Getting a Bartending job?

Question

Ive been working in this family type resturant for about 6 months as a bartender now that serves limited amount of drinks. Say about maybe 20 different popular drinks that we serve. Now, my question is how hard is it going to be for me to get a bartending job somewhere else?A bar, club ect. Any advice?

Answer 1

First off, 20 drinks is a good number to know - ya for you!!  I'm a bartender and my guideline (between you and me) If the customer can taste the alcohol - you're the best! (really! -my experience!)  As far as getting a job at a club or whatever, just let them know that you're a bartender, they'll want to put you back there, but you'll be on your own, so you better be quick. Bar tending at a club-gotta be fast, but they will wait if it's done right.  No one ever sat down with me and said, "OK, this is how you do it"  I watched and learned.  Make a show of the drink, make it pretty, snazzy, use garnish.  Schmooze the customer--talk to them while making the drink.  In other words, just put a "show" on.  

You can also go to a bar that you like the bartender at.  Watch, listen, and learn.   Because you have to be very careful.  You can get in deep "do-do" if you serve someone who's had too much.  You have to be able to tell when that's happening.  

Just a little advice.  Hope it helps.  You can make great money!  Good luck!  

p.s.  Know your liquor!

Answer 2

Find a neighborhood bar.  somehere with a loyal regular crowd.  Blue collar type customers are gonna be your bread and butter so make sure you take care of them.  Learn their names and what they drink, and have it waiting on the bar when you see them pull up.  if you can do that with about 20 regulars, than you'l make very good money..

Answer 3

a lot of bars require a bartending license/certificate.  A course that teaches you the fine art of bartending.