Bartending

Question: How to get into bartending?

(Posted by: MYSELF on 2008-11-24 13:47:34)

What's the best way to get into bartending with no experience? I'm almost 20, and I don't mean at really nice bars, I'm talking at like a bar and grill or the like. Thanks!

Posted by: Hector D on 2008-11-24, 14:01:31

A good way to start is to get a job in a restaurant that has a bar. After you have proved your reliability ( I am assuming that you know how to do this) let the managers know that you want to be become a bartender. You will have to wait until someone quits and everyone that has worked there longer than you has had a chance. You have to wait your turn. No one is going to hire you off the street with no experience. If someone offers it is because there's something else going on. Some things to keep in mind is that you need to have a spotless reputation for honesty. If that is not the case they won't put you behind the bar. I got my first job doing a cash bar b/ c I was literally the only person that my boss could trust to handle all that cash. while you are waiting tables and waiting for your chance to tend bar, learn how to make drinks and pour draft beer from the tap without making a mess.

Posted by: corvato on 2008-11-24, 13:52:38

Generally you won't be able to until 21 in the US yes, some states allow bar tending earlier, but most bars won't consider hiring a tender than can't legally taste what they are making best way to get in to it... get a grunt job, or get a good book and stock you home bar and host some parties

Posted by: Echion on 2008-11-24, 14:04:29

After you are 21, you can start by going to a bartending school. You can just apply for a job at a bar by walking in and asking and you'd get a job too but if you really want to make better money, take some training that can get you in the door of a better place (you can claim experience and present references). Check with your local Hospitality and Restaurant Association for training and related information they may have available. If you have some experience waitressing or working at fast food joints, then you can point that out to a future employer, It's still the same industry.

Posted by: Sliteofhand on 2008-11-24, 14:07:12

1st thing i did was get a Mr. Boston Bartending Guide available at any decent bookstore and read it cover-to-cover, and then go apply for the job and let the customers teach you their drinks. i started in a slower place like a grill and they were only too happy to teach me. These day most places will drug test you periodically. If you are honest, and don't drink or drug on the job; can be polite to the customers and know when to say when for your customer and how to do it without argument you can make a great deal of money.If you do it right you will get your station ready before anyone comes in because when the sh*t hits the fan it is too late to cut fruit or get ice.

Posted by: JJ W on 2008-11-24, 14:19:40

Actually you only need to be 18 in the majority of states to bartend, or serve. Your best bet is to start out either bar backing, serving or even working in the kitchen and work hard and work your way up. The biggest asset you need is to show them you are a hard worker, trustworthy (you will be handling $$) and be able to talk with people. I've worked everything from college dive bars to bar and grills to fine dining and it is all basically the same, you just need to be able to talk to people. Good luck.

Posted by: C.G. on 2008-11-24, 14:22:31

Depends on the state. I started when I was 19. You can study on your own about different recipes, garnishes for certain drinks but most of all you learn on the job. Even just be a cocktail waitress and watch the bartender make drinks. Don't do th phony classes. waste of money and time.

Posted by: Jill G on 2008-11-24, 15:23:25

Well you probably wont be able to start until your 21 so i would recommend getting a job as a cocktail or barback and show the management what a good worker you are. by the time you turn 21 you should have no trouble getting promoted as soon as a position is available.

Posted by: KB on 2008-11-24, 16:55:36

Check how old you have to be to serve in your state, it is usually 18. After that, I went to bartending school, it was a week long course that shows all the pouring techniques and you learn all the most popular drinks. Usually, if you go the bartending school route, they will help you with job placement. If you plan to get a job in a resturaunt bartending, chances are they will hire you on as a server first and use you as a bartender when they need you.

Posted by: baker2000_99 on 2008-11-25, 03:01:48

Have a party where you tend bar, have people sit right in front of you and get drunk and blab at you ALL night{ no drinks for you} and SMILE , do this few night in row . then decide if you want to do it

Posted by: Bopper on 2008-11-26, 01:48:43

I started while going to school by tending at a local lounge working for a bartender on his slower night shifts. He would normally give me half (bout $175-$200 back then)the tip so I was really happy. You will learn more in 2-3 nights then ever in BT school. Plus he sits on azz & gets paid 4 you to do his job. As a bar manager and many others that would never say this but "bartending school is a joke " and unless your really something don't even mention you have gone. Experience, Performance$$, Looks or Very Likable and References are Everything in this Business! Good Luck!