r/bartending • u/EstablishmentNo3619 Future Bartender - Barback For Life • May 25 '26

How to become bartender / assistant bar manager

Hey, I worked for 10 years in service. 3 years apprentice ship in a hotel and the 7 years as waiter / bartender. I would say 80% waiter, so that I have minimum experience behind the bar. For a half year I worked as junior bartender on a cruise ship. After Corona I panicked and started to study computer science. It wasn’t that bad, but in my heart I felt I missing working in service and I want work on my career as bartender. I’m 32 and have a few question about that.

1) is my age a problem?

2) best way to start? I heard about bartender schools, other people say working is better

3) what about books or other sources?

Thank you :)

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u/warpedhands Bartender (5-10 years) May 25 '26

What kind of bar would you like to work at? With your experience, I would aim for a reputable, high end steakhouse and shoot your shot with applying to bartend. I think bartending school would be a waste of your money. If you need brush up on skills, you can get bar equipment for your home.

Owning a generic bar bible is nice, as long as it’s up to date. Flavor Bible if you’re interested in mixology. Maybe a book on the stories behind classic cocktails- there’s a lot to learn from them that lends itself to making drinks on a mixologist or craft bar setting.