The biggest lesson I’ve learned in my 20+ years in this business is be _interested_ not _interesting._ People want to be heard, and a simple “do you guys live in the area” is all it takes to get the ball rolling on creating new regulars.
I bartended throughout college, graduated, got an adult job, decided it was soul crushing, and now I'm bartending again. This channel helped me grow the stones to do what I love to do. Thanks Dave! I'm happier than I've been in years
Same story, hated my teacher job and after a colleague of mine committed suicide I quit. I did Dave's course, got a job and now I'm working on building my own mobile bar business. Thanks Dave, Cheers!
0:39 - 1. They know where everything is 1:09 - 2. They are prepared 1:26 - 3. They know how to set-up (& break-down) the bar 1:58 - 4. They know how to free-pour 2:20 - 5. They quickly acknowledge every guest 2:47 - 6. They look sharp 2:55 - 7. They can take multiple drink orders 3:23 - 8. They are well-versed in the POS system 3:53 - 9. They keep the guests’ drink full 4:12 - 10. They keep their sensors in the “on” position 4:37 - 11. They don’t give away free drinks 4:51 - 12. They know how to use their tools 5:14 - 13. They always keep their head up 5:41 - 14. They clear glasses and garbage off the bar 6:02 - 15. They know how to change a keg, CO2, & soda 6:29 - 16. They upsell 7:05 - 17. They know their garnishes 7:19 - 18. They help the barback 7:46 - 19. They know their products 8:21 - 20. They build relationships
Know your area too; local restaurants, places to see, etc. A lot of people come from out of state or even out of the country and want to know what local places to check out/eat at, etc
At 49, I finally decided to conquer my fears and just go for it. I've been wanting to be a Bartender for years, but fear and complacency has held me back. I have my first interview today at 1pm. 🤞
47 here and bar-tended as a summer job for 2 years in both a hotel setting and at a golf course. It is overwhelming at first, but as they say, practice makes (near) perfect.
I am 48 and I just did the same thing! I graduated DrinkMasters in Boston a week ago and now I have a job bartending at an upscale cocktail lounge near me. After 28 years sitting behind a computer and hating every day of my existence, I am so glad I made this change! Good luck to you!
Multitasking is probably the best tip you got here... I used to work in a restaurant and all the drinks were supposed to come to the table at same time. Once we got a new bartender and he was all flashy, he thought he was coming to be my boss so he told me to tend to the soft drinks and beers while he could make all the cocktails. A table ordered a Negroni and a Dry Martini, he took so long to finish the drinks the food got to the table before the drink and when the drink came it was just the Negroni... The guy didn't even finished 1 shift before being kicked out.
It's amazing how acknowledging a guest immediately with eye contact, a smile and if you're able to a verbal welcome, will relax them. It's the simplest gesture that goes the longest way. I don't want a bar full of people staring at me, waving money, wondering who I'm going to serve next. Everyone at my bar knows that if you are talking with a co-worker and a guest walks in, the attention immediately goes to them. Think about the mere optics of that, let alone just the common sense of it.
I'm going to bartending school next Monday and this channel has made me more pumped than ever about this. I just got divorced and I was doing a job that made a lot of money but I was completely isolated from people. So I NEED to do something that involves human interaction now.
What’s funny is, I watched this video a year back now at my previous bar job. I thought I was on top of my game. Now I’ve moved to a bigger city, bigger and bolder bars, and I’m at an incredible bar but it’s a significantly bigger challenge than before and watching this made me realise so much more this time round. It’s bloody hard and I hope I can keep my spirits up, now I’ve got a list of things to work on. Although I’m scared I’ve bitten off more than I can chew this time
Yes, all this is so true , I e been bartending for 25 years and currently a bar manager , so I am definitely experienced enough to know ! I always free pour, you just get used to it and how to measure just comes to you like changing your socks basically after doing it for a while ! Please, please, be a team player , nothing worse than someone who isn’t willing to help other co-workers , because it will bite you in the ass if you don’t ! You WILL need help no matter how great you are and you’ll be grateful to have it !
