Would it be good to go to bartending school, or is it a waist of money?

Im 18, turning 19 and i was told that if i go to bartending school now, I can become a sever and then when I turn 21 I would have a better chance of being a bartender and i would also have more experience this way. (This would just be a side job, for fun and to make some extra money.)Would it be good to go to bartending school, or is it a waist of money?
I have been in the restaurant biz for nearly 30 years, 7 years as a waiter, and the last 21 as a bartender. I was originally hired in a nightclub as a "barback," where I learned to pur on the job, until 6 months later I got promoted. I remember us laughing at anyone who has a "degree in bartending." I would ask those who wanted to do this; "What is in a gin and tonic?"...and they'd reply; "Gin and tonic," and I'd reply "You're hired(Joking of course). Now of course in bartending there are so many variables to look at: Personality. Drink knowledge. History of cocktails. Proper pouring techniques. Being speedy, while being efficient. Being responsible is a BIGGIE,....Can you learn these things in a school? Maybe some of these, but if you can find a place where there's room to move in and up, that would be the way to go. Bartending school might make you feel more comfortable and confident in doing the job, but the experience is better (Like on the job training). I would even suggest "a white lie" and in saying you know how to bartend, just to get in the door. Good luck!Would it be good to go to bartending school, or is it a waist of money?
waist of time, you would be better off chatting with some good bartenders and learning their tricks, then make some of your ownWould it be good to go to bartending school, or is it a waist of money?
Bartending school is a waste of money. In the hospitality industry, bartending schools are considered a scam and they are not well respected. The only thing these schools will provide is to swindle you out of your money.



The problem is that a bartender job is not an entry level position. Bar and restaurant managers will typically only hire experienced bartenders or they promote from within. Your best bet is to get a job as a server or a barback and work your way up.



Restaurant managers want to hire bartenders who have great customer service skills and who can multi-task. They are not interested in your drink making abilities.They can train qualified people to make drinks.... its not rocket science. The only way to learn these skills is to wait tables. They don't hire inexperienced people because these people are not able to handle the pressure of working behind a busy bar.



Bartending schools only teach you how to make drinks. A good drink dictionary could teach you the same thing and you could pick one up at a used bookstore for $2.50. Any trained chimp can be taught how to make drinks, but it takes someone good to be able to muli-task and to have customer service skills... and you can't learn these skills at a bartending school.... nor will anyone hire you after you graduate if you don't have any experience.



A lot of these schools also offer job placement after graduation. Don't listen to them. This is a crock of s***. These schools never fulfill their promises. What they do is just provide you with a list of bars in the city where you live and tell you that they are hiring.... which won't do you any good if you don't have any experience.



Get a job as a server. You don't need any experience, plus the tips pay well. Let your boss know that you are interested in a bartending position. If you do a good job, they may promote you.