Does anyone know if the National Bartending Schools are a good school to go to learn bartending?

If not are there any recommendations?Does anyone know if the National Bartending Schools are a good school to go to learn bartending?
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.Does anyone know if the National Bartending Schools are a good school to go to learn bartending?
Don't waste your money on a bartending school. If you want to tend bar, just get a job in a restaurant or bar doing anything. Then just keep your ears open for openings in the dining room or bar. Its a very short step from waiter to bartender. If you want to work in a tavern or sports pub, no experience is needed. You can learn on the job. When I got my first bartending job I was given a 5 minute lesson on the cash register and the boss asked me "If someone orders a rum and coke can you figure out what goes in it?"Does anyone know if the National Bartending Schools are a good school to go to learn bartending?
The best is start out bar back learn the liquor names while your behind the bar,It's better on the job training Save your money. you can buy a mix drink book at any liquor store.