True, you must be able to "read" the patrons, some are very simple to get while others are not. You have to sense that the last thing a couple wants is a recital of the menu at 3:00pm.
Hey Dave, I just want to thank you! I followed all of your videos and went from barback to bartender in a week this ish you talking bout really works man.😂🙏
I like it; all good advice on what to work on if you aren't already thinking of these things. I am trying to become a part time bartender and am waiting for a bar to call me back. If they don't by tomorrow, i'm calling them back again.
I wish someone would visit my bar so they can see how wildly inefficient the bar I work at. I’m not talking about the employees but rather the way the bar is set up and the way it’s ran by management. It’s absolutely wild!!!
I have a full time job, but just got hired on my local taproom to help cover shifts sporadically. I've always wanted to work a bar - I'm pretty stoked to try something totally different than what i do day to day.
I’m a barback now trying to become a bartender ik all the basics where everything is, changing kegs, etc etc thx for the tips ik ill get the position eventually
Good stuff man. Love the content. My friends have suggested bartending as a career for me, considering my personality & multitasking skills. I think your channel might be taking me down the right path. I’m still uncertain but we’ll see what happens.
4:36 The only time I give out free drinks is when it’s a drink I’ve been given as a tip by someone that I don’t have the time to drink on an off day, over here in Scotland it’s actually more common to be tipped drinks rather than money as we don’t have a tipping culture, I currently have four free pints of Guinness waiting for me at work that I’ve received as tips.
Thanks man, a lot of this stuff I didn't even think about. I am hoping to pursue bartending when my family moves to Florida this summer. I will definitely keep these things in mind.
The fact that I only started bartending 2 years agos at a chain restaurant and I am more then proficient at all these things and I keep getting compliments on all my drinks (especially when someone asks me to just make them something and I apparently make a mean martini) makes me wonder why I haven't applied to a real bar...
@@Samdgtmgtma thank you. I do hope my comment didn't come off as egotistical or narcissistic. I'm well aware that bartending and mixology is an an art form that needs to be mastered. Finally started applying for "real" bartending positions. I at least know enough to know how little I do know and plan on continuing to study and practice. Thank you!
@@Samdgtmgtma thank you! That's the plan finally got my resume out there. Here's hoping to find the right fit and for me to perfect my craft! Thank you!
This is such a good vid!!! Honestly wished I watched this on day one. Do you have any advice on learning free pours? I’m getting better at it but would like to be perfect!❤
Do you have any advice for learning new drinks with different names unfamiliar to the bar setting, that is the semantic memory preparation of drinks before actually doing the applied portion? Depending on the drinks and the names it can be easier or harder have them. I take it, it’s easier once you’re at the bar?
I get free drinks from my local bar often. Once they know me and trust me they will be generous back to me. Never give your bartenders a hard time and always be polite and tip. They will always remember.
I like what you had to say brother you nailed that 100% Dude this industry can be crazy. I would love to see a "wedding cocktail hour" video where theres all of a sudden 200 people surrounding your bar
I know how to multitask because I work at an office and I have to muktitask and so everything I even attend to people at the counter in the office. But my biggest problem is memory. I know is weird but it happens all the time.
Hey I am from India, Currently working as a Asst. Bartender in a night club.I am a certified bartender and I have 1 year of experience. Are there jobs available of bartender for Indian. Plzz reply.
Actually there is someone worst than the dude fumbling to find something and that’s the customer that says what kind of beer you have ? You name them all and he says ok and orders something you didn’t offer
I would add know your (specific) bar, staff and clientele. Every place is different in each regard. Meet everyone’s needs and use your interpersonal skills to asses where you can be your own person and perhaps even improve as well as when you need to “stick to the curriculum.” As he mentioned, don’t give away free shit willy nilly. I’ve always given away free shit, never to make more tips, never often, but when appropriate. You have an upset guest, you apologize and make it right. That’s pretty normal and more profitable in the long run. Maybe they never wanted to come back but now they understand it was a mistake, they owned it and went above and beyond to compensate for the mistake. I’ve created regulars out of less than perfect first experiences. One drink or food order wasted can mean a lifetime guest if handled properly. Fortunately, I’ve worked at places that now encourage that. Anniversary, birthday, first time guests…free shots, or an app or whatever. Smart. Basically costs nothing and creates a long time fan.
