Drinknation Forums

[SuperchargedRS]

Ok...let’s see if I can’t get an answer w/o stepping on a landmine here lol

So here is the situation:

I have been on what you might call a transitional/vision-quest/vagabond/exploration type journey for while now and I want to try my hand at bartending.

The problem:

Well I haven’t exactly done this [bartending] before

The question:

If I memorize say 20 drinks and BS a resume (I very honed skill of mine?) how hard would it be to get into bartending at say; a local Seattle Bar (nothing fancy just pouring for some local bar or club)
I don’t want you guys to think I am belittling this profession; however, I Unfortunately do not have time or money to go take one of those bartending classes (I have 1 and a half weeks to get a job), I am a VERY quick study and do very well w/ people (did car sales for 2yrs, mgr for a small store for a while, etc.) now what do I need to know and make to...pull this off!

Thanks,
-SuperchargedRS

[Joe Bartender]

I faked it. It's kind of stressful. But I knew I could make the drinks. Obstacles I ran into are the sheer logistics of making drinks at the speed required. Also, I didn't know how to change out a keg. I didn't know how to work fast. I got fired from a few gigs. But I was determined.

I would really suggest working as a barback. Just for a month or two. Watch how it is done and think of ways to do it faster and better. Meanwhile, memorize recipes, study technigue, learn everything you can, then sub for your bartender as soon as possible. Take any crap shift you can get and put in some time. Before you know it you will be bartending.

It's not tough, but there are things you can't learn from a book.

Joe

Bartending Blog
Mixed Drink Recipes

[TapMaster]

Yea, I did the same thing really, I mean I first started I'll be honest I basically bs'd my way through everything, we have to use a jigger at our place and I looked at and didn't even know it was a jigger (very embarrassing) but I was very nervous at the same time. But I just into the flow of things the week after and in no time at all I began to just brush up on all my drinks and even at times for to use my jigger & free poured which is a "no-no" in our establishment. So play the con role, anything to get your foot into the door.

[BBFH]

get a job as a barback and work hard for a good bartender. if you do that you'll lean every thing ya need to know and he'll give you time behind hte bar and then put a good word in for you with managment. and after you learned what ya need even if it was only 2 months lie about your experince but even more some places pay, training pay. work a training shift for free if you realy learned the'll hire you that nite.