Bartending school...?

Can anyone reccommend a good bartending school near Bowie MD? DC, Annapolis or Baltimore are fine.



Thanks!Bartending 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...?
Bartending schools are a waste. Get yourself a job as a barback, buy a coupla good bartending books (yes, they same drink will have different ingredients in different books--don't freak out), learn the standard drinks, learn your regional favorites (they vary greatly), and do it yourself. It ain't rocket science. Here's a little secret: real bartenders laugh behind the backs of bartending school graduates. I mean puh-leeze, get a life.
not offhand, but i can tell you what every professional bartender says when anyone asks about these schools/classes or certification:

ITS NOT WORTH IT



for the $500+ that it costs, you can get more experience just stocking up your bar and hosting a few parties... you get to learn what people in your area drink, and how to mix them, you get actual practical use and a lot of fun.



or just start working in a bar, and you will pick up whant you need.Bartending school...?
I cannot. But, if your state doesn't require bartending school, it's a waste of money.



You become a bartender by getting a lower level job and then working your way up. Or, study at home and then apply, assuming you have a ton of cocktail or serving experience.



If you are of age, head to some places that you might like to work and speak with the manager about bartending schools.
Please listen to everyone..Anyone that wants me to hire them and has went to bartending school makes me question why are they at a local bar. Really the only advantage would be maybe higher Class (stuffy) establishments or Vegas. And I bet they still want experience. Go bar back like they said get a feel for it and earn money not spend it on school. Good luck to you it can be a hard way to go.Bartending school...?
There's a decent one in Glenburnie, but I would recommend just trying to get a job at a bar for a while and learn on the job.
well everyone here seems against the bar tending school... i want to go to one just so i can learn how to make a few drinks.. and it sounds like fun