For everyone working in Norway. Note: Free-pouring is illegal. You have to use a jigger (målebeger), so if the customer asks you to show how much you are pouring in, since we have a rule that standard drinks like rum and coke (and other 2 component drinks) can only contain 4cl of booze. Side note: You can actually take a free-pouring course. But it's very expensive, VERY!
Weird. Here in the states it’s not required but heavily encouraged. I used them until I got the feel for it, but not everyone gets to that point. We mostly use them for the new people so they learn how to count drinks and pours.
Most bar owners don’t encourage free-pouring - however when you’re slammed it speeds things up and it’s important to be accurate so as not to upset management
So you’re encouraging bartenders to not give free drinks, and to put their male customers in a position to order the expensive liquor in front of their dates 🙃
@@DaveAllredTheRealBarman referring to bartenders, barbacks, what have you as rockstars is one of the most nauseating and cringe trends to ever have to taken hold of the industry.
Hey Chloe, I'm not sure what link you are referring to, as we have quite a few things to sign into. Email my assistant at info@barpatrol.net and give her some more details and she'll be happy to help you out.
Assuming you mean UPSELL - there is more profit in well liquor than costlier name brands - unless you are really good, sincere and subtle - you’ll annoy customers - if a bar wants profits - get good deals on well liquor
![How to Cut-Off a Drunk Guest [5 Steps]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/m6pXwZzYbH0/mqdefault.jpg)
The biggest lesson I’ve learned in my 20+ years in this business is be _interested_ not _interesting._ People want to be heard, and a simple “do you guys live in the area” is all it takes to get the ball rolling on creating new regulars.
That’s very helpful ty :)
Ive noticed this but you saying it and me hearing it really makes a difference, im going to use this going forward. Thank you.
I bartended throughout college, graduated, got an adult job, decided it was soul crushing, and now I'm bartending again. This channel helped me grow the stones to do what I love to do. Thanks Dave! I'm happier than I've been in years
Fantastic Thicc, thanks for sharing your experience with everyone.
That’s awesome
Same here. College was a waste of time and money and stress lol
Same story, hated my teacher job and after a colleague of mine committed suicide I quit. I did Dave's course, got a job and now I'm working on building my own mobile bar business. Thanks Dave, Cheers!
I graduated second highest gpa in my college class (damn you Stuart) 🤪 and still couldnt get a job :(
0:39 - 1. They know where everything is
1:09 - 2. They are prepared
1:26 - 3. They know how to set-up (& break-down) the bar
1:58 - 4. They know how to free-pour
2:20 - 5. They quickly acknowledge every guest
2:47 - 6. They look sharp
2:55 - 7. They can take multiple drink orders
3:23 - 8. They are well-versed in the POS system
3:53 - 9. They keep the guests’ drink full
4:12 - 10. They keep their sensors in the “on” position
4:37 - 11. They don’t give away free drinks
4:51 - 12. They know how to use their tools
5:14 - 13. They always keep their head up
5:41 - 14. They clear glasses and garbage off the bar
6:02 - 15. They know how to change a keg, CO2, & soda
6:29 - 16. They upsell
7:05 - 17. They know their garnishes
7:19 - 18. They help the barback
7:46 - 19. They know their products
8:21 - 20. They build relationships
❤
Know your area too; local restaurants, places to see, etc. A lot of people come from out of state or even out of the country and want to know what local places to check out/eat at, etc
At 49, I finally decided to conquer my fears and just go for it. I've been wanting to be a Bartender for years, but fear and complacency has held me back.
I have my first interview today at 1pm.
