, Bar, or Club?

Answer 1

Most places will not let you hire in as a bartender without a ton of bartending experience. I started out waitressing at a restaurant and they eventually trained me as a bartender. I never went to bartending school but was required to take some courses through the local PD department related to over serving and ID checking and the like but my employer paid for it.

Being a bartender can be stressful but can also be a lot of fun, if you have the right personality. Bartenders also need to be trustworthy. The bar is the major moneymaker for business but can also be a major money loser if a business hires the wrong person. They are usually very cautious about who they let bartend.

If you know how to make a wide variety of drinks you will be better off. I know my experience with drinking helped me when it came to bartending or You can look up recipes online at bar.com.

I would definitely recommend starting at a smaller place ( restaurant) and see how you like it. It is very different working at a restaurant than a club. Make sure you can handle working at a restaurant before even applying at a club. From experience, I have never come across a nightclub or busy night spot that will hire you without at least a year of partending experience.

Answer 2

I was a bartender for 8 years and did NOT go to bartending school at all. Most places are looking for someone who is easily adaptable and will train you to do what u need to do. If u have never done it before- get a book on mixed drinks and memorize the easiest ones. Screw drivers- Long Island Iceteas and so on. But most places really dont mind training u if they think u will do a great job for them! Start with a smaller bar or lounge that way u can gain alot more experience then move on to a big club where u can make even more money

Answer 3

It is difficult to become a bartender. I managed at a Max and Erma's and we did not hire unexperianced people. However, if you worked as a server for a while and proved yourself they would promote you and train you.

If I were you I would apply at some smaller bars. I know of people who were hired with no experiance at "dive bars" and then moved on to more lucrative establishments. However, your best bet may be to just start serving at a restaurant or become a bar back at a bar. If you do this well, they may consider you for a bartening position within 6 months. But be careful, larger restaurants such as a Champps might not hire from inside at all or may wait until you have worked their for years.

I guess my ultimate suggestion is apply at some smaller places that may be advertising for bartenders in your local paper or on the net. If you can not get a position as a bartender see if you can find a position as a barback. Barbacks support the bartenders by making sure things are stocked, cleaning, etc. Not so glamorous but probably the best way to become a bartender with no experiance.

Answer 4

Start by serving table in a big chain and get to know the bartenders. The bartenders are usually asked for anyone new to be trained and if you express your desire to become a bartender they will reccommend you. That's how I did it. I worked at Ruby Ruesday as a server and they asked me one day if I wanted to bartend. One of the most fun jobs I ever had. I am sure a smaller place would do the same, but you need to be able to connect with the other bartenders and the barguests. You always have to prove that first. Anybody can know recipes and pour drinks. Connecting with the guests/customers is what actually makes you a great bartender.

Answer 5

Most places require a license, at least around here.
There's more to it than just mixing the drinks.
There's health regulations & liquor regulations.
You have to check ID, & refuse service to drunks.
There are huge legal implications involved.
Talk to a caterer who hires bartenders part-time.

Answer 6

most bars would rather train new bartenders..that way they dont come in knowing how to skim or cheat the owner

Answer 7

Most places require a license, at least around here.
There's more to it than just mixing the drinks.
There's health regulations & liquor regulations.
You have to check ID, & refuse service to drunks.

Answer 8

Yes

Answer 9

Go into a place of your choice and ask. Be prepared to show them what you know and can do.

Check out these websites:
http://www.google.com/search?q=How+to+bartend&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7

Answer 10

absolutely, most people don't do the course, I would start at a place that is not too busy until you get the hang of it....