Barback to Bartender: Getting Promoted - Bartending 101

[@BartendingPro]

If you want to learn more, check out… BARTENDING 101: kzbin.info/aero/PLC6lnUHH0orsbC5rgHtMag0GRqL5cXSe2 HOW TO GET A BARTENDING JOB: kzbin.info/aero/PLC6lnUHH0oruHMYUdftsQMH8G5Fcpt_d4 COCKTAIL DRINK RECIPES: kzbin.info/aero/PLC6lnUHH0orsLD9Z0TuneA23DBzPumDHF AFTER YOU GET THE JOB - WORKING BARTENDER TIPS: kzbin.info/aero/PLC6lnUHH0orux-zkw87YVLhKvnM1FUYE7 ALCOHOL 101: kzbin.info/aero/PLC6lnUHH0ort6dSDtOi6fl_Nkwa-4Qpwx SHOT DRINK RECIPES: kzbin.info/aero/PLC6lnUHH0orsWSk0MnWFlZ1uzBUYCh1Vv BARTENDER INTERVIEWS - ADVICE FROM WORKING PROS: kzbin.info/aero/PLC6lnUHH0orvTP6qPwuaFCqMJ_VDc58vV

[@jordinkolman]

I started my bartending career as a barback at a Texas Dance Hall, and I would say that my biggest advice pretty much aligns with Jason's. I made sure to always shadow my bartender when I wasn't doing something else so I could learn his technique. I was fortunate enough to have an exceptional bartender who had bartended on the strip in Vegas before coming to that bar, and he was not only able but willing and happy to teach me his methods and train me. I also made sure to make myself irreplacable at the bar, not only as a barback, but as a staffmember in general. I would always help with side projects, come in early and stay late to clean and organize not only my bar, but every bar in the place, and was promoted to head barback within a few months of being there. I was responsible for most of the day-to-day operations of the bar like stocking, supplies ordering, setting up for live bands, and many other things within 6 months of being there. Because of this, when I wanted to move into a bartending position, I was pretty much guaranteed to get it because the bar would rather give me what I wanted than risk losing me and everything I did for the bar.

[@BartendingPro]

Awesome input, thanks for sharing Jordin!

[@bobbyjamesborbo7812]

Salute you brother.. i did the same what you have done and now I can manage to make signature cocktail and step up to bar supervisor.. it's kinda tough before for beginner bartender because there's no KZbin Academy I will rely only the knowledge shared by my colleagues. Shout out to all bar back, you can make it to top just don't be afraid for a new challenge.

[@anuvongvatanadilok2333]

I make a little less than $100 a night being a barback in downtown San Antonio. I love it because I don't have to interact with customers, and I'm kind of in my own zone.

[@jorgejuarez2382]

I am not barback I am busser in nyc I make 130-200 tip on weekend before covid 19.

[@rickstag8121]

That’s what’s up I’m in Dallas Tx tryna be a barback. And make some money , thanks for the motivation! 🙏

[@4khuncho]

@@rickstag8121 wish me luck, I just applied for a bar back position.

[@rickstag8121]

@@4khuncho 💯 same here yesterday let’s get it !!

[@amandacoronado9437]

Mike v is that you????

[@Camp_LameOnion]

I can sleep easier at night after watching this🙂 I have been bar-backing for about 5 months now, but have been very timid and shy about branching out and chasing after the knowledge, social interaction skills and overall growth etc. Thanks to you and your channel I'm ready to step up to the plate and show my co-workers what I'm capable of when steered in the right direction. Jason, you fucking rule dude. Thank you for all your content!

[@glass2271]

Starting as a barback tomorrow, this video helped a lot. Calmed my nerves, appreciate it 🙏

[@vegancoastie9630]

I’m starting my first shift tonight as a barback. I’m fairly excited.

[@Nvmx223]

Same start later today at 5pm 👌🏾

[@ashleymariexxv]

@@Nvmx223 how do you like it?

[@ledude637]

How was it man,

[@gigi6758]

Same here!

[@JamFlexx]

shit is hard haha but you stick with it and tending is lucrative

[@repugnant__6379]

I just got promoted to barback, being a foodrunner before then I've come to know the patterns and this has just been so helpful, I'm so happy to move up and become a part of a resteraunt I believe in

[@vondoom3]

One thing I've learned from being a Barback is knowing what kind of bartenders you work with. For example some require more attention than others or some are more serious than others. You start to figure out which ones are willing to help build your knowledge vs just telling you what to do/what they need.

