American Bartending School

I am very satisfied with the bartender training I received here and after jumping through hoops to find a reputable school, I feel confident in my ability to do the job (not that I didn't know a ton of drinks anyway).
A shout to everyone over there slingin' drinks and fillin' sinks!
You guys rock.

Pros: Got what I expected, no less.

Cons: Sometimes very busy.

Posted 11/01/09

I really didn't know what to expect when I decided to go to bartending school. What I did know was that I needed a job fast and what you see on the Internet and what you see in person when you go to visit some of the schools out there is very different.
American Bartenders School was the one that I chose to pay for because it made the most sense and everything was available to be seen when I visited. I didn't feel pushed to make an immediate decision and they even gave me a bunch of information to take home. So many places I checked out were so suspicious and reluctant to give me a brochure.
Why? I still can't figure it out. One place I went, you couldn't even tell it was a school and I basically had to do cartwheels around the lobby to be noticed! The classroom at American Bartenders is not hidden from view, it was filled with about 25 students working and none of the other schools that I visited looked like that. The front lobby area had 10 or more people waiting to be seen for enrollment.On the Net, it seemed that American Bartenders received the most impressive media attention of any bartender school and had a high ranking for reliability.
I visited other schools that were obviously a rip off. What do you expect from a school that tries to suck you into the program sight unseen for such a low dollar amount? And by phone? Give me a break!
I may not have been born in the U.S., but that doesn't mean that I am stupid or should be treated differently than others. I am very aware of a hustle when I see one! I have a PHD in my country, but chose to live in the U.S. with the rest of my family.
After all the research, I was elated when I finished American Bartenders School and got a job in an Italian Restaurant in Little Italy. The restaurant is busy and turns tables every 35 minutes or so. I made $560 my first week on the job. I was thrilled! I promised I would write a review for them at the school because the staff was so nice to me and I feel I owe them compliments.
The school did everything that they said they would do. It took a few weeks for me to get a job, but I did not dedicate as much time to looking as I should have. I am studying to be a medical doctor at NYU and it is a tight schedule.
For me, no regrets.
I guess you get what you pay for.
Thanks to my Instructors and a wish you all the best.

Pros: On-point Instructors, proactive job placement.

Cons: None so far.

Posted 10/25/09

I went to three schools that popped up on the Internet and of the three, I chose to attend American.
Joe and Howard are great mentors and I was thrilled to get a private party from Lisa V. the Monday after I graduated (I made $35.00 an hour for a six hour party + tip jar). Everything that I was told during the class was accurate, I was relayed a treasure trove of info about the trade and I was treated very well.
In New York City, that is a lot to ask for, even from a school!
I am proud to announce my Wed. Thur. Fri. bartending position at BLT Prime.
Another great bunch of people to thank (that's for another review;)
Thanks to American Bartenders staff for doing the right thing and having genuine concern for the students that attend the school.
Keep doing what you're doing!
You are the best.

Pros: great staff, beautiful new bars, made friends here

Cons: I had to pay! (Only kidding)

Posted 10/25/09

I believe it's better to have an actual review from a person who graduated and is not overly-judgmental and takes observations and then conclude.

The price is expensive, but I'm glad I paid for it since I've made the money back. I agree when I first entered, I was a tad concerned, the place was rather sketchy looking. The teachers weren't the most classy people ever, but, come on, it's a bar, what do you expect?

The education I got there puts me above many of the other bartender's I know, some who have been working for about 15 years.

Judge people for the education they give, what you learn. I now know all the major drinks by heart, and if someone were to stop and ask me for a drink, I could tell them the exact ingredients down to the ounce. The only complaint some might have are the mnemonic devices are somewhat dirty.

They give a full course on understanding and knowing the law, how to prevent trouble, and how to be a responsible bartender. Furthermore, they teach great customer service and interview skills.

Many bars prefer to only hire from American Bartending School, which easily got me a job using their website. New York is filled with offers.

This is not a fake review, to think so is just paranoia, I'm just an 18 year old who needed money to pay off a guitar debt. I'm paying it really fast now :)

Oh and when they say slots are filling up, if they like you (from the interview) they'll take you, so take your time for your timeslot.

