Bartending Schools

[strider42]

I got it into my head the other day that maybe one of the things I'd like to do with career in the future is own a small bar. I'm seriously considering this, but realize I don't know all that much about actual bar tending, and all the different drink recipes. I've already got a job, so I don't want to just get a job as a bartender at some crappy neighborhood bar or anything like that, so I was considering maybe trying out a bartending school. A lot of them seem kind of shady, but I found one that perhaps looks decent (sfbartending.com at least the website looks professional, and they don't hide the cost information. most look like 12 year olds designed them and won't tell you what it costs). I'm thinking this could be a good first step to seeing if this is something I really want to work towards doing (and would look better ona business loan application than not having any actual bartending experience at all)

So I'm wondering if anyone has ever attended a bartending school. What did you think? Did you learn much from it in the end? Obviously it doesn't compare to hands on experience, but did it give you a basis for a job, or give you a leg up on gaining knowledge during your on the job experience. Did you learn more than just drink recipes (like understanding keg pressurizing systems, different tap styles and the like)?

And if anyone likes one and recommends any in the SF Bay area, that would be cool to.