Bartending School?

Is bartending school really worth it? I was thinking about taking classes. I would be working in TexasBartending School?
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 to 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鈥?/a>



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!Bartending School?
Don't waste your money. You can learn more on the job than in those classes. Get a job waiting tables and you will learn the drink names by taking customer orders and by delivering those drinks you will learn what they look like and what glass they are served in. Its a very short step from waitress to bartender. Just wait for an opening behind the bar. In most places I have worked the wait staff made more money than the bartenders. If you want to work in a tavern or nightclub you can still learn on the job. When someone orders gin and tonic can you figure it out?Bartending School?
They are not worth it. I worked for a place that sent it's staff to one after I had been bartending for over 2 yrs. They had us make drinks you will NEVER get an order for and never told anyone about how to handle unruly crowds or people. They also don't give any 'real time' experience behind the bar like knowing how to work together when there is you, your cocktail waitress and 50 people all wanting drinks at the same time.Bartending School?
Save your money, get a job as a waitress, bar back or busser. Learn the business and work your way up to the bar back job.