[@BartendingPro]

Aka, good vs bad coworkers. Thanks for sharing! 🍻

[@everettmauger3229]

I just got promoted to barback from dishwasher at a fancy restaurant. I can not wait to start tomorrow.

[@everettmauger3229]

Update : Made employee of the year, I'm now training other barbacks and I'm in love with my job. Start off in the dish pit everywhere needs dishwashers, don't move up to cook, dont become too valuable in the kitchen. Hustle your ass off and let your GM know you were born to be behind the bar. Always be kind, ,treat everyone well and always be in a good mood. Kindness goes a long way.

[@BartendingPro]

That's it... this is the whooooooooole key. Thanks for sharing 🍻

[@drewstar412]

I enjoy barbarcking and don't want to be a bartender. I don't do well with the public...rather shadow my bartender, make sure they have all they need and are good to go. A lot is common sense and learning the style of various bartenders. Worked at various bars, but my fav are the Neighborhood bars. Important to see what beer/alcohol are trending, so that never runs out. Try to predict my bartenders moves, so when they need something, I am there. Good times.

[@BartendingPro]

Excellent, thank you for the input. I agree and know several people who would agree with you that they prefer to stay in the background as opposed to the front lines. Congrats on kicking ass!

[@aaronduarte9785]

For me as a bar back. I have to adapt to new bartenders and servers. It’s a total worth it in my opinion.

[@musicbox8351]

good tips from the bartender

[@terrellhill9819]

After watching this, I think I’m going to shoot my shot. I really want to become a bartender in the near future. However, starting as a bar back is the best way to start ! Thank you for the inspiration. Very well said

[@BartendingPro]

Yeah man, get it! 🍻

[@n0ztic]

Solid tips, my man. I'm in the exact same position so this video helped a lot. Thank you.

[@nslouka90]

BarBack is just one letter away from showing up on explicit results

[@nslouka90]

lol

[@willemvanoosterum4407]

Barack?

[@flexsealman7096]

Bare Back

[@thethriftyprepper9421]

Holy shit---a 3 way tie for best comments. Judges decision goes to nick slouka.

[@lejeo73]

I came into my new job as a barback and made like $120 a shift but they didn’t want to promote me to bartender cause I haven’t served yet so say hello to your new server 😂

[@josephsoils8964]

I’ve been a barback for 3 weeks at a casino and now I have a chance to become a bartender I’m really excited and really nervous

[@kanencrypted6315]

Best of luck Joseph! Go Stalin on them! 💀

[@carterwatson1949]

i just applied for a bar back position ive never been a bartender or bar back but ive been a dishwasher

[@jimsnowden-ifft1159]

Thanks dude. This is exactly what i need rn.

[@michaelvamper5793]

Got a job as a bar back I like it it's active it keeps me fit I feel like I'm a pirate on the ship and the bartender we have is a beast good last pretty woman all around me a good workout too when you miss the gym what more could you ask for

[@rock.mahato7454]

can u give me the tips to how to remember the name of alcohol

[@ItsChrisFtw]

Hey Jason, I just started as a Barback. How long would you say it usually takes to get behind the bar, based on your experience? I understand it depends on the situation, but I'm hoping I can start bartending within 6 months. Would you say this is feasible? Also, many bars, including the one I just started in, say they like barbacks to serve before they move them into bartending. Is this normal, or should I keep looking for a job with direct transition into bartending? Thanks -Christian.

[@BartendingPro]

Thanks for the questions Christian... As you said, it all depends. But, 6-12 months isn't an unreasonable time frame to work and then be promoted. But remember, it's all down to availability. If the schedule is full of ranking bartenders, and no one is leaving or giving up shifts, they simply won't be able to promote you to full time unless someone leaves or quits. So you can have 6-12 mo's in your head, but it might be less, or it might be more. As for serving, I understand why a place would do that before promoting someone. But it also sounds like a half truth of getting you to promote and stay without losing a valuable employee, because they don't have room in the bar. I would recommend to put your head down, do the best you can, and continue to remind the managers and owners every so often about your desire to move up. Then if things aren't moving along after too much time, start to look for other options. Keep grinding, you'll get there!

[@ericdonovan592]

I bar back and buss at the moment And I sometimes make simple drinks for people if we are slammed And also just signed up to go to bartending school I hope that will speed up the process to get moved up !

[@jimsnowden-ifft1159]

Im trying to become a barback. I can wash hella dishes as well.

[@truculenttabasco]

That’s sad.

