How would I go about becoming a bartender?

WISE_TURD · 2017-09-14T06:55:41+00:00

Typically you'd be a bar back or bouncer first. Do not go to bartending school without a job lined up that requires it.

If you know any bartenders, ask how they got the job. If you happen to start shooting the shit with a bartender, ask him how he got the job.

Eslime · 2017-09-14T08:11:36+00:00

I do it as a side job. I got into when I was younger, I started when I was a server and the restaurant I worked at wasn't going to have a bartender that night. I was only 17! 0 experience, my boss was in a pinch and let me try it. I downloaded an app on my phone to look up the ingredients and volume. I started with jiggers and measuring glasses. That night I became the permanent bartender. I'm 100% self taught, I've done it now for years, and I've mastered it.

The basic drinks are just memorization and attention to detail, but I've become more of a mixologist. Which impresses the hell out of my friends, and I can make great drinks with just about anything.

I've gotten laid once working behind the bar, but I find it's like a cheat code making drinks for my friends at my house or others. I've had girls worship me over my drinks. I'm sure i'd be more successful at college bars and other late night restaurants, but the places I've worked don't have the right clientele.

My recommendation is to learn serving first, or get into event bartending. Most restaurants you'll still have to serve food while bartending, and that experience is pivotal depending the setting.

Don't waste time and money on bartending school.

However most states require liquor training. It's about safety, over serving, fake ids and general legal issues. I would look into that. Most classes can be taken online within a few hours, and have a small test at the end. Afterwords you have a certification that will help you apply for the job.

I've been successful calling the establishment to get the availability of the manager, walking in and asking for a job with resume in hand.

Craigslist works too.

dasmonger · 2017-09-14T16:14:11+00:00

You need experience. Start with a busy events/catering company. They need lots of short term and seasonal bartenders. Then you can go from there..

That is quickest way in most cities.

Beware some bars highly prefer to hire women.

Arabian_Wolf · 2017-09-14T17:01:28+00:00

I know a Barista who became a Bartender.

So go the Barista route for a while if you can't land a Bartender position right away.

QuiteRandomDUDE · 2017-09-14T17:57:44+00:00

Usually you learn as a server by doing smoothies and cocktails and whatever guests want when some bartenders are unavailable.

MattyAnon · 2017-09-14T11:40:44+00:00

How would I go about getting started down this path?

As always, start at the end and work it out from there.

Walk into a bar, say "hi, I want a bar job, I want to work hard." See what they say. See what they're looking for. If they say "have you done this before" you say "no, how much experience should I get before I reapply".

Do this ten times and you'll have all the information you need to get a bar job. Do what they say, jump through their hoops, work your way up.

If you have to do bar back first then fine, but don't do it for long. WHILE YOU DO THAT, apply for other bar jobs based on your current experience. Lie about how much you've done, but not what you've done. A month in the back of a bar? Call it 3. (Don't say 5 years, they'll want to know why not promoted already).

? I'm considering just paying $100/$200 for a local bartending school

Ask in bars first, tell them you've done a bartending course. See if that gets you a job offer. If it does, say you can't start now, and then do the bartending course.

Most likely real world experience is all that counts.

thebadmanpuntdbaxter · 2017-09-14T13:05:20+00:00

Make a version of your resume highlighting any exp with the service industry, your ability to multitask in a fast paced enviroment, and your ability to stay organized.

Put a decent photo on your resume.

Keep it simple. They want efficiency with a smile, not chatty.

Put on clean clothes that fit the style of places you want to work. I wore a black v neck with well fit jeans.

GOTO the bars with resume in hand. Within half an hour of when they open for the day or during quiet hours(3-4). Pardon yourself and ask for the bar manager or general manager. Don't do this when a place is slammed.

Tell them you're looking for a bar position.

If you lack exp theyll at most consider you for a barback. Not unlikely theyll offer server or busboy. Know your worth. If you take anything other than a bar job make your intent to bartend clear.

Chances are youll have to bust your ass in another position for a while. They told me not to get my hopes up about bartending when I was backing. That they wouldnt have anything open soon. Its the service industry, chances are it will. Work hard, learn, and take any opportunity the bartender GIVES you to make drinks. Don't rock the boat.

Be there when opportunity presents itself.

soupermain · 2017-09-14T13:38:03+00:00

Work for a national chain that sucks but has awesome training - applebees ruby tuesdays tgifridays Olive Garden etc. Tell them you'll take whatever opening they have and work your way up from there.

fakeplastictrees87 · 2017-09-14T10:50:16+00:00

waste of time if your main reason is to slay women. you can't get billionaire from bartending. that's for someone who can't do anything else.. like toilet cleaning.

Title	How would I go about becoming a bartender?
Author	Jews_love_cocaine
Upvotes	14
Comments	14
Date	September 14, 2017 6:10 AM UTC (8 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/askTRP
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/asktrp/comments/700gdz/how_would_i_go_about_becoming_a_bartender/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/askTRP/how-would-i-go-about-becoming-a-bartender.114355 https://theredarchive.com/post/114355

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