Any bartenders here?

[Robin Hood]

I am thinking of going to a two week bartending school for $670.00. Is the schooling worth it? Are there enough jobs out there? Can you make a decent living? Do you like what you do?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[TrogL]

1. that sounds high

You do need training on how to pour and what the various drinks are and the legal ramifications. Community Colleges sometimes have affordable courses.

[Robin Hood]

4. Thanks for answering me.

Would it make a difference if I got the training from a community college or an independent school like this one that i am thinking of http://www.americanbartendingcollege.com

Also, is there a demand for bartenders? Is it decent money? etc.. Any info would be great.

[TrogL]

7. The money is OK

especially at a bar where people actually tip.

The lifestyle, however, is brutal and the hours suck. Do you really wanna spend 6 hours with a bunch of drunken idiots and then have to clean up after them?

It's also rough on the back slinging cases of beer and kegs around.

[Robin Hood]

8. I currently drive a bus

So i'm kind of used to drunks.

[Wonk]

2. http://www.webtender.com/

http://www.webtender.com/
http://www.webtender.com/handbook/

[Robin Hood]

6. Thanks for the links Wonk.

I appreciate it. I had a hard time finding web related bartender info on Google.

[salmonhorse]

3. Pixie says...

In Sac you can take a mixologist course for $299 with lifetime placement.

What town do you live in?

[Robin Hood]

5. I live in Portland Oregon

Just up the road on I-5. I was thinking of going to this place as it is close to me. http://www.americanbartendingcollege.com/

It's a two week course. and yes compared to 299.00, 670.00 is way to high.

[salmonhorse]

9. Aw, yes: Portland, OR...

Been there many times spent many years in Bend, OR, in & out since the mid 70's (feel a little sorry for Oregon...so many changes; used to be so much more simple up there); a dear friend of mine still lives in Portland. Pixie has a theatre conference in Portland @ the convention center so we'll be up there in Sept and I'm looking forward to seeing my Homeys and The Rose itself if I can pull it off ~

:hi:

[Robin Hood]

10. The quality of life here is unbeatable.

if you can overcome the highest unemployment rate in the country. I just moved here two ears ago from Santa Cruz Ca. where i had lived for 25 years. I love it here, it is sooo beautiful, and I don't mind the rain, I don't think it's as bad as people say it is.

[salmonhorse]

15. You bet'cha...

I hear'ya on the high unemployment rate up there however. When I was in Oregon they used to refer to it as: "Poverty With A View". The Columbia Gorge is undeniably beautiful it is true ~

[JohnnyAmerica]

11. I've worked in Restaurants for 20 years....

and have bartended in many places, and I am here to tell you---Do not go to bartender school, as most good restaurants or bars will not hire inexperienced bartenders. Applicants with bartending school certificates rarely get interviewed, and if they do are offered serving positions.
My advice to you is begin waiting tables first and then move up to bartending. Waiting tables is the best way to learn drinks and getting experience.
Just my 2 cents.

[Robin Hood]

12. Thank you for the advice

I will take it into consideration.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

13. I second that-experience is what counts

I bartended and waited tables for more than 10 years from college until my early 30s. I never knew anyone that took those courses. Experience is generally what hiring restaurants look for. You may be able to mix a drink, but if you work in a busy, high-turnover establishment, mixing quickly and accurately is what counts. The hours do suck and it's murder on your feet and back. It can be good money. I would start waiting tables first, as Johnny suggests.

[JohnnyAmerica]

14. I agree RationalRose....

The hours can be long and it can be tough on your body, but where else can you go to work and not know what is going to happen? And the people who work in the business are totally wacky! It is a fun job, if you can handle the stress (and there is a lot).