[@jasi646]

@@truculenttabasco that was a year ago. I am an EMT now, but thanks for your input.

[@SkorgeBloodfist]

@@jasi646 DAMN

[@corpsestillbreathing2627]

@@jasi646 congratulations

[@sturrrdy]

I just got offered to barback this weekend for 5 hours... app I’ll make 200$... I have no exp whatsoever!? should I do it!?

[@Rohgamu]

Yeah it's not hard once u get used to the flow. It may be overwhelming though...

[@skorpyo331]

Did you do it

[@144SLRP]

I’m starting as an apprentice bartender (barback) i am a female, I’m 4’11, so I’m definitely not the typical barback. my goal of course is to obtain my pour card while apprenticing and move on to being a bartender. Is there any advice for a small female like myself? I am going to hit the gym and strength train :) I’ve been bartending at a sports bar off the strip where only your sheriffs/tam card was required. I am a hard worker, loyal, punctual, loyal, and observant

[@BartendingPro]

Sounds like you've got it figured out! Don't let your height keep you from blossoming into a kick-ass bartender... shouldn't have anything to do with your success unless everything is kept on shelves way up off the ground.

[@LordOfDeath987]

Bar backing for a club, went to bar tending school, they let me make drinks but I still have to bar back and my place of employment won’t move me up because I’m too efficient of a bar back so I’m in this weird overworked limbo of working service well for waitresses while bar backing

[@BartendingPro]

Hang in there… if you’re that good they’ll realize you’re better leveraged up front at some point. And if not, start listing bartending experience on your resume and start knocking on other doors… if they (current spot) don’t want you, someone else will. The fact of possibility losing you (ie if you put in a 2 weeks notice) may be an opportunity for them to counter and offer a bar spot. If they don’t and you have an offer in hand, then say thank you for the time and bow out gracefully.

[@LordOfDeath987]

Yeah I quit I work somewhere better now

[@assassin7250]

@@LordOfDeath987what u do now?

[@rogersgamingchannel9592]

I am starting as a barback I'n rishmand va tomorrow

[@paulrivera3252]

Do you have to have your bartenders licence to become a barback? or can you be a barback while getting your bartenders licence?

[@BartendingPro]

Depending on the state (and this is US only, I cannot speak to any regulation outside of my country), there is no such thing as a bartending license. There are "responsible service" certifications, covering checking ID's, etc etc, but don't cover how to pour, customer service, POS systems, recipes, anything. So, no you don't need a license to bartend, much less barback. Confusion comes from states who have responsible service certification requirements and they call them "bartending licenses". Here's a video that goes into more detail on this subject: kzbin.info/www/bejne/manXc3eIa8arg9E&index=12&list=PLC6lnUHH0orsbC5rgHtMag0GRqL5cXSe2

[@travisseward7829]

This is very informative. Just got hired as a bar back at a hard rock casino. Curious about how many different bars I'll be working in. It's a brand new casino opening soon. Not sure that I'll want to be a bartender. If you've ever worked in a casino situation let me know thanks

[@empressanceofhertarot2442]

👀

[@babyvision5838]

Just got a job as a barback and today is my first day, dress shoes, white shirt tucked. I think the best thing is the locations constant flow. Its in the Sponge Docks in Florida, Dirty Jobs came here by the dock and filmed their show. Its not too far from my house but it is like THEE tourist location literally people just walk in front of cars cuz they assume the entire road is a pedestrian walkway 😂 i think the busyness of the restaurant will help alot experience wise. But if there is like a really slow day, and ive made sure everything is stocked set and ready to go. What do i do? Like polish a glass for a hour 🤣. Idk im kinda exited, because 2weeks ago i was about to pay $500 for the bartending class. Would i still need a bartending license or would experience be good enough if i ever decided to go somewhere else? Because i wanna transfer to a university in a couple years.

[@amostrout9124]

Hey, I know this is a old video, but I've just turned 21 a few months ago and have been thinking about getting a job as a barback. I've never considered it before until now as I've been putting a lot of miles on my car with my current job. For the past two years I've been working as a delivery driver, and I've been very good at keeping the store running when I'm not out on a delivery. From restocking things to bussing tables I've done almost every job there is to do at a pizza joint. Does anyone have any advice for making the jump from being a delivery driver to a barback? I'm not sure if I ever want to be a bartender, but I do need to find a job that doesn't put as many miles on my car but still pays the bills as well as tuition if possible. Any and all advice is welcome

[@joeharts6084]

Amos Trout If i were you, go for it. Especially if you have a few popular bars that are have flowing customers. A barbacks main job is to make sure the bartender only pours drinks. So you make sure the beer fridge is stocked (make a list and run to the cooler) come back stock the fridge. Help him wash his shakers and glasses. Make sure he has enough glassware&fruit. Keep an eye on his ice and the best tip I can give you when you get a job in a bar is to hustle. Be quick wherever you go and don’t stop moving. There is always a way to help the bartender as a barback. Once the bartenders and coworkers see that you hustle, they’ll show you the proper ways to get things done. And NEVER be afraid to ask questions.

