Bartending School of Ontario

[jeffpayne]

Has anyone taken the course at the Bartending School of Ontario?

I think I'm gonna register but I want to here what people have to say about it first.

Is it worth the time and money?

 

[Bumbaclat]

I took that course 5 years ago and enjoyed it. I made the mistake of taking the Saturday morning classes and I was hungover for each and every class. Definitely worth the money though.

I walk by that place every other day and it has been really busy recently.

Bumbaclat

 

[Uncle Bobby]

I went and since have work as a bar tender once in Muskoka, they didn't even ask if I had formal training. was is a good course? yea. Was it worth it? Not Really. although I haven't really gone out for many bartending jobs.

UB.

 

[ThePlunger]

I have been bartending for three years. As far as I've seen, the course is absolutely useless. Almost every bar in Toronto makes their drinks different ways, and with different amounts of liquor. There is no standard. Most of the drinks you will learn are also almost never ordered. Planter's punch, mai tai, blue lagoon, etc., you may have to make once in a blue moon. The 'diploma' will not get you a job, unless you're applying at Swiss Chalet.

The best way to get a bartending job, or learn how to bartend, is to get a job in a restaurant as a busboy. Most restaurant's promote busser's and server's to bartender from within.

Matt

 

[stir-fry]

i thought it was worth it..

also, smart serve is a pre-req at bars now, so why not just take the full course.. you'll learn a few drinks, plus get your smart serve at the end..
plus, the shooter day was FUN!
hehe

 

[Preroller]

I just lied and said I took it.......now Ive been working for a year and a half as a bartender/waiter. I have a good memory and some good drink sheets, which I don't use anymore due too I can pretty much make any drink anyone asks for. Make it a couple of times, and you should remember it, at least I can. Just learn how to make good Martini's, Caesars, Slings, Margaritas, Rusty Nails, etc.... Save for Beer and Wine, those are the ones I make on a daily/bi daily basis. Just did the Smartserve course last month, it was a breeze.
Dave

 

[jeffpayne]

I've taken a bar course before. Like, 6 years ago in college. I also got my Smart Serve back then as well. Plus, on top of all that I've been working bar at one of the big play theatres on King St. for 2 years.

I'm just under the impression that it would be bennificial to take this course in order to get a better bar job. So I can leave the theatre.

Given my experience, is the certificate needed?

 

[Cheer Bear]

my friend Angie is gonna take this.

Which is good for me. I can be a guinea pig!

 

[jeffpayne]

maybe I should save my money....

 

[joey]

Originally posted by ThePlunger
I have been bartending for three years. As far as I've seen, the course is absolutely useless. Almost every bar in Toronto makes their drinks different ways, and with different amounts of liquor. There is no standard. Most of the drinks you will learn are also almost never ordered. Planter's punch, mai tai, blue lagoon, etc., you may have to make once in a blue moon. The 'diploma' will not get you a job, unless you're applying at Swiss Chalet.

The best way to get a bartending job, or learn how to bartend, is to get a job in a restaurant as a busboy. Most restaurant's promote busser's and server's to bartender from within.

Matt

exactly

 

[afterglow]

I have also heard from other bartenders that this course is useless.

I have also heard that many bars won't take you even if you have this.

Just a rumour :/

 

[GhEttO_SupErStAr]

I took the Bartending course at Hamilton School of Careers...it was shite!!!

I can hardly even remember anything.
I took Smart Serve, which is mandantory now.

I have a serving job now and I make the drinks for them. The best way to learn is by making them over and over.

Besides...even when I put out my resume with the Bartending course , NO one gave a flying $%&*!

EXPIERIENCE is the KEY!

SAM

 

[Guest]

I know nuff people that went there and they said it was great.
Not only did they teach you how to make drinks but they learned about all the different laws regarding seving alcohol, which might come in handy one day.
course cost them $200 and they went once a week for 4 weeks.... that doesn't seem like such a waste.