🤞
Fuck yeah Carlito. Pardon my French, but I love it. Great inspiration.
How did it go?? Fear is definitely annoying, i want to be a bartender too. hopefully it went well dear.
47 here and bar-tended as a summer job for 2 years in both a hotel setting and at a golf course. It is overwhelming at first, but as they say, practice makes (near) perfect.
its been two years, how was the job!
I am 48 and I just did the same thing! I graduated DrinkMasters in Boston a week ago and now I have a job bartending at an upscale cocktail lounge near me. After 28 years sitting behind a computer and hating every day of my existence, I am so glad I made this change! Good luck to you!
Hey man I just finished my second day of training as a bartender and your vids have been a lifesaver! Didn't know work could be this fun!
That is fantastic, Alex! I love the success stories. Keep everyone here updated on your progress.
This is one of the best representations and example of what bartending and the bar life is all about.
Right on SVG. Thanks for the kind words.
Multitasking is probably the best tip you got here... I used to work in a restaurant and all the drinks were supposed to come to the table at same time. Once we got a new bartender and he was all flashy, he thought he was coming to be my boss so he told me to tend to the soft drinks and beers while he could make all the cocktails.
A table ordered a Negroni and a Dry Martini, he took so long to finish the drinks the food got to the table before the drink and when the drink came it was just the Negroni... The guy didn't even finished 1 shift before being kicked out.
Multi-tasking is not a thing. In bartending you're just making a list in your head of the orders.
It's amazing how acknowledging a guest immediately with eye contact, a smile and if you're able to a verbal welcome, will relax them. It's the simplest gesture that goes the longest way. I don't want a bar full of people staring at me, waving money, wondering who I'm going to serve next. Everyone at my bar knows that if you are talking with a co-worker and a guest walks in, the attention immediately goes to them. Think about the mere optics of that, let alone just the common sense of it.
I'm going to bartending school next Monday and this channel has made me more pumped than ever about this. I just got divorced and I was doing a job that made a lot of money but I was completely isolated from people. So I NEED to do something that involves human interaction now.
Hope it worked out brother
Damn. Never go to bartending school. Waste of $.
What’s funny is, I watched this video a year back now at my previous bar job. I thought I was on top of my game.
Now I’ve moved to a bigger city, bigger and bolder bars, and I’m at an incredible bar but it’s a significantly bigger challenge than before and watching this made me realise so much more this time round. It’s bloody hard and I hope I can keep my spirits up, now I’ve got a list of things to work on.
Although I’m scared I’ve bitten off more than I can chew this time
Yes, all this is so true , I e been bartending for 25 years and currently a bar manager , so I am definitely experienced enough to know ! I always free pour, you just get used to it and how to measure just comes to you like changing your socks basically after doing it for a while ! Please, please, be a team player , nothing worse than someone who isn’t willing to help other co-workers , because it will bite you in the ass if you don’t ! You WILL need help no matter how great you are and you’ll be grateful to have it !
True, you must be able to "read" the patrons, some are very simple to get while others are not. You have to sense that the last thing a couple wants is a recital of the menu at 3:00pm.
People that go to a BAR to not talk...never made sense to me...but yrah, reading the vibes is huge. Excellent list.
Sometimes there will be a couple that just want to talk to each other and not be interrupted
Nigga I just wanna be around people but I don’t feel like talking
Thank you- I’m 6 weeks into bartending after working breakfast the last 20 years and this is very helpful
Hey Dave, I just want to thank you! I followed all of your videos and went from barback to bartender in a week this ish you talking bout really works man.😂🙏
Your channel is incredible, thank you so much for the work you do and for sharing your knowledge and years of experience with us.
Thank you for the kind words. It's my pleasure.
I like it; all good advice on what to work on if you aren't already thinking of these things. I am trying to become a part time bartender and am waiting for a bar to call me back. If they don't by tomorrow, i'm calling them back again.
Nice job Maurice. Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up. That's the key.
