Drinknation Forums

[mzvirgo]

Hello, I am a newbie to the board. I am a female from NY and I need some advice, as I am trying to get my foot in the door in the bartending industry and want to vent also.

I went to bartending school for 2 weeks (I know that there is much debate and controversy on this), graduated and started training at this small bar near where I lived (I wasn't referred by the school, I frequented this place often). I had a bad experience there after 3 days! The owner was really impatient while trying to show me how the bar is set up and operated. We even had a dispute as to how much to pour for a highball drink; he says 3 counts for an ounce, when I was taught 4 counts. He didn't even want me to fill the glass all the way up with the mixer to avoid watering down the drink! He was fully aware that I went to bartending school and offered to train me himself along with the bartender, who doesn't show up until 10pm, even though she tells me to come in at 8pm. The bartender on the other hand, I don't have a problem with her.

So after the first day, as I was leaving, the owner was mumbling in my ear that maybe the bartender doesn't want me to work with her. I didn't confront her, after all, I took it as some "he said, she said" nonsense. The second day was cool. But the third day, I showed up as scheduled for my training and they (the bartender and the owner) both had looks on their faces like they didn't know I was going to be there! So they get to arguing as I was hanging up my coat. I felt so awkward there. To make matters worse, they were both talking about me to other customers WHILE I am standing there. The owner's friend tells me that I may be a threat to the bartender and I'm like, "how am I a threat? The girl has been bartending for 10 years!"

So I decided that this particular establshment wasn't for me, after all, the owner drinks on the job and gets tipsy and starts talking crazy stuff. I decided that I'm going to find something else. After seeing posts, I hear that you have to start from the bottom as a barback or a server. I'm too skinny to be a barback, and I'm not sure about BS'ing my way into getting behind the bar. My friend says that 3 days is enough experience and that I deserve better. What is a better way to get behind the bar? Cocktail server? Work at a chain restaurant?

Sorry for the long post.

[Shippe]

Hi Mz,

I have to disagree with your friend, although you have the basic theory of bartending by attending a school. You still need the much-needed practical experienced, 3 days is way to short.

By rights, you should start working as:-

1. A barback for 6months to a year in an established & fully functional bar in your area to learn the practical side from the ground up. & also how the experienced tenders operate.

2. 2 years as a junior bartender working with senior tenders initially.

3. After that you would then be qualified as a senior bartender

Being a cocktail server (waitress), you would be serving & garnishing the drinks and observing how they are made but not actually making them yourself. You will be qualified to work in a chain restaurant or any bar that you like after you gain the necessary practical knowledge.

If I can be of any further assistance to you, please send me a private message via the top of this post.

And all the best to you in your endeavors.