So you decided that you want to be a bartender and have questions about it; fantastic! If any of your questions are unanswered, please post them below. Before posting a new question, please look below to see if its been asked.

Common Questions:

Should I go to Bartending school?

Only if you aren't using it as your only way to become a bartender. basically NO bartending school will be able to turn you into a great bartender. You do it on your own. You get hired on your own. you thrive on your own. Bartending schools vary in quality, but for the most part, they are there to take your money and teach you out dated drinks in a low stress environment, each bar will have its own new challenges and a school won't teach you what those are.

More on Bartending Schools over here.

I'm x years old and want to start bartending, is it to early/late? Depending on where in the world you live, you can start bartending as early as you start drinking! if you're younger than the drinking age of where you live you could start learning recipes but its probably best for you to start off in a place where you can work along side a bartender as a server or bar back and learn by observing. From there, ask questions, push to get behind the bar and do your best, always taking advice from those around you.

If you're a few years past the minimum age and are wanting to get into the industry, I'd say you can do the same thing. work BESIDE a bartender to learn and over the months, aim to take on more responsibility. If you AREN'T looking for a full time gig you might night not be able to get behind the bar for a year. You might not get into the hippest bar in the city. Full time bartenders are more like full time athletes, they usually play at a higher level than someone who does it just for fun (we all want to be the 1% that are naturals but few are).

If you're...past your prime... and want to get into bartending, you may work with people 1/2 your age that know more than you do. How many 40 year olds do you see working in nightclubs? They are either owners, managers, or have been doing it for 15 years. Not to say you CAN'T start bartending, just that you probably wont be there.

I mix a lot of drinks at home, does that prepare me to be a bartender?

Taking 10 minutes to prepare 1 daiquiri at home does not a bartender make. Being a bartender in a high volume bar, or a restaurant or pub, is different than doing it at home. all the time. But if you're really passionate about it, and want to get into it; see above.

Am I too ugly/stupid/ or lack too much confidence to be a bartender?

Well if you have to ask...

'I can't stand people but I want to be a bartender, what should I do?'

You'll fit right in as long as you can hold your tongue.

I just made a brand new account to ask as super secret questions that gets asked every week but my post got removed!

Wait 3 days, earn the karma, use the side bar, search for it. pretty simple eh?

(It's how we keep out spam.)

In Summary

Bartenders aren't some magical creature, or some rockstar. Pretty much anyone can be a bartender but not every bartender is the same. If you want to be a great bartender in an amazing place, it takes time. Many of us have put in years to do this.