What steps should I take to become a bartender?
Asked by Missing my little bean... RIP
I have experience in FOH positions, and a little bartending experience, but mostly just as help or filling in when someone didn't show. I currently work full-time during the day and need a part-time job to help with the bills. Also, I'm not a tall skinny blond. Not to generalize, but working in restaurants a lot of the bartenders were like that. From those with experience, will I have slim chances of becoming a bartender if I'm not a raging hottie?

Best Answer:
Bartending is all about pleasing the customer. There are many bartenders that are really attractive but are complete ***holes and they don't get tips because of it. The best thing to do is know your area and know your market. If you work in an environment where the people are shallow and only want to look at playboy bunny types that might not be the best market for you. But if you find a restaurant or bar where people like to make conversation and get to know you then, you'll probably do well there. Try working in the best envionment that works well with your personality. Good luck!

you only get tips if you are a raging hottie
Answered by tandrews

Study it online! One thing that is important to know, when the bar is busy, the order to make drinks, like, one with coffee will be made last, since you have to brew coffee first possibly. Study the terminology, the history of cocktails, old style drinks, new style drinks, glass types and sizes, the laws that are in place in your state. You can by learning online for free, mimic much of what you would pay a school to teach you in bartenders school. Bartenders, can be, tall and lanky, good looking, professional but funny and flirts, or just about anyone, depending on the place you want to apply at. Some bars, the barender is actually in charge of the restaurant to a certain degree. Study up and obtain a food handlers card too.
Answered by loves christmas lights

Look around community colleges & schools to see if there are any bartending courses offered. There's one offered where I live at the college here, it's 15 weeks long (one semester) they teach you thing such as mixology & flair bartending. Also, if there are any programs or certificates related to alcohol serving, make sure you get those done. In Canada you must have your Safe Serve certification to be able to serve alcohol.
Answered by Shelby Chanel

Wanted: A sincere smile, great attitude and desire to help Guests have a great time please apply. No mention of "tall skinny blonde". Go for it! Master The Art Of Mixing Drinks At Home!
Answered by Doug

Your experience already has you leaps and bounds ahead of any "raging hottie" with no experience. If you like bartending, you should try a small pub or a bowling alley to land the bartending job. These places will often hire with little or no experience and they are great places to start. After 6 months or so you can move onto a nicer place. Although some small places and bowling alleys can be quite lucrative, even part time! Here's a link to landing a bartender job without experience. Good Luck to you! http://earnbiggertips.blogspot.com/2009/06/bartending-at-bowling-alley.html
Answered by Luke B