How can I get a job bartending (in Chicago) with no experience? (thinking about bartending school)?

I don't really have a strong enough connection to anyone that works at/owns a bar to get a gig through that method. I have some books on bartending and have/am getting some of the supplies for a bartending kit.



The advantage I see to going to a bartending school is partly increasing my comfort level with actually doing the job, but mostly because the schools help place you and have bars they work with to get their students placed. I wouldn't be going into random bars flashing my certificate or whatever, b/c I know plenty of bars DON'T care if you went to a school. I definitely do have the skills from a social aspect to do it, but I just don't really see how to get my foot in the door, and I'd rather pay for bartending school and become a 'tender sooner rather than start out bussing or washing dishes, etc.



Thoughts?



Bonus question, where should I look to get a bartending kit and what's a decent price? Are there any stores to get them at or just online?How can I get a job bartending (in Chicago) with no experience? (thinking about bartending school)?
Bartending school is a total rip off. The only people who could possibly benefit from it are middle aged yuppies who want to impress their friends at their next dinner party or at the shore this summer. No decent bar hires based on weather or not you went to school. Any place worth bartending at is going to make you work your way up, just get a foot in the door and make it known that your goal is to become a bartender. If your trying to learn the trade, try getting a job someplace that hires bartenders without experience like Red Lobster, (they are notorious for it, they have a hard time staffing the bar because their servers make way more money) it won't be the best gig in the world by any means, but it will get you some experience and instead of paying to learn how to make drinks, you'll get paid to learn. Once you get the experience and the knowledge, it will open up some doors. As for supplies, restaurant supply stores are the best places, all you really need is a church key (beer bottle opener) a mixing tin, and a wine key.How can I get a job bartending (in Chicago) with no experience? (thinking about bartending school)?
I've used this answer before... But I don't feel like typing tonight...



Sleep with the owners son.



But seriously - Check the local colleges. They likely offer a hands on course. A good bartending gig will not be handed to you if you have no experience. People can be in the industry for ages before they set foot behind the bar. Start off cocktailing to learn the drinks more fluently and get your face known. Clients will follow you if they like you. Have a good report with the customers - Your boss will pick up on it. The more the customers like you - The more the owner will want you behind his bar. Pick up some part time/seasonal jobs (they can be more lax and holidays the industry is always looking so they should be easier to find).



If you are really into the research aspect skip the formal classes and buy a book. Boston Bar Guide is usually a good one or read some sites online.How can I get a job bartending (in Chicago) with no experience? (thinking about bartending school)?
Don't pay for school. Bar owners laugh at people who attend "bartending" school. Get a job as a waiter somewhere with a bar, apply for a job as a bar-back. Don't take the classes, big waste of time. You need to get near the bar before anyone will let you behind it. Service industry is all similar, if you can get a job anywhere front of house you're on the right track. Being a waiter or bar-back first will teach you a lot about the industry and you will see if you are cut out for such a public job.



Sorry man, everyone has to pay their dues. Its just the way the industry works.