i was choosing between Authentic and NYC Bartending School, and decided on Authentic only because it was cheaper. I had read online that nobody cares if you went to bartending school but I wanted to do it anyways, so decided not to spend as less as possible.
the size of the classes are nice, kept quite small so everyone has a station behind the bar. however, the bar itself is poorly stocked (glass, fake fruit, fake ice) and the soda gun only has one button that works which is leaky and sprays everywhere. it isn't a big deal unless you are really picky.
my main issue with Authentic is their inconsistency. they have all the liquor you need to know, but just filled with coloured water that doesn't work for layered drinks. making students clean up is obviously our responsibility, BUT they also have "clean up day" which of course they would never tell you. once, i spent one and a half hours cleaning in the morning, and then my afternoon class was cancelled for an unknown reason. that was a wasted day, and that day cost me more than $100.
also, the staff. you don't get the same instructor all the time, so it depends on your luck. some are really great, i absolutely love jonathan, ace, kelly, and melissa. however there are some that are incredibly disrespectful, rude, and not understanding at all. if you don't excel, even if you are a complete beginner, they will be very intimidating and crap on you. one instructor to run from is mercedes. she's known for being a complete bitch. she will talk about you with other staff members while you are in the room, or just is always gossiping. huge superiority complex even though she seems to know the least out of all the instructors. she needs to be fired ASAP!
Pros: one of the cheapest of the NYC schools
Cons: poorly stocked, instructors inconsistent
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