Comments on: So You Want My Job: Bartender

By: Danny

Danny — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:21:29 +0000

Yeah, I agree with a lot of the stuff you’ve written here. As someone who’s worked in this industry for a while, it’s definitely interesting to see all the facets this way of life brings. Interesting people and bizarre hours. I completely agree with the schedule differences between normal people. All my friends are having fun while I’m working, and I’m sleeping when they are at work. It’s not for everyone, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

And yes, Jager is for frat boys, and we don’t want them in our bars do we?

By: Guide to Drinking for the Teetotaler | The Art of Manliness

Guide to Drinking for the Teetotaler | The Art of Manliness — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:34:50 +0000

[...] note: This is a guest post from Mike Hagan, AoM’s resident bartender. Mike last tackled the 5 classic cocktails every man should know. Today, he gives the non-drinkers [...]

By: Craven

Craven — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:49:28 +0000

I find this article very informative due to the fact that I am indeed one of those idealizing part time college kids myself. This one advantage I like to think I have is currently I have a waiter at a restaurant with a full bar and so I am on good terms with the bar tenders there. I have no illusions of it being all fun and games due to dealing with customers in the food industry on a regular basis. Eventually I plan to make a move on to the bar rather than serving but i’m trying to find as much insider knowledge as possible from the job and this has helped a lot. Thanks again.

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:45:42 +0000

This was a really good article. To emphasize on your point about going to bartending school, I went to the Maryland Bartending Academy and learned a lot that helped me become a bartender in a matter of weeks. Truthfully, I didn't know know too much about bartending when I went into the school, i just had this urge to become a bartender. But once I started taking the classes, it really helped me to learn everything like different drink recipes and customer service. But you're right in that you don't have to go to bartending school to become a bartender, it just helps.

By: Anthony J. Kern

Anthony J. Kern — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:36:11 +0000

Excellent points, Mike.
I’ve been bartending for about half a decade now. Started part time to help with school and ended being so passionate about it that it’s all I do anymore.
Bartending can be a very enjoyable profession, but at the end of the day it’s still a job. You offer some good advice to those who might be considering this career. I see so many people that love hanging out and partying at the bar and think, “It would be so great to work here because I could do what I’m doing now and get paid for it.” Not to say that it’s not rewarding, but as soon as you’re on the other side of the counter the source of your enjoyment must be altered. The party ends and work begins. Your job is too make sure everyone else is having a good time. You’re in the service industry, and you quite literally are a servant. Of course that doesn’t mean you should let customers take advantage of that and walk all over you. It’s your bar. They are the guests. Don’t be afraid to own the room.

And don’t be afraid to work. Good point on how people think of bartending as not a “real job.” The more you put into it, the more satisfaction (and money) is returned to you. I get guys all the time who make comments about how great it must be to be the bartender. How many numbers they must get and how many chicks they can go home with. Believe me, if that’s your inclination you’re looking into the wrong business. Think about this: when the bar closes, it doesn’t clean itself. All those hot chicks leave and you’re still there stocking and getting ready to do it all over again tomorrow. There’s a lot more sacrifice in it than most people would think.

All that being said, if you’re the type you truly enjoys making other people’s days just a little bit better the service industry may very well be a fulfilling place of employment for you. For me, the 10-15 hour days, the few bad customers, and the tension that inevitably happens with coworkers is all worth it knowing the people that matter walked out the door with a smile on their face.

Cheers!
-Ant.

p.s. A little tip for those of you already bartending. We all know there are slow days. But that doesn’t mean you should slow down. There’s always something that needs stocked, some surface that hasn’t been wiped in a while, or something that needs to be fixed. Keeping yourself physically busy creates an atmosphere in your room of energy and anticipation. When a group of eight walks into a bar with two customers and a bartender sitting on his ass smoking a cigarette, they turn around and leave. There is no energy. No presence. The scene is already dead. Have those same people walk in to find your busily prepping your bar, and you’ve built up anticipation. They think, “Hey, that guy is getting ready for something. He must be expecting a great crowd.” You’ve sold them on what might happen, not what is happening.

A quick note on Jagermeister: It is an excellent digestif. When consumed properly and in moderation, it can be the perfect closer to an excellent meal. However, in all my years behind a bar, I have yet to encounter anyone who orders it this way. If I ever do, I can guarantee that drink will be compliments of the house!

By: acidondeck

acidondeck — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:07:52 +0000

Ya nice job mike. i have no family in the tending buisness, but im in peoria, illinoise and im ready and facinated to sling sum mo fo’s. only thing is.. i got a few years to wait =p hahaha

By: Dave

Dave — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 22:58:56 +0000

And Alex proves the point about Jager making you act like a frat boy.

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:22:15 +0000

I love bars, love to drink (don’t do it much any more) and love a good bartender. Reading this article makes me want to go out and drink. PS As Mike said always tip before going to your table in a restaurant; also always try to tip in cash.

By: Alex Vance

Alex Vance — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:19:11 +0000

Fuck that. jagermeister is delicious you dick

By: Nick

Nick — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:48:05 +0000

“lay off the Jagermeister…It makes you look like a frat boy.” So true. In my case I learned that lesson in high school, and somewhere in college I discovered that sweet drinks cause the worst hangovers, even off of only a couple drinks.

Good tips on avoiding hangovers, didn’t know the vitamin C and laying on left side info.

By: 5 Classic Cocktails Every Man Should Know | The Art of Manliness

5 Classic Cocktails Every Man Should Know | The Art of Manliness — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:36:57 +0000

[...] Note: This is a guest post from Mike Hagan, a bartender and a recent feature in our So You Want My Job [...]

By: WayneDiesel

WayneDiesel — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:42:40 +0000

This is a great article with a lot of good tips and insight. I have been trying to get into the bartending business, or at least back-backing, in my city for about a year now to no avail. I think some of these tips will really help, however, especially the part about getting some books making your own drinks at home.

I worked in bars for 3 year in college, but that was just as a bouncer so I am finding it hard to make the transition. Most bartenders I’ve ever seen don’t look like they’re ready to play D1 football (just an observation).

By: Christopher Paul

Christopher Paul — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:53:22 +0000

I agree. My twin brother and I used to tend bar together for a reception hall once while in college and it really was one of the best jobs we’ve had. The money was decent, the environment was always interesting, read fun. We were just two crazy guys serving booze and meeting chicks. Reading this makes me want to get back in it.

Thanks Mike!

By: Scooby Snack Cocktail Recipe

Scooby Snack Cocktail Recipe — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:53:43 +0000

[...] How to Become a Bartender | The Art of Manliness [...]

By: jd

jd — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:09:18 +0000

Great article! Sounds like Mike knows his stuff…