Pros: Full License, job placement, and an priority advantage

Cons: Mild immaturity, I guess

Posted 06/23/09

Yeah, this place was pretty skeezy. I mean, the classes looked good enough from the couple of minutes I was able to observe... But the other reviews are spot on about their pushy sales techniques. I really really disliked that. The guy who tried to get me to sign up, he first handed me a book of testimonials saying that every month they asked former students to write in and say how well they're doing... Granted, the reviewers were doing well, but the testimonials did not seem only a month old, the paper was yellowing at the edges.
After I found out how much the classes were ($900??), he arrogantly explained how he doesn't have to hide the price because the testimonials are so good. Yeah, okay, that's why you wouldn't tell me the prices over the phone and I had to travel in for this pushy interview, right?
When I said I'd have to check back in the next couple of days because of how pricey it was, he got even more pushy, exclaiming "Oh, you have to take them in the next 15 minutes, seats are going fast!" Oh, please, you'd take my money no matter how long I took to decide.
I think what the last straw was that in the middle of the interview, somebody called him, and he took the call, later explaining it was his ex-wife and he the proceeded to explain to me how he married her when she was 18 and he was in his 30s, and how he's now dating somebody his daughters age because he can't stand older women. Okay, seriously, if you're going to try and charm somebody to overpay for your lousy bar classes, I'd recommend not disgusting them with your sexism. Thanks.
Oh, and finally, after looking at this site, I am convinced that most of these positive reviews are fake. They are just too extreme, it's either five stars and an outstanding review with no cons, or one star with people who are upset about their tactics and their job placement.

Pros: None.

Cons: Oh, a good deal.

Posted 05/05/09

I choose the school because it was featured in a CBS news story on television about quick job training. I wasn't disappointed. I liked the hands on training where I learned by doing.

Pros: Like on the job training

Cons: none

Posted 03/26/09

The thing I like most about the school was it was set up like a real bar with all the equipment. I like the hands on training. The drink were easy to remember because we make them so many times.

I also liked the idea that during the class they showed us how to do a bartending resume and gave us good tips on how to interview for a bartending job.

Pros: real bar and bar equipment

Cons: I'll miss the people I met in class

Posted 03/23/09

I went to the American Bartenders Schools because I lost my job after 20 y ears with the same company. I didn't know what to do. A friend suggested bartending because I like to talk and meet people. I took the one week class. At the end of the week I wasn't quite sure of all the drinks and the school allowed me to attend extra classes and practice at no additional charge. Lisa the job placement person gave lots of help and encouragement in finding a job. It took me almost 3 weeks to find a bartending job. I went on 8 interviews before I finally found something that fit my schedule.

I would recommend the school but I think people should know that they have to put in some effort to find a job. I like bartending and I'm glad I took the course. No regrets.

Pros: Instructors and job placement assistance

Cons: Longer class

Posted 02/10/09

I have to agree with some of the reviewers that the job placement was not too satisfying, but IT WAS THEIR FAULTS !!! I got through several interviews until I finally got hired at the bar uptown Manhattan called "Under the Stairs" . Too bad, that was september 10th 2001, well everybody knows what happened the next day...
Anyway, I knew NOTHING about drinks before the class, I took 40 hours program in only 1 week, yes 5 days only and all of a sudden I could make average 2-3 drinks every minute!!!
Yes, they're pushy about you signing up with them, FOR A GOOD CAUSE...Now I live in Wyoming, not only I'm bartending, but I HAVE MY OWN SUSHI RESTAURANT WITH BAR, I even trained all my servers to bartend like me. My Instructor was Howard, he was kind of mean, in a good way, so that we can learn properly how to do it out there....
Well again, this school is not for the faint hearted and definitely NOT FOR LOSERS!!!! WINNERS ONLY...
I checked several different schools before this one, and they're all slow, weak, even though they might be teaching you the same material, but not the same way, that's for sure.
Again, thanks Howard....

Pros: value, knowledge, "winner only" education

Cons: nothing really

Posted 01/06/09

They want $1000 for a class that everyone else is charging half for. They don't even offer the TIPS program. And I didn't feel comfortable about their pushy fast talking, outrageous promises, and talking bad about other schools. They insisted I registered today, asked for my credit card, name dropped all these bars they guaranteed me jobs at. They became irate when I didn't sign up on the spot. If they would say the price on the phone I never would have wasted my time and came all the way down here. And the neighborhood is kind of scary-looking for a night class.

Cons: WAY TOO EXPENSIVE. And they creeped me out.

Posted 12/15/08

I lost my office job because of the mess on Wall St. I needed some quick training and friend of mine suggested I try bartending. I called the American Bartenders School and few days later I started class. I took the 40 hour class over 2 weeks and it was great. I was surprised how easy and fun it was. The instructors are cool and know their stuff. When I finished the class, the school's job placement department gave me leads on places that were hiring bartenders. It took me about a week to find a job. I went on 5 interviews before I found the right job.

If you're unemployed like I was and like working with people, you should consider bartending.

Pros: Like on the job training behind a real bar

Cons: none

Posted 11/17/08

I graduated from the American Bartenders School in New York City with my girl friend. I was serious about getting a job because I am a graduate student and need money to help pay my expenses. Who doesn?t?

