Has anyone attended a bartending school? What did you get out of it and was it worth it?

I'm interested in becoming a bartender but I have no experience. I've seen bartending schools and was wondering about them. I live in the Dallas area. Is there another way to get into bartending? Has anyone gone to bartending schools? Did it help you get a job? And do you get paid a decent wage in bartending?Has anyone attended a bartending school? What did you get out of it and was it worth it?
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 ot 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 (google bartending laws and the name of your state).



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.Has anyone attended a bartending school? What did you get out of it and was it worth it?
In most places (world wide) you'll struggle to get a decent wage bartending unless you are either the manager or relief manager, and even then for the hours you are expected to do it's not great. Dependant on the establishment the tips can sometimes be good though.



Bartending schools, depends on what the course is teaching you and how long it is. They can range from the whole hospitality thing, adding in silver service, book keeping, cocktail prep and display through to as simple a changing kegs...



Biggest downside of the job: there can be times when you're the only sober person in the joint. Biggest upside, there can be times when you're the only sober person in the joint!Has anyone attended a bartending school? What did you get out of it and was it worth it?
Bartending schools are pretty much a joke - I was sent to one by a place I worked for after I was already a bartender - they had a family operation and thought it would help those who had no clue as to what to do. Prettty much a waste of money I thought. Most places who hire bartenders don't care about the schools either.

Try going for a cocktail waitress job in the beginning, or bar back position. Pay attention to what people are ordering and learn to make the basics. Most of what bartenders make in the average bar are not the really fancy drinks, but simple ones with just a few ingredients. Of course you will get the occasional dip who wants a Pink Squirrel but that doesn't happen very often.

Depending on what place you work at and the shifts you get, you can do pretty well money wise. You will probably get the crap shifts in the beginning but someone will always be sick or quit and you can usually move up - especially if you have a good personality and can work fast on your feet.

I loved bartending and there are many a day when it looks a whole lot better than what I am doing now. I worked in a couple of 'bad' joints and my husband wasn't too keen on me staying a bartender after I witnessed some pretty gruesome fights. But that's no the norm and I would not work at that kind of place again.Has anyone attended a bartending school? What did you get out of it and was it worth it?
Do not go to bartending school. It is a waste of time and money. If you want to be a bartender, do the following



1 find a bar/restaurant that is busy and looks fun

2 get a job as a server or cocktail server

3 work hard, do extra work, help your co workers

4 show up early

5 never complain

6 after a few months mention to some of the senior bartenders or bar manager that you would like to learn how to bartend, see if they would be willing to train you. tell them you would work for free a few shifts to learn.



Sooner or later someone will be sick, need a day off, quit or get fired, and that is how you can get your foot in the door.



The bar managers I know rarely hire people off the street for bar openings and never hire people fresh out of bartending school, it is a joke.