I wish someone would visit my bar so they can see how wildly inefficient the bar I work at. I’m not talking about the employees but rather the way the bar is set up and the way it’s ran by management. It’s absolutely wild!!!
I have a full time job, but just got hired on my local taproom to help cover shifts sporadically. I've always wanted to work a bar - I'm pretty stoked to try something totally different than what i do day to day.
I’m a barback now trying to become a bartender ik all the basics where everything is, changing kegs, etc etc thx for the tips ik ill get the position eventually
Thanks bro. I hope I became a professional bartender like you, I need more knowledge and experience I'm watching all your videos btw
Right on Esteven, keep moving forward.
Good stuff man. Love the content.
My friends have suggested bartending as a career for me, considering my personality & multitasking skills. I think your channel might be taking me down the right path. I’m still uncertain but we’ll see what happens.
4:36 The only time I give out free drinks is when it’s a drink I’ve been given as a tip by someone that I don’t have the time to drink on an off day, over here in Scotland it’s actually more common to be tipped drinks rather than money as we don’t have a tipping culture, I currently have four free pints of Guinness waiting for me at work that I’ve received as tips.
omg... everything you said is relatable to my bar!!! great video
Thanks man, a lot of this stuff I didn't even think about. I am hoping to pursue bartending when my family moves to Florida this summer. I will definitely keep these things in mind.
The fact that I only started bartending 2 years agos at a chain restaurant and I am more then proficient at all these things and I keep getting compliments on all my drinks (especially when someone asks me to just make them something and I apparently make a mean martini) makes me wonder why I haven't applied to a real bar...
Do it. Be humble though, keep getting better. Big league is no joke.
@@Samdgtmgtma thank you. I do hope my comment didn't come off as egotistical or narcissistic. I'm well aware that bartending and mixology is an an art form that needs to be mastered. Finally started applying for "real" bartending positions. I at least know enough to know how little I do know and plan on continuing to study and practice. Thank you!
@@JoelRiter not at all! You got it! Get that money! Perfect your craft!
@@Samdgtmgtma thank you! That's the plan finally got my resume out there. Here's hoping to find the right fit and for me to perfect my craft! Thank you!
How's it coming along?@@JoelRiter
Thank you so much
Love from India ❤
Hands down the best video on real bartending I have seen. Great video. Ice is a bartenders best friend 😉
One of the best videos on how to be great using service!
Thanks for the kind words DonDezey.
Just got promoted lol thank u for this
Pos system was super important for me, I’m good at everything else but simply trying to type in orders or find stuff really holds you up
This is such a good vid!!! Honestly wished I watched this on day one. Do you have any advice on learning free pours? I’m getting better at it but would like to be perfect!❤
Do you have any advice for learning new drinks with different names unfamiliar to the bar setting, that is the semantic memory preparation of drinks before actually doing the applied portion? Depending on the drinks and the names it can be easier or harder have them. I take it, it’s easier once you’re at the bar?
I get free drinks from my local bar often. Once they know me and trust me they will be generous back to me. Never give your bartenders a hard time and always be polite and tip. They will always remember.
Bro you gave some good advice I’m 3 months in
Ahh I’m so intimidated haha. Pray to God your advice sinks in😂
When you know where everything is things go so much smoother
Excellent video!
You hooked me with the Duke shirt.
Purchased your course a while ago but can’t remember how to access it to complete it. Would you please advice. Thanks so much
True and thank you
This is quality content, pay attention. You sir are a bad ass !! Go Devils !!!
Thanks!!!!
Thank you very much :)
I like what you had to say brother you nailed that 100% Dude this industry can be crazy. I would love to see a "wedding cocktail hour" video where theres all of a sudden 200 people surrounding your bar
Just gotta take em four at a time.
About knowing the drinks. Have you tried the weird names on wines? It's confusing and there are a million names for rose.
I'm tryin to secure a bartending job at a high end cocktail lounge in my city and this information is gold. Thanks a lot.
I know how to multitask because I work at an office and I have to muktitask and so everything I even attend to people at the counter in the office.
