Choosing between bartending in a bar or a restaurant is a significant decision for aspiring bartenders. Each setting offers distinct experiences, with advantages and challenges that can influence your career. Whether you prefer the fast-paced environment of a bar or the more structured, customer-focused atmosphere of a restaurant, understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision.
The Bar Scene: Fast-Paced, High-Energy
Working in a bar means being part of a vibrant, often fast-paced environment. Bars typically attract people looking to unwind and have fun, so expect a lively atmosphere, especially during peak hours like Friday and Saturday nights. Bartenders in bars often need to handle multiple drink orders simultaneously, mix cocktails quickly, and keep up with high customer demand.
In this setting, speed and efficiency are key. Customers might order a wide variety of drinks, from simple shots to complex cocktails. Learning to manage multiple orders while maintaining quality is crucial, and bartending school can be an excellent way to gain the necessary skills. If you’re someone who thrives under pressure and enjoys interacting with a constant stream of customers, working in a bar may be the right fit.
Restaurant Bartending: Focus on Service and Food Pairing
Bartending in a restaurant presents a different dynamic. Unlike bars, restaurants focus heavily on pairing drinks with meals, so you’ll need to have a good understanding of wine, beer, and cocktail pairings. The atmosphere is generally more relaxed, with less focus on speed and more on providing excellent service to customers who are seated for a meal.
The drink orders you’ll get in a restaurant are often simpler compared to bars. Instead of dealing with a row of customers all at once, you may be working on one or two drink orders at a time, allowing you to focus more on quality and presentation. This can be a great opportunity to develop deeper knowledge of mixology and wine service. Restaurants may also offer regular hours, so if you’re not a fan of the late-night shifts that come with bars, restaurant bartending could be a better fit for you. Additionally, some bartending schools even offer job placement assistance to help you find a position in a restaurant that aligns with your preferences.
Income Potential: Bars vs. Restaurants
One of the most significant factors when choosing where to bartend is the income potential. Bars typically offer higher earning potential in terms of tips. Customers in bars often order multiple rounds of drinks, and bartenders can build rapport with regulars who may tip generously. However, the work can be more physically demanding, with long hours, standing for extended periods, and dealing with crowded spaces.
In restaurants, the tipping structure might differ. While customers may tip well for good service, especially with wine or cocktail recommendations, the overall volume of drink sales could be lower than in a bar. However, working in a high-end restaurant or one with a strong bar program can still be lucrative. Restaurants that focus on fine dining or craft cocktails might attract a clientele that values quality and is willing to tip accordingly.
Work Environment: Bars Offer Flexibility, Restaurants Provide Structure
The work environment in bars tends to be more relaxed and flexible compared to restaurants. Bartenders often have more freedom to express themselves, whether through creative drink-making or engaging with customers in a casual setting. Bars are also more likely to host events like trivia nights, live music, or DJ sets, which can add variety to your workday.
On the other hand, restaurants offer a more structured environment. You’ll need to follow specific procedures when taking drink orders, serving, and cleaning up. While this can feel more formal, it also creates a consistent routine, which many bartenders appreciate. Additionally, if you prefer working in a quieter, more controlled environment, restaurants tend to have fewer rowdy customers than bars.
Skills and Opportunities for Growth
Both bars and restaurants provide opportunities to build and refine your bartending skills, but the focus differs between the two. In bars, bartenders often become experts in cocktail making and high-volume service. You’ll learn how to make drinks quickly without sacrificing quality, a skill that can be valuable in high-end cocktail bars or even when considering a future in bartending management.
Restaurants, on the other hand, offer opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of food and drink pairings. You may have the chance to learn from sommeliers or chefs, expanding your knowledge beyond cocktails to include wine and beer. If you’re passionate about creating a well-rounded dining experience, a restaurant may be the best place to hone those skills.
Lifestyle Considerations: Late Nights vs. Regular Hours
One of the biggest lifestyle differences between bartending in a bar and a restaurant is the working hours. Bars typically stay open late, and bartenders often work into the early hours of the morning. If you’re a night owl, this schedule might suit you perfectly. However, the late hours can also take a toll on your personal life, especially if you have commitments during the day.
Restaurants, on the other hand, usually close earlier, meaning you’ll likely have more predictable hours. Many restaurants offer lunch and dinner services, so you might have the option to work day shifts. This can provide a better work-life balance, especially if you prefer a more regular schedule.
Choosing the Right Path
Ultimately, the choice between bartending in a bar or restaurant comes down to your personality, lifestyle preferences, and career goals. Bars offer a fast-paced, energetic environment with higher tip potential and more creative freedom, while restaurants provide a structured, service-oriented atmosphere with the chance to develop deeper skills in food and drink pairings. No matter which path you choose, both options can provide rewarding experiences and opportunities for growth in the bartending industry.
