Top Bartending Schools in Bakersfield: Key Takeaways
- Bakersfield offers several reputable bartending schools like Brooklyn Bartending School and Local Bartending School with flexible training options.
- California requires Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification for all bartenders, servers, and managers within 60 days of hire.
- Many schools provide hands-on training, comprehensive courses, and job placement assistance to prepare students for bartending careers.
Bakersfield, California, has excellent bartending schools providing essential skills and certification. Aspiring bartenders can choose programs with flexible schedules and hands-on instruction.
This article highlights top bartending schools and California's licensing requirements to help you get started in this dynamic hospitality field.
1. Overview of Bartending Schools in Bakersfield
Bakersfield features a range of bartending schools catering to different learning needs—from beginners wanting foundational knowledge to experienced servers seeking advanced mixology skills.
These schools emphasize practical training, including drink preparation, free pouring, bar equipment use, and responsible alcohol service.
Brooklyn Bartending School (BBS) – Bakersfield
BBS offers personalized one-on-one lessons designed for students aged 18 and older. The school covers critical bartending competencies such as:
- Free pouring with accuracy
- Drink mixing techniques
- Using bar equipment correctly
- Responsible alcohol service
- Cash handling procedures
BBS provides flexible options: online courses starting at $79, group classes at $299, and in-person lessons priced from $399. With a 98% pass rate on certification exams, they also assist graduates in finding bartending jobs.
Employers looking to hire skilled bartenders can benefit from how to hire a bartender that customers love, a guide providing effective hiring strategies tailored for bar managers.
Local Bartending School – Bakersfield
Operating since 2011, Local Bartending School offers a comprehensive two-week program covering:
- Over 200 drink recipes
- Efficient drink prep and workstation setup
- Fruit cutting and cocktail decoration
- Usage of bartending tools
The school provides equipment and learning materials and allows students to attend classes any day of the week. Additionally, online and flair bartending courses are available for diversified skills.
For bartenders interested in advancing their career, the Mixologist interview questions page offers insights on professional bartending and mixology.
Other Notable Bartending Schools in Bakersfield
Genesis Bartending School at 4425 Belle Ter offers bartending training; interested students should contact the school directly for program details.
National Bartending School, although located about 100 miles from Bakersfield in Canyon Country, CA, provides hands-on training with a state-of-the-art mock bar and flexible scheduling six days a week. Graduates receive job placement assistance.
Bako Bartending and Pure Cocktails 661 primarily offer bartending services for private events but also host mixology workshops and training valuable for hands-on experience in drink mixing and serving.
2. California Bartending Certification Requirements
As of July 2022, California law mandates that all bartenders, servers, and managers obtain Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification from an Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) accredited provider.
Key certification points include:
- Certification must be obtained within 60 days of hire.
- Certification is valid for three years and must be renewed before expiration.
- Minimum age to serve alcohol in bars is 21; individuals 18 and older may serve alcohol in public eating places.
This certification ensures bartenders understand responsible alcohol service, legal compliance, and workplace safety standards.
Employers can learn about background checks in California for hiring bartenders and other hospitality staff to ensure compliance and safety.
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3. Choosing the Right Bartending School in Bakersfield
When selecting a bartending school, consider factors such as:
- Course content and comprehensiveness
- Certification exam success rate
- Hands-on training facilities and equipment
- Class formats (in-person, online, or private lessons)
- Job placement assistance
- Schedule flexibility
For example, Brooklyn Bartending School’s strong certification success and job support make it suitable for those seeking thorough preparation. Local Bartending School’s extensive drink recipe training suits students wanting to master a wide variety of cocktails.
Meanwhile, if flexible online options or private workshops are preferred, schools like BBS or Bako Bartending offer valuable alternatives.
Restaurant owners and managers may find the top tips for hiring servers or waiters useful when building a well-rounded bar and dining team.
4. Benefits of Bartending School Training in Bakersfield
Enrolling in a bartending school provides more than just knowledge of drink recipes. Benefits include:
- Learning free pouring and cash handling skills essential for professionalism
- Understanding bar equipment and workstation setup
- Gaining knowledge of responsible beverage service laws and ethics
- Developing customer service and multitasking abilities
- Receiving certification needed to work legally as a bartender in California
- Accessing networking opportunities and potential job placements
Practical training through mock bars and real-world scenarios prepares students for efficient and confident bartending.
New bartenders can explore our detailed Bartender job description for more about the role and what employers expect.
5. Additional Resources for Bakersfield Bartenders
For authoritative information and support related to bartending certification and regulations in California, the following resources are highly recommended:
- California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
- Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Training Program
- California Alcoholic Beverage Control RBS Portal
Top Bartending Schools in Bakersfield: Conclusion
Bakersfield's bartending schools offer quality training programs tailored for different skill levels and schedules. With California’s mandatory RBS certification, these schools equip students to comply with legal requirements while mastering professional bartending techniques.
Prospective bartenders should evaluate each option's curriculum, hands-on training, and support services to find the best fit for launching a successful hospitality career in Bakersfield.
For hospitality employers, understanding restaurant staff hiring strategies can improve recruitment and retention of skilled bartenders and other service staff.
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