Provide customers with a good experience.

Be aware of where you are, and of your customers. Make an effort to remember your customer’s names, or at least their drinks. Be prepared to offer suggestions for customers who are unsure about what to drink. Our free drink recipes can offer a few ideas.

Know the glassware.

Different bars use different glasses. Don’t be afraid to ask which is what.

Ask about liquors.

There may be standard drinks at the bar which are prepared a little differently. Know which liquors to use.

Try to bring good qualities to the job.

Having a good personality, being well groomed, remembering names and drinks, knowing the area, being quick and efficient, listening, and having a firm handshake with good eye contact will be tremendous assests.

Get familiar with your bar.

On the first day, you should open cabinets and coolers to check what is there. Looking around to see what you have to work with and being aware of what you do not have is essential. Know where the exits and restrooms are. Ask when restocking is, where the kegs are kept, and other tidbits of information. This not only helps you with your job but also demonstrates competency and drive.

Be aware of bar policies.

Some bars will let customers run tabs, some require the bartenders to hold customers’ credit cards until they leave, and bars have different policies regarding walk-outs. Knowing the policy beforehand will help you in a heat of the moment situation.

Take notes about the register.

The one thing that will slow you down the most on a busy night is the register. Keep a notepad and jot down all relevant information. Memorize where the keys are and how they are used.

Use both hands.

Good bartenders will almost never have their arm dangling to the side while the other works.

Make sure you have enough of everything.

Check the levels of your stock. Does the ice need refilling? Do you need more juice? You want this taken care of before your shift starts.

Don’t fill drinks to the rim.

Experienced bartenders will always leave breathing room on their drinks. People will walk with their drinks and ice will melt! Check our bartending facts for other tidbits of information.