Whether you’re eyeing a job behind the bar or simply curious about the profession, bartending is an interesting job that requires more than just pouring drinks. It requires hospitality, multitasking, memorizing recipes, and much more.
If you’re looking to take the first step into an exciting bartending career, you might be wondering, “What does a bartender do?” You might be surprised by how much goes into a bartender’s duties! We cover all the details in our home study bartending course, perfect for beginners who are curious or looking to take their first steps into a new career.
A Quick Overview of a Bartender’s Duties
Bartenders are responsible for the overall guest experience at the bar, from first greeting to final payment. A shift typically begins with setup, which includes checking supplies, prepping garnishes, and ensuring all tools and surfaces are clean.
Throughout the evening, bartenders take drink orders, mix cocktails, serve beer or wine, and process payments. They must stay organized even when managing multiple guests or large group orders at once.
But bartending isn’t just about making drinks. Bartenders create a welcoming environment for customers. This might mean chatting with guests, recommending drinks based on taste preferences, or defusing tense situations.
For many establishments, bartenders help establish the tone and energy of the space, making their presence essential both in terms of service and atmosphere.
Being a Bartender Requires Being Responsible
The responsibilities of a bartender go far beyond following a drink recipe. One of the most important bartender duties is maintaining situational awareness. Bartenders must keep an eye on their entire section, ensuring guests are not waiting too long, drinks are going out in a timely manner, and the bar remains stocked and clean.
They also need a solid understanding of drink construction and bar equipment, including knowing which glassware to use, how to shake or stir drinks properly, and how to handle tools like jiggers, strainers, and shakers. Bartenders must consistently deliver drinks that meet the establishment’s standards in both taste and presentation.
Interpersonal Skills Are Central
Among the many responsibilities of a bartender, communication is critical. Bartenders are often dealing with guests, servers, bussers, and managers all at once. They must relay orders clearly, listen carefully to special requests, and remain calm and courteous in busy or stressful moments.
Bartenders also act as informal customer service representatives when guests need more information about menu items. A skilled bartender can shift seamlessly from mixing a complicated cocktail to resolving a guest’s issue or chatting with regulars.
This social side of the job builds loyalty and helps create a memorable experience that keeps patrons coming back.
Bartenders Also Handle Behind-the-Scenes Tasks
While most people associate bartenders with high-energy service, there’s also a quieter side to the role. After hours, bartenders are often responsible for breaking down the bar by cleaning tools and surfaces, restocking items for the next shift, and checking inventory levels.
Some bartenders may be asked to count drawer totals or report on sales and product usage.
In smaller venues, bartenders may help with ordering supplies, organizing storage areas, or training new staff. These behind-the-scenes bartender responsibilities help keep the operation running smoothly and ensure the team is set up for success each day.
A bartender who consistently goes above and beyond in these areas is often seen as a valuable team member and may be considered for supervisory or managerial roles.
Do You Need a License or Certification to Become a Bartender?
In most cases, you do not need a formal license or certification to get hired as a bartender, but some states or local jurisdictions require alcohol server training. These courses are often short and focus on responsible alcohol service, such as how to check IDs or recognize signs of intoxication.
Employers in those regions may expect you to complete the training before or shortly after you start. If you’re preparing for a bartending interview, it’s smart to check whether your state requires specific training and be ready to talk about your understanding of responsible serving practices.
A foundational course like Stratford’s can help introduce you to these responsibilities while also covering bar skills and customer service.
Ready to Explore a Career in Bartending?
Bartending is fast-paced, customer-focused, and full of opportunity. If you’re looking for a career that blends creativity, service, and practical skills, it might be the perfect fit. But before stepping behind the bar, it helps to be prepared.
Stratford Career Institute offers flexible, self-paced introductory courses that introduce students to core concepts in different careers, like bartending. While this program does not provide certification, it is a strong starting point for anyone considering a job in the field.
Whether you’re new to bartending or looking to expand your current knowledge, Stratford’s course can help you get started.
Visit our website to learn more about our remote introductory courses and how they can help you explore this and other career paths.
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