So who has bartended for a living?

[Jschmuck2]

I need a job that I can work nights and still pull down a decent amount of cash. I figure it's between that and the old actor standby, waiting tables. I know I could handle being a bartender, I'm just wondering about the best way to go about doing it.

Take some classes, read a book maybe? Share you knowledge.

 

[amdskip]

You should go to a school for it.

 

[Muse]

Nope, and when a temp agency asked me to be Santa at a department store, I told them it wasn't my thing. Oh, and since we're being 1/2 serious here, I'd say if you want to be a Santa watch Bad Santa first. Yes, that is at least 1/2 in jest.

I'd suggest if you do bartend, pick a place that isn't too loud. They can't pay you enough to compensate for decent hearing.

 

[daveymark]

it depends on where you're bartending and if/how they test you. most bartenders have a drink book with them at work anyway. If someone comes in and demands a Chesty McGibbons, you shouldn't be expected to know how to make it. don't be afraid to ask the patron either, it saves time from having to flip through the book

margaritas, martinis, daquiries, pina coladas, and long island iced teas are a few good ones to memorize.

try starting off at a lower end place (i.e. red lobster, bennigans etc). this will give you the basic idea of fundamentals, then you can apply at a better place.

don't forget to skim off the top, a necessary skill that all bartenders have learned well (there are two types of bartenders, those who steal and those who lie about it)

 

[Jschmuck2]

Originally posted by: Muse
Nope, and when a temp agency asked me to be Santa at a department store, I told them it wasn't my thing. Oh, and since we're being 1/2 serious here, I'd say if you want to be a Santa watch Bad Santa first. Yes, that is at least 1/2 in jest.

I'd suggest if you do bartend, pick a place that isn't too loud. They can't pay you enough to compensate for decent hearing.

Wait...Santa?

 

[Atomic Playboy]

Originally posted by: Muse
Nope, and when a temp agency asked me to be Santa at a department store, I told them it wasn't my thing. Oh, and since we're being 1/2 serious here, I'd say if you want to be a Santa watch Bad Santa first. Yes, that is at least 1/2 in jest.

What do you think a bartender does?

Jschmuck, you can go to "bartending school," which is generally a six-week course that teaches you basic understanding of measurements, mixology, when to shake vs. stir, how to make a wide variety of common drinks and how to keep your bar area clean and efficient. These bartending schools offer placement services upon completion, but it's almost always going to be in an Applebees or Chilis or the like, where you won't exactly be making a mint off tips. You could also go to a bar and start up a conversation with the bartender, ask how they got started.

 

[TwiceOver]

I have a friend that bartends one night a week part time (obviously) and pulls down some NICE cash. Of course it helps that the one night is "Lady's Night".

 

[daveymark]

Originally posted by: TwiceOver
I have a friend that bartends one night a week part time (obviously) and pulls down some NICE cash. Of course it helps that the one night is "Lady's Night".

what is NICE cash? you're in south dakota, so I'm going to guess around $150?

 

[Chunkee]

Originally posted by: daveymark

Originally posted by: TwiceOver
I have a friend that bartends one night a week part time (obviously) and pulls down some NICE cash. Of course it helps that the one night is "Lady's Night".

what is NICE cash? you're in south dakota, so I'm going to guess around $150?

LOL

 

[lokiju]

You could start out as a bar hand probably and then learn as you work...

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: Atomic Playboy

Originally posted by: Muse
Nope, and when a temp agency asked me to be Santa at a department store, I told them it wasn't my thing. Oh, and since we're being 1/2 serious here, I'd say if you want to be a Santa watch Bad Santa first. Yes, that is at least 1/2 in jest.

What do you think a bartender does?

Jschmuck, you can go to "bartending school," which is generally a six-week course that teaches you basic understanding of measurements, mixology, when to shake vs. stir, how to make a wide variety of common drinks and how to keep your bar area clean and efficient. These bartending schools offer placement services upon completion, but it's almost always going to be in an Applebees or Chilis or the like, where you won't exactly be making a mint off tips. You could also go to a bar and start up a conversation with the bartender, ask how they got started.

What's a bartender do? Put his customers on his knee and ask them what they want for Christmas? :laugh:

 

[TwiceOver]

Originally posted by: Chunkee

Originally posted by: daveymark

Originally posted by: TwiceOver
I have a friend that bartends one night a week part time (obviously) and pulls down some NICE cash. Of course it helps that the one night is "Lady's Night".

what is NICE cash? you're in south dakota, so I'm going to guess around $150?

LOL

He has had $400 nights.

All in all $150 for a days work isn't bad either.

 

[Atomic Playboy]

Originally posted by: TwiceOver

Originally posted by: Chunkee

Originally posted by: daveymark

Originally posted by: TwiceOver
I have a friend that bartends one night a week part time (obviously) and pulls down some NICE cash. Of course it helps that the one night is "Lady's Night".

what is NICE cash? you're in south dakota, so I'm going to guess around $150?

LOL

He has had $400 nights.

All in all $150 for a days work isn't bad either.

I used to talk to someone (online) who was a busboy, then waiter, at a casino hotel in Vegas while he was in high school. He had a knack for making me incredibly jealous; the whales would routinely drop hundred+ dollar tips if they'd had a good night. That's some serious scratch when you're 18.

 

[slsmnaz]

I did it to get thru college and it was good money. I can't think of a single restaurant/bar that will just throw you back there without any experience. Best bet is to start as something like a server or barback and work your way up.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Jschmuck2
I need a job that I can work nights and still pull down a decent amount of cash. I figure it's between that and the old actor standby, waiting tables. I know I could handle being a bartender, I'm just wondering about the best way to go about doing it.

Take some classes, read a book maybe? Share you knowledge.

Doesn't matter how you get the knowledge...on the interview they are going to want experience #1 and then if you can't spout off a drink they request then you aren't getting the job.

You will probably be forced to be a barback first in any place worth its weight.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: TwiceOver

Originally posted by: Chunkee

Originally posted by: daveymark

Originally posted by: TwiceOver
I have a friend that bartends one night a week part time (obviously) and pulls down some NICE cash. Of course it helps that the one night is "Lady's Night".

what is NICE cash? you're in south dakota, so I'm going to guess around $150?

LOL

He has had $400 nights.

All in all $150 for a days work isn't bad either.

My ex out of high school moved to her dad's in BFE Minnesota. She became a bartender up there and made a grand a week much of the time. The people would be waiting at the bar even when the roads were closed, get there at 7am, etc. She'd often just sleep in the back room at the bar...I'd say the more secluded your bar is the better the profit as long as you have drinkers in town.