I used the school?s job placement service and it definitely helped. Every day I checked the schools internet job site for new job openings. I went on 5 interviews before I landed my first job. It was in a small Italian restaurant where I worked 3 nights a week part time. That was fine with me because I have lots of school work. I averaged $150-$200 per shift with my salary and tips and ate some great Italian food free. I earned back the cost of class my first two weeks working. My father said it was one of my best investments.

My friend who took the class with me, never found a job because she only went on one interview. When she didn?t get hired, she became discouraged and didn?t couldn?t be bothered going on more. Her father is loaded, and gives her every thing. Nice girl but spoiled, if you know what I mean.

My advice to anyone thinking about Bartending School is being prepared to go on more than one or two interviews. Don?t be discouraged if a manager tells you don?t have enough experience. Bartending isn?t brain surgery. Probably half the bartenders in New York City went to bartending school.

After a few days of getting used to the bar set up, I felt like I had been doing it for years. No sweat!

Posted 05/08/08

I visited all of the bartending schools in NYC and I found American to be the most professional. They have been training bartenders for a long time, they are licensed by the NY State Department of Education. I enjoyed the class and they have an excellent job placement assistance program. If you're interested in becoming a bartender, I recommend you check them out.

Pros: Excellent staff, good instructors

Posted 10/17/07

James was very energetic and brought a lot of fun into the classroom. He really knows his stuff.
20 drinks in 6 minutes. Plus it seemed legit there were all sorts of articles on the company. I also really like the introductory class. The set up is very much like a bar it made it more fun. The entire experience was very enjoyable.

Pros: realistic set up

Posted 07/06/07

I choose American because it's the most established school in the New York area and it has an excellent reputation . I enjoyed the classes and found the instructors to friendly, knowledeable and professional.

Pros: Very professional

Posted 04/17/07

I visted all the schools and I found the staff to be very professional. I was able to sit and watch a class in session and talk with the students and the instructor. The other schools wouldn't let me do that.

Posted 02/10/07

These guys were the most logical choice after I visited four different schools from the internet.
I met with a gentlemen who let me sit in on the class and then, (at my request) let me question the placement representatives. Two were there that day. They had enormous books of testimonials from working graduates and binders filled with course comments that students filled out after finishing the program. The longevity of the school is what sold me on it.
None of the other schools seemed as organized, and some were just blatant scams.
I'm due to finish next week and Mr. Cruz is a great teacher.

Pros: Very informative and organized.

Cons: Waiting list to get in depending on the class you want.

Posted 10/27/06

Thanks so much to the staff at American Bartenders! I had a blast and I learned enough to be confident on the job interviews that they sent me on.
I got hired on my second interview!

Pros: Great instructors and placement staff - very helpful

Cons: The class I wanted was full and I had to wait to get in.

Posted 10/18/06

The guys and gals here did a great job of staffing my nightclub.
The bartenders are great earners, a little wet behind the ears, but exactly what I was looking for in a front line staff at the full service bar.
Thanks to Maria, Rica, and Howard for all your help.
-Frank L.

Posted 10/12/06

I recently graduated from American Bartenders School and found the schools job placement assistance program to be very good. The instructors helped me redo my resume and gave me good tips on how to interview. I really appreciated the help Maria the school's job placement person gave me in finding a bartending job.

Pros: Good instructors, help with job placement

Cons: none

Posted 10/10/06

I have been instructor at American Bartenders School for many year. I take offense to negative reviews that probably have been written by illegal competitors. The staff at the school is licensed and certified by the state. We have many years of bartending and teaching experience. We are committed to offering the finest training possible to insure our students find bartending jobs when they complete the training.

We have a full time job placement staff member that offers personal attention to graduates. We have 40 to 60 new job leads available to graduates every week. We offer job counseling, resume writing assistance and life time free refresher courses and job placement. Anyone that completes the training and doesn't find a job is a person that doesn't use the resources that school makes available.

American Bartenders School has been business for almost 40 years in New York City and has locations nationwide. We are New Yorks oldest and most established bartending school. We have over 50,000 satisfied graduates. Prospective students are always welcome to visit us and speak with current students.

If youre thinking about taking a bartending class, do these things before making a decision.
1. Visit the school in person.
2. Ask to see the schools license of the New York Department of Education
3. Ask to see the instructors New York Department of Education license
4. Make sure they allow you to watch a class
5. Talk with the job placement staff member if youre going to want help finding a job.

Pros: Nation's most established bartending school

Posted 10/05/06

I found the school's job placement service to be excellent. The staff at the school was very professional and helped me write a resume and gave me good information on how to interview for a bartending job. The school had a wide variety of establishments listed that were hiring bartenders. I went on 10 interviews the first week after finihsing the class and had several job offers. I choose the school because it has been in business for almost 40 years and has an excellent reputation in the industry.

