Top Bartending Schools in Los Angeles

Top Bartending Schools in Los Angeles: Key Takeaways

Los Angeles offers a wide selection of bartending schools with flexible schedules and comprehensive curricula.
Many schools provide hands-on training and job placement assistance, helping graduates earn $200 to $400 per shift.
Programs cover extensive drink recipes, mixology trends, responsible alcohol service, and customer service skills.

Los Angeles is home to multiple reputable bartending schools that train students through hands-on experience.

These schools emphasize job placement, career support, and flexible learning options for future bartenders.

Employers looking to build a strong bar team may find valuable insights in this guide to hiring a Barista.

1. Overview of Top Bartending Schools in Los Angeles

Aspiring bartenders in Los Angeles can choose from several leading schools that combine practical training with career development. These schools equip students with the skills needed to confidently handle busy bar environments.

Popular schools include Los Angeles Bartending School, Top Shelf Bartending Academy, National Bartenders School, Bartending Training Institute, Brooklyn Bartending School, and Best Bartending School.

Los Angeles Bartending School

Located on Wilshire Blvd, this school offers flexible classes that can be completed in as little as two weeks. Students receive hands-on instruction using real alcohol to simulate bar conditions.

The school supports graduates by connecting them with over 30 bars and clubs throughout the city, resulting in job placements with earning potential of $200 to $400 per shift.

For employers seeking to hire experienced Bartenders, check out this spotlight on hiring bartenders that customers love.

Top Shelf Bartending Academy

Situated in the Wiltern Building, this academy simulates a professional bar environment. Flexible, self-paced learning plans accommodate diverse schedules.

Lifetime membership and guaranteed job placement help students transition smoothly to employment. Partnerships with bar staffing companies expand job opportunities.

National Bartenders School

Established in 1984, the National Bartenders School is led by industry veterans. Its curriculum includes over 200 drink recipes and the latest mixology trends, fostering both classic and modern skills.

Individualized mentoring and hands-on training prepare students for real-world challenges behind the bar, complemented by job placement services throughout Los Angeles.

Those interested in advancing within bartending may benefit from reviewing this Mixologist career overview to explore related job paths.

2. Specialized Training in Los Angeles Bartending Schools

Bartending schools in Los Angeles offer curricula that go beyond basic drink mixing. They emphasize responsible alcohol service, beverage knowledge, and customer interaction skills.

Bartending Training Institute

This North Hollywood institution boasts immersive training in an intimate bar setting. Their curriculum teaches more than 200 International Bartenders Association (IBA) cocktails, alongside beer and wine education.

Students learn responsible alcohol service techniques and benefit from dedicated instructors with extensive industry experience. Flexible schedules allow students to balance training with other commitments.

Understanding bartender health and safety is also crucial for a successful hospitality environment, as explained in this Bartender Health and Safety spotlight.

Brooklyn Bartending School

Focusing on personalized instruction, Brooklyn Bartending School offers one-on-one and customized lessons to those 18 and older. Their program emphasizes bar terminology, tool usage, drink preparation, and job interview skills.

The school also provides job assistance and internships. Graduates often find job offers within 11 days after completing the program.

Best Bartending School

Also known as the Bartender’s Training Institute, this school provides a comprehensive 40-hour course highlighting hundreds of drinks, bar operations, and customer service.

Its hands-on curriculum prioritizes real bar experience, aiming to prepare students to begin bartending immediately upon graduation. Located at 11670 Burbank Blvd., the school offers flexible scheduling and job placement help.

3. How To Choose the Right Bartending School in Los Angeles

When selecting a bartending school, consider key factors to align the program with your career goals and lifestyle.

Curriculum comprehensiveness: Look for schools covering extensive drink recipes, responsible service, and bar operations.
Hands-on training: Programs that use real alcohol or replicate bar environments offer valuable experience.
Job placement support: Schools with strong industry connections and job assistance improve employment prospects.
Flexible scheduling: Classes that accommodate various schedules help balance training with work or other responsibilities.

4. Career Prospects and Earnings After Los Angeles Bartending Schools

Graduates from reputable bartending schools in Los Angeles often secure positions at bars, clubs, restaurants, and events, benefiting from industry partnerships cultivated by their schools.

Typical earnings range from $200 to $400 per shift, depending on venue and experience. Many schools’ job placement programs help students tap into these opportunities quickly after training.

Bartending can lead to long-term careers including bar management or event planning roles, especially with strong foundational skills and networking.

Those aiming for bar management positions can explore this Bar Manager job description for a deeper understanding of the role.

5. Essential Certifications for Los Angeles Bartenders

Bartenders in Los Angeles should also consider obtaining responsible beverage service certifications to comply with state and local regulations.

For example, TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) certification is widely recognized and improves employability by demonstrating expertise in responsible alcohol service and customer safety.

6. Additional Resources for Bartenders in Los Angeles

For those seeking to learn more about bartending careers or regulatory requirements in Los Angeles, these resources are invaluable:

Top Bartending Schools in Los Angeles: Conclusion

Los Angeles offers several excellent bartending schools that provide comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and job placement assistance.

By choosing a school with the right curriculum, flexible schedules, and strong industry connections, aspiring bartenders can launch successful careers with solid earning potential in the dynamic Los Angeles nightlife scene.

For more on career trajectories in bartending, see the jobs after bartending spotlight, which explores opportunities for career growth beyond bartending.

01. What types of programs do bartending schools in Los Angeles offer?

Bartending schools in Los Angeles offer programs that include practical training, extensive drink recipes, responsible alcohol service, and customer service skills to prepare students for real bar environments.

02. How long does it typically take to complete bartending training in Los Angeles?

Many bartending schools in Los Angeles offer flexible courses that can be completed in as little as two weeks, although more comprehensive programs may take longer.

03. What job support services do bartending schools provide?

Many schools connect graduates with bars and clubs, provide job placement assistance, and offer internships or partnerships with staffing companies to help students find employment.

04. What are the earnings potential for bartenders trained in Los Angeles?

Graduates can expect to earn between $200 to $400 per shift, depending on their experience and the venue, with opportunities for advancement into management or event planning.

05. Are there certifications bartenders in Los Angeles should obtain?

Responsible beverage service certifications, such as TIPS, are important for compliance with local regulations and enhance employability by demonstrating expertise in alcohol service and customer safety.