But my biggest problem is memory. I know is weird but it happens all the time.
I cant explain my feelings 4 u.. teacher consider the God..lots of lov from 1.4.billion indian n touch feet as being my mentor
Hey I am from India, Currently working as a Asst. Bartender in a night club.I am a certified bartender and I have 1 year of experience. Are there jobs available of bartender for Indian. Plzz reply.
I subscribed because of the Duke Sweatshirt 😂😂😂
Nice to know i’m doing great at my job
this is ffffuuuccckkkinnngg useful
Actually there is someone worst than the dude fumbling to find something and that’s the customer that says what kind of beer you have ? You name them all and he says ok and orders something you didn’t offer
I am the rookie fumbling around for things
3:11 Based lol
Great Video! Thank you 💚💙
I would add know your (specific) bar, staff and clientele. Every place is different in each regard. Meet everyone’s needs and use your interpersonal skills to asses where you can be your own person and perhaps even improve as well as when you need to “stick to the curriculum.” As he mentioned, don’t give away free shit willy nilly. I’ve always given away free shit, never to make more tips, never often, but when appropriate. You have an upset guest, you apologize and make it right. That’s pretty normal and more profitable in the long run. Maybe they never wanted to come back but now they understand it was a mistake, they owned it and went above and beyond to compensate for the mistake. I’ve created regulars out of less than perfect first experiences. One drink or food order wasted can mean a lifetime guest if handled properly. Fortunately, I’ve worked at places that now encourage that. Anniversary, birthday, first time guests…free shots, or an app or whatever. Smart. Basically costs nothing and creates a long time fan.
Thanks for the video. You’re great. I would be grateful if you burnt the Duke sweatshirt or donated it to your local homeless shelter.
I might just have to do that now that Scheyer took over. It's not the same without Coach K.
Don’t do Grandma like that 😂
I want to be a bartender¡ where do i beging?
At the bar
Be willing to work the day shift to get your foot in the door or bar back
For everyone working in Norway.
Note: Free-pouring is illegal. You have to use a jigger (målebeger), so if the customer asks you to show how much you are pouring in, since we have a rule that standard drinks like rum and coke (and other 2 component drinks) can only contain 4cl of booze. Side note: You can actually take a free-pouring course. But it's very expensive, VERY!
Thanks for the info. I had no idea it was like that in Norway. Good lookin' out.
Weird. Here in the states it’s not required but heavily encouraged. I used them until I got the feel for it, but not everyone gets to that point. We mostly use them for the new people so they learn how to count drinks and pours.
Most bar owners don’t encourage free-pouring - however when you’re slammed it speeds things up and it’s important to be accurate so as not to upset management
Don't fish off the company pier. Wink. Unless you want to. Trouble ensues.
wait you guys get tips?
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍yes move your ASS! HERE IS a question. How to over come being a short BARTENDER?
So you’re encouraging bartenders to not give free drinks, and to put their male customers in a position to order the expensive liquor in front of their dates 🙃
Yes, you nailed it! 😜
For the love of god please never use the term rockstar!
Sorry, I have no idea what that means.
@@DaveAllredTheRealBarman referring to bartenders, barbacks, what have you as rockstars is one of the most nauseating and cringe trends to ever have to taken hold of the industry.
Gotcha. Not an opinion I've ever really considered, let alone wasted time being nauseated over, but to each their own. Cheers.
I tried your link for my email signup and it said it doesn’t exist anymore!
Hey Chloe, I'm not sure what link you are referring to, as we have quite a few things to sign into. Email my assistant at info@barpatrol.net and give her some more details and she'll be happy to help you out.
Upswell is so dirty
Why?
lol the vegan selection is prefect for you LOL
Assuming you mean UPSELL - there is more profit in well liquor than costlier name brands - unless you are really good, sincere and subtle - you’ll annoy customers - if a bar wants profits - get good deals on well liquor
People that go to a BAR to not talk...never made sense to me...but yrah, reading the vibes is huge. Excellent list.