tell me about bartending

[truthspeaker]

I'm considering getting a second job (part time). Bartending appeals to me because of the atmosphere plus I would like to make tips. I have experience in customer service but not bartending. I am familiar with some mixed drinks but not all. I am very familiar with different brands and varieties of beer.

Any DUers ever tend bar? Have any pointers for getting my foot in the door? Should I bother with a bartending school?

[russian33]

Not sure where you live...

..but here in NYC there's a big guest-bartending scene..I have a few friends who do it on regular basis, at different bars...get the experience, get good tips...

[matcom]

1. dont' need school

buy yourself a drink book and apply. they will care more about your attitude (depending on the type of bar) more than your knowledge. they will train you.

memorize the more 'popular' drinks (and make sure you know the basics).

[Dookus]

2. I was a bartender for 5 years...

from 18 to 23, and after that I was a "bartender consultant" which means I taught other people how to do it while I sat at the bar and drank for free.

Depending on your age, it can be great or it can suck. It's hard work, and I mean physically. It's tiring, and can be a real strain on you, especially your back. However... it's the best job available in the restaurant business.

It can be a lot of fun, but be careful - if you drink you risk being over-indulged. Your job is "the party" and you have to walk a fine line. I was always pretty good at work, but it depended on the specific job

I worked a bunch of places. The main one was my campus bar (yes, we had a campus bar - Albany NY in 1979) and it opened at 11:00AM. I worked it from opening to closing on various days. I also worked all the university parties. Then I worked at two different local townie bars and occasionally at a local Country Club. The CC was the best job I ever had. I did nothing but make drinks. But everyplace else I had to stock the bar, cut fruit, make sour mix, etc. etc.

It can be physically hard, but it can be a great deal of fun. It can also suck a lot depending on where you work. Restaurant work is genrally the most lucrative - you make your own tips plus a percentage of the wait-staff's. A local townie bar probably has less tips, but is more fun.

Yes, there is a lot to learn about making drinks. If you don't already know it, you should take a (short) course. It's not hard, but there's a lot to learn. I used to call it "generative mixology". There's really about five basic drinks and the rest are just variants. But you gotta know'em all.

PM me if you need any specific advice.

[JayS]

3. Gin and tonic. Those mix? Mo Sizlak, Simpsons :) n/t

n/t

[sus]

4. it's really hard work.

physically strenuous and potentially stressful. the tips can be good, though. and lots of free booze and loose women! whoohoo!

[Kahuna]

5. I've done it. I liked it a lot. Go for it.

:thumbsup: