How did you get your FIRST BARTENDING job?

Question

So here in Orange County, I found the best way to get into bartending for a girl, is to start off at like a beer and wine bar, stay there for a while and get your skills down, and after a year or so, give it a shot at some full bars.

But, beer and wine bars arent that common. And when there is one, its a bikini bar!

I worked at a bikini bar for about 6 months, but they were nice and didnt make me wear a bikini just a short skirt with fish nets and a busty top. But that bar closed down.

So anyways, my question is, if I dont want to work in a bikini bar, whats the best way to get into a bar? I like venue's that play shows. They are more my kind of crowd.

If your a girl bartender, how did you get your job? I dont want to go to bartending school. Its kind of frowned upon here in OC.

Answer 1

I be a male. But. I just pulled my bike up outside and went and asked for a job for a few weeks for petrol money tetc. I got it, stayed a few months and the bar arranged for me to get a job elsewhere. Just go in a bar and ask. state your experience. Good luck.

Answer 2

I just went into a local bar and asked them if they were hiring, and the owner came out and talked to me and hired me right then. I stayed there for about 3 yrs, they sold the bar , I went to another bar making twice the money, was there 5 yrs. I think any real life experience is better than any school. The more experience you have the better your chances of getting into a place you want.

Answer 3

I started like you did - as a waitress at a bar.

You can pretty much go anywhere and apply, adding your experience as a waitress will add to your approval of getting hired as a bartender.

At a restaurant - usually have to start as a waitress no matter what, working your way up.

Answer 4

Started as a waiter, then went to service bar (making drinks that waiters request for tables) then to full on bartender. Climb the ladder, if you just jump into a busy night you will get super stressed and potentially lose track of money/customers