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... More

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.
Less

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... More

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)
Less

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... More

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.
Less

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... More

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
Less

I recently hired a grad from American Bartenders School. She knew her stuff and has become one of our best bartenders. I would definitely hire another graduate from the school when we have another... More

I recently hired a grad from American Bartenders School. She knew her stuff and has become one of our best bartenders. I would definitely hire another graduate from the school when we have another opening.
Less

Just a friendly reminder... Don't sign the paper until you decided to attend the school. Because they will take $80 of deduction if you decide to cancel it after you sign the paper.

Just a friendly reminder... Don't sign the paper until you decided to attend the school. Because they will take $80 of deduction if you decide to cancel it after you sign the paper.
Less

I went to American Bartending School as a career change in the summer of 2003 with no confidence or knowledge in bartending and for the past year I've worked for the most famous restaurant group in... More

I went to American Bartending School as a career change in the summer of 2003 with no confidence or knowledge in bartending and for the past year I've worked for the most famous restaurant group in Philadelphia. When I moved to the Jersey shore they weren't able to place me but the skills they gave me was enough to set me on my way! If it wasn't for the motivation, and the urgency by Lisa to sign up,( yes, seats go fast!!) you have to wait for the next class. So do it, you won't regret. Howard gives the most comprehensive and thorough training of any professional studies educator available. Hope he's still kickin' butt and takin' names.
Less

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... More

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.
Less

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: ... More

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
Less

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. ... More

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
Less