Could I get a bartending job with no bartending experience?

Question

I have no bartending experience, but I worked as a waitress for 1 year and I know the wines (what wine would go with what entree) and I know how to pour a beer. I just don't know really how to make all the cocktails. Do I have a chance at getting a part time bartending job at like an Applebees, Ruby Tuesday type restaurant chain?

Answer 1

Yes.

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 ot 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 2

Maybe, Maybe not, it depends on the Managers opinion. He may train you, he may say no.

Answer 3

uhhhh no.

Answer 4

Not really.  You wouldn't have much of a shot especially if a trained/schooled bartender were applying.  Anybody can pour a beer and learn their wines, but actual bar tending is a whole different ball game.  If it's something you're interested in, find out where there's a bar tending school in your area and get in.  It's definitely worth it, you can make some good money bar tending!

Answer 5

yeah

they train you

Answer 6

You will start as a Bar-Back, pulling empty glasses and making sure the Bartender is squared away.. Pull this off for a few months and you will be eligible!  (also must be 21!!!!)

Answer 7

yes you can, i did, what happens is your a bar-back wish pretty much means you do all the grunt work at the bar such as pour beer and you cant touch the liquor, most places give you a cut of the tips though. after your experienced with this they will start you out on a slow day shadowing someone and then you will finally be trained. the process took me  about two months but I'm good at what i do.

Answer 8

There is so much more than just pouring beer and mixing drinks to being a good bartender.  Check into a bartending course through your local community or technical college.  I took a course at the age of 18 and began bartending shortly after completing it. It teaches you how to free pour drinks, count shots, memorize recipes and more importantly the alcohol related state laws and responsibilities of a bartender.  It is a fun job, but one you must take seriously.  You would probably have better luck applying at a smaller bar to gain some experience.

Answer 9

I think the chains probably have training specifically for bartending at their joints.  You might have to work as a bar-back for a while first.  (Hauling ice, refilling mixers, changing kegs, etc.)