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  1. #1
    Senior Member Va Va Voom's Avatar
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    Default bartending

    does any one here bartend?
    i am completely ignorant to the business, but it sounds like something i would prefer to be doing instead of dancing. where do i begin? i already found out i need to pass a test and get a permit in the state im living in, and i wanted to take a bartending class so im not COMPLETELY clueless, but it seems like a job that it would be hard to get hired at with no experience.

  2. #2
    Senior Member Va Va Voom's Avatar
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    Default Re:bartending

    doing a quick search online i found http://www.learnbartending.com/ and it just teaches you simple bartending things online, and if you buy one of the nicer packages it comes with a little kit. if i took a bartending course online is that something that an employer would totally laugh at? because internet courses have a reputation for not be legitimate.

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    Default Re:bartending

    it almost seems like a job where getting your foot in the door is more important than bartending school. But I don't know I'm just rambling...


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    Veteran Member Topaz's Avatar
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    Default Re:bartending

    in my research i've discoverd that most people in the business believe the best way to get into bartending is to be a cocktail waitress (or a barback) first, then work your way up.

    don't waste your money on an online 'course', you won't get a job 'just like that' after taking one. most places want you to have cocktailing experience (knowing at least 200 drink recipes by memory, or more). there are bartending schools, but i think they're a bit expensive, and there's no guarantee of a job right after graduating.

    that's really all i know, since i'm not a bartender, but looking to become one, as you are. PresterJohn is one of the resident bartenders on this board, maybe he'll jump in and give you more information.

    try these sites out:

    www.miss-charming.com
    www.webtender.com
    www.gettips.com
    www.discus.org
    www.usbg.org
    www.cocktailtimes.com

    bartending schools:

    www.abcbartending.com
    www.pbsa.com

    do a search on bartending schools to get more names.

    good luck.
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    Default Re:bartending

    Have tended bar....But, way back in the day! Things have changed a lot, just from my surface observations. Have done cocktailing, also bkinthday. Always made more $ doin' that, & less to remember, no glasses 2 wash, I liked it better. Or beer tub or shot girl seems ez 2, but never tried those. Good luck, W.


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  6. #6
    madmaxine
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    Default Re:bartending

    Thank you for the info, Topaz. Sometimes it depends on luck. If you go to a small bar, they might hire you faster than a bigger one. I worked a small bar. Bartending can be hard for a pretty young lady because there are some losers who get worse as they get drunker.
    Waitressing is a good idea. My cousin made good tips just as a resturant waitress. There will be rough days, though.

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    Curious Guest JazzyBell's Avatar
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    Default Re:bartending

    If you're worried about finding a job, PBSA has a lifetime job placement service if you take their class. Good luck!!

  8. #8
    Featured Member Crystal_eyes's Avatar
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    Default Re:bartending

    I am a bartender and let me tell you these classes dont teach you much except how to make the drinks ! Its doesn't teach you to be fast and thats the most important thing ! Also it all depends on who you know or experience in the bartending world ! But there will always be some small bar you can take your experience from ! Good luck

  9. #9
    Veteran Member Jo Weldon's Avatar
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    Default Re:bartending

    I think it depends on the kind of city you live in. I've bartended on and off for about ten years, and the money is good--here in New York bartenders can make $300-$500 a night on the premium shifts, if they can get those shifts. Employers are pretty demanding, and here in NY many of them expect bartenders to dress up and to entertain customers on top of serving as many drinks as humanly possible, but it can be worth it. The bad nights are bad--really-no-money bad--and there are more bad shifts than good shifts available. It generally averages out to be OK. For me it's usually supplemental to other income, rather than being my primary job.

    You should try it if you're interested. The best way to get the job is to know somebody, and make everybody you know aware that you're looking. It's important to be fast so you can move liquor, but that will come with time. Most people drink simple drinks, and if they ask for something you don't know how to make, it's totally acceptable to ask them how it's made--lots of people enjoy telling you. It's also acceptable to keep drink recipes behind the bar. However, you just won't need them that much, once you learn a few basics.

    In contrast to dancing, bartending lacks the flexible schedule. You only get to work as many shifts as the manager assigns to you. Youw ill be one of the last people to leave the bar. The employer may nag you constantly about how much liquor you sell (seeking the all-important "high ring"). Also, if they want to replace you, it's harder to just go across town to the next bar and pick up shifts.

    On the upside, for those who think a lady has a lot of "power" because she's got sex appeal, you should see how much power she's got when she's got all the liquor! LOL

    There are other pros and cons, so it just depends on your priorities, and on what's available to you.

    I actually love bartending. But, I don't always bank when I do it.
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  10. #10
    God/dess VenusGoddess's Avatar
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    Default Re:bartending

    Personally, I believe that you are better off going to a little "hole in the wall" bar and seeing if they'll let you "learn the ropes" there. I coctail waitressed for a couple years and then started bartending. To be honest with you, you can make just about the same amount of money cocktailing as bartending. Also, I use to bank as a beer tub girl. The trick is to just get out there and see what you can find.

    The bartending classes don't teach you anything you can't learn in a bar. There are some really "frou-frou" drinks that they teach you that you'll never really make. I have the Bartender's Bible and Bartenders Little Black Book. Very rarely do I ever have to run to it. I used it for the first time in 5 months last weekend when someone wanted an Angel's kiss. Other than that, most drinks are self-explanatory.

    As for the license test...most states that have those requirements have you sit in a class for a couple of hours, give you all of the info and then test you on it right away. You don't need any bartending school for that, either.

    Have fun, good luck!!

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