Posted 08/28/06

Mohitos, Margaritas, Sxx on the Beach, Slow Comfortable Screws how could I go wrong. It was a fun class. The instructors Howard and Anthony are the best! Sorry the class is over.

Posted 08/23/06

I needed a flexiable job because I'm actor. Several friends of mine took the American Bartenders School class and are now working as bartenders making really good $$. I took their advice and graduated from the class 2 months ago. I have been working as a bartender for several weeks. I still want to be an actor but I have to eat while I'm waiting for my big break. The class isn't cheap but you get what you pay for.

Posted 08/07/06

Howard and Anthony were great instructors. They kept the class interesting and found. Tina the job placement direct was also very nice and helpful. I would recommend the school.

Posted 07/31/06

I checked out all of the schools and I choose American because they have been around forever. I sat in on a free class and had a chance to talk with some of the students. They were very satisfied.
The other schools wouldn't let watch the class or talk with other students.

Posted 07/26/06

If you want a fun job and want to make some good money, become a bartender. I took the class to find a summer job and intend to do it part time when I go back to school.

Posted 07/26/06

Their job placement is not as it is supposed to be. Almost no help at all, just a poor internet site.

Pros: Very nice instructors

Cons: Job placement, wine class

Posted 06/12/06

I needed some extra cash and friend of mine told me to try bartending. I took the 2 week class and it was great. I enjoyed the hands on training and now I'm working 2 nights a week. I make as much the two nights I work as a bartender as my regular job. Best investment I have ever made!

Cons: none

Posted 06/06/06

I can't say enough good things about the staff and the training. I found every aspect of the class to be professional and educational.

Posted 03/06/06

Great class
Great instuctors
Great classmates
Great job placement
What more can I say!

Posted 01/10/06

Im from a defferent country. Im a slow learn. Anthony was good teacher. He help me find job. Thank you much.

Posted 12/11/05

I needed extra money and a friend suggested bartending. I checked out all of the schools and I choose American because of it's reputation and being in business for 38 years. The instructors were friendly and informative. I couldn't believe how easy and fun it was. I work 3 nights a week and earn as much as my day job. Best investment Ihave ever made.

Posted 12/05/05

I choose American because my father went to it 30 years ago and he said it was great. I found the course fun and easy to learn and the school helped me find a job. Well worth the money!

Posted 12/01/05

I enjoyed my learning experience. The training was very through and I was confident of my bartending skills when I finished the class. I found the school to be very up front about
job placement. They explained that they would provide me with job leads, but I had to go on the interviews. The school gave me a list of 20 places that I could interview at the first week after graduation. I was hired at the third place I interviewed at.

Posted 11/29/05

Their job placement promises never came through. I found work on my own. They seemed a bit out of touch with the current bar scene. They basically told me what I wanted to hear, not what they give. Overall, dissatisfied.

Posted 11/10/05

I choose American Bartenders School because my friend graduated from there last month and found a great bartending job in a week.

Posted 10/19/05

I couldn't believe how easy and fun it was. The staff was great and I learned eveything I needed to get a job as a bartender. I now work on a cruise ship as a bartender and love it.

Posted 10/12/05

I have hired many bartending school grads over the past 10 years and have found the grads from American are the best trained. I highly recommend American Bartenders School.

Posted 08/16/05

I found the instructors at the school to extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I have applied to several cruise lines for a bartending position and I believe I will get at least one job offer this week. I love to travel and this is a great way for me to do it and earn movey. World here I come!

Posted 08/15/05

I'm a recent graduate of the school and I found the job placment service to be very professonal. The service offered many leads. I found a job within a week after finishing the school. I spent over $100,000 going to college and they didn't even have a job placement service.

Pros: Modern equipment, good instructors, good job help

Posted 08/09/05

I found it interesting someone said they were disatisfied with the schools job placement. I graduated from the school 15 years ago and the school has helped me find a job 4 different times.

Posted 08/09/05

Unfortunately this was the only school I checked out before registering. I did learn the basics of bartending; however, the biggest let down was their job placement service. You are on your own once you graduate other than a few listings on their hotline. For over $800 tuition I did expect more.

Posted 08/04/05

I'm a college student working my way through school. Bartending has been a great way for me to work part time and make money. I graduated from the American Bartenders School and within a week I was working. No more flipping burgers for me.

Pros: 1 week class, lots of fun, good paying job

Posted 07/26/05

I found the staff at American Bartending School very helpful when I visited the school. They carefully explained what I would learn and how they would help me find a job.

Posted 07/20/05

I'm a college student who needed a summer job. I choose American because several of my friends attended the school and where very satisfied. I completed the course in a week and now I am working in the Hamptons.

Pros: Job placement, modern equipment, like on the job train

Cons: none

Posted 07/06/05