[@ghostwoo3419]

Hey I just got a job yesterday at a bar if you can give me some tips I’m be much appreciated

[@BartendingPro]

Congrats Josh!! I have a ton of stuff on this channel. Easiest to dig through it by playlists... start with these: Bartending 101: kzbin.info/aero/PLC6lnUHH0orsbC5rgHtMag0GRqL5cXSe2 The Working Bartender: kzbin.info/aero/PLC6lnUHH0orux-zkw87YVLhKvnM1FUYE7 Then remember, just have fun!

[@amaniyer4257]

Yes sir i m a bar back and i want to move on to bartender

[@travisseward7829]

What's your take on a casino aspect. California is about to open a brand new hard rock hotel casino. I'm a bar back

[@nileshgaikwad0007]

Looking for job as bar back in New York City if anyone suggest really appreciated

[@OyeManishh]

Same here

[@bandobanndz]

i have my interview as a barback tomorrow im so nervous

[@rock.mahato7454]

how to remember the cocktails name

[@hellacooook]

commitment is more powerful when it is publicly know.

[@HardstyleOkure]

Ayyy barbacks unite!

[@deyezeduck814]

How old do you need to be to be a Barback? I just turned 20.

[@MrUnstunable]

Deyeze Duck 18 for bar back

[@wolfaye739]

Dan Ellis check yo facts bro drinking = 21 serving = 18

[@duiliobello5778]

Style :)

[@Andrea_Santii]

I’m the only woman barback in my restaurant running on 17 hour shifts non stop no breaks no food just running.. making about $200.. $300.. good nights like a Friday Saturday night a lot more.. especially when it’s fine dinning restaurant!!! But I’m here to say it’s not for the fucking weak..

[@Andrea_Santii]

Socialize with customers.. you going out your way to do something nice or have a single conversation can get you tipped MAD MONEY.. make light of any situation remember regulars.. get used to pouring learn from the bartender Watchhh what they do ask questions.. AND NEVER STOP MOVING!!

[@BartendingPro]

Good lord, 17 hr shifts? If you're in the US, that's definitely not legal haha. So... I'd say respect yourself and tell them you can't work those hours, or find a new gig. You've got the experience now so start knocking on some doors girl!

[@Gcool243]

My hands hurt from heavy bud tubs lol. Bartending would be nice

[@Woundedcatnightcore]

Today is my first day as barback

[@verenicemartinez4836]

There’s an opening for a bar back where I work, but I’m a girl ...??? I have my bartending certificate and I’m dying to get closer to getting behind the bar. I think this is the perfect opening. I’ve seen a guy shorter than me AND skinnier than me do the job. I don’t know and I NEVER SEEN a FEMALE BAR BACK. 😣

[@jesusyessir1304]

Verenice Martinez do it !

[@maduronatalia]

Hi, did you do it ?

[@Danielsantos-ww6oz]

If you work at Boxers NYC you will get fired sooner or later :/

[@therealityofthings9574]

How come ?

[@kalevra6999]

All these tips are great but please don’t do this unless you are sure tips will go your way the highest pay I EVER GET IN A BUSY NIGHT IS $25 AND THE LOWEST $8 WASTE OF TIME

[@ellisonlawson]

Where are you located? Or where were you located while you were barbacking?

[@kalevra6999]

@@ellisonlawson It doesn't matter where you are in this type of job the problem is tip are only guarantee when you get it directly from the customer if there is a middle person then consider yourself lucky if you get 2 or 3% of it

[@Rzo139]

​@kalevra6999 Sounds like it's your employer and employees that are robbing you. I've bar backed at a place where I've made $70 - $100 a night from the bartenders (even having them slip me $100+ and telling me not to declare it). Went to a different place and they only tipped me $8 a night, while the bartenders were making $200+ a night. I didn't stick around at that job.

[@kalevra6999]

@@Rzo139 tip is something you get directly from the customer into your own hands no middle person needed that's all I have to say