Best way to get started in bartending?

Question

Best way to get started in bartending?

Answer 1

If you are lucky and know a bar/restaurant owner then ask them for some work experience. They will then be able to train you up so that you are comfortable and confident in pouring and serving drinks. It is often difficult for a beginner to pour the 'perfect pint' especially with certain types of beers and ales so if you can get someone to show you the ropes then this will benefit you.

There are lots of bar jobs around and often there are not enough people prepared to take them, so even with no experience, you may still be able to get a job and be given the necessary training. Good luck!

Answer 2

I'll be honest with you, in most mainstream restaurants, the only way to become bartender is to start as server or bar back and then work your way up.  Make it known that you want to advance.  Always be professional, courteous, on time, and on top of things.  Never complain about co-workers, shifts, customers, or anything like that.  Be up on your drinks and service and keep reminding management that you are ready for the challenge.  

The only exceptions would be before the opening of a hot new club assuming you've done the homework and are gorgeous or if it's a small family place where you can learn as you go.  

Answer 3

Do a little homework and know about / how to make some of the most common drinks.  There's all kinds of good resources online to give yourself a crash course.

With a little knowledge and a "can do" attitude, apply at a smaller bar.  You can get your feet wet in a relaxed atmosphere, and then move up from there.

Answer 4

The Earth tells me "get started".

-I have spoken.

Answer 5

bartending school, find one that will certify you in something like BASSET(in illinois).  also look for one with lifetime job hotlines/placement.

Answer 6

Don't go to bartending school (i.e. don't waste the money) unless the job you are applying to requires such an endevour (usually only hotels and casinos ask for that kind of stuff)

Also, most states don't require a license either. Depending on what state you live in you need to make sure of the age requirements (most states require that you are 21 years old and that's it, some want you to get a state license...etc...) Just check the laws for your state (go here: http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/StateAn...

The most important thing that you should do is pick up the Bartender's Black Book (you can usually find it at a local package store, if not order it from Amazon). It has thousands of recipes, Plus all the basics, terms, and measurements you need to memorize immediately. Learning your pour count, knowing how to make a Long Island, a Martini, a Cosmo, how to tap a keg, etc...

Other than knowing how to pour drinks and serve drinks quickly, the main thing a bartender has to do is listen/talk to people. Make sure you are a people person. You have to love to listen too, especially to drunks. You also want to be up to date on local stuff (where the best entertainment spots are, the nearest hotel, the cab's number, etc...) You also need to have at least two jokes you can pull from memory. One dirty, and one you could tell your mother. Both have to be funny. Also be up to date on all sports scores, especially on local teams. Know who is playing who and at what time (make sure to have it on the TV too).

When starting out, it may be tough to get a job. The best thing to do is to apply to all the places that cycle through bartenders/barbacks a lot (like restaurants, hotel bars, etc...) Then find bars that you like personally and become somewhat of a regular at those places. Get to know the other bartenders, owners, managers, and then in a few months drop the line that you would be willing to work for them. Start out as a barback and work your way up. Most small bars are run like families anyway. You will have to know your fellow employees well. That is how I got my first two bartending jobs and eventually made it to bar manager.

Bartending is an extremely fun job. You will meet tons of people and hear lots of interesting stories. Plus you will know alcohol better than the back of your hand. I find it to be quite rewarding when it comes to the bank account too.

Have Fun and Good Luck!

Answer 7

Best way would be to go to restaurants/bars during down times...2-4pm and ask the bar manager/managers if they have any bar back positions open, then work your way up by taking lunch shifts. Learn the trade, work really hard (do all the stuff no one else wants to do-bring the bottles up from the cellar, cut the fruit/garnishes, etc.) Have a smile on your face and always be on time and you will work your way up super fast.