Can you be a bartender as a side job?
Asked by: Candido Crooks | Last update: August 27, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (4 votes)
Working as a freelance bartender allows you to earn money whether you're looking for extra cash from a side hustle or only want a part-time job. It's much easier to make it to doctor's appointments, school events, and other daytime obligations when you can choose when and how you want to work.
Can you do bartending as a side job?
The biggest perk of bartending is, of course, the money. It is a pretty lucrative part-time or side job to have. For starters, it's convenient because it can be done outside of work hours. You don't necessarily need to sacrifice one source of income for another.
Can you work as a bartender part-time?
Yes. Many people have full-time regular jobs and then bartend part-time on weekends and nights.
What is the 50 rule in bartending?
What's the 50% rule in bartending? The proper time to serve customers the next cocktail is once they've consumed 50% of their drink.
Can a bartender make $1000 a week?
At any normal bar, you should expect to make anywhere from $250-300 per night in tips. Work 3 nights per week and that's already close to $1000 per week, just in tips. 5 nights per week and you can be bringing in $1500 per week just in tips alone.
How To Get a Bartending Job with No Experience - Bartending 101
Can you make a living off bartending?
Bartenders are known to make good money, but when broken down, how much do bartenders really make in a year? With tips, on average, bartenders earn $60,787.20 per year. Before tips, a bartender is looking at an average of $34,490 a year.
How to make $1200 a week?
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What are the 5 P's of bartending?
"We focus on the fundamentals of training. Everything from why you shake, when you muddle, to the practicalities of the job, and what we call the five 'P's of world class service: pride, passion, preparation, professionalism and presentation.
What is a dirty dump in bartending?
A “dirty dump” in bartending refers to the technique of transferring the entire contents of a cocktail shaker into a serving glass, without the use of a strainer. This method includes all the ice, as well as any muddled fruits, herbs, and other solid ingredients used in the cocktail's preparation.
How many beers can a bartender serve in an hour?
The average bartender can make and serve 10 to 15 drinks per hour. But, of course, this number will vary depending on the type of drinks you're serving and the experience of your bartenders.
Is it hard to be hired as a bartender?
TIP: it's highly unlikely a restaurant will hire you as a bartender without any previous experience. Instead, expect to start as a barback. A barback is basically the assistant bartender who helps refill inventory, clean the bar area, and support the wait staff.
Can you drink while working as a bartender?
Answer: It Depends on State, Local, and House Laws. Most states don't let bartenders drink on the job. States vary in their enforcement of these laws.
Is bartending a low skill job?
Furthermore, bartenders are expected to possess a wide range of skills beyond simply mixing drinks. They must have extensive bartending knowledge of different types of alcohol, spirits, wines, and cocktails, as well as the ability to recommend and pair beverages with customers' preferences.
Can you work part time as a bartender?
Yes! Many people become part-time bartenders to make room for other commitments such as school or childcare responsibilities. It's common for bars and restaurants to offer flexible jobs, making it easier for bartenders to work part-time shifts.
What is a freelance bartender?
Unlike a traditional, full-time bartender, freelance bartenders aren't tied to a specific location. Instead, these freelance mixologists can travel from one venue to another or work at private parties. Being freelance also means you're essentially running your own business, though.
Does bartending pay well?
In California, bartenders can earn a base pay from $38,000 to $60,000 a year. The average is around $48,000. Additional pay is in the range of $19,000 to $35,000, with $28,000 as the median amount.
What does wet mean in bartending?
Wet: A drink with more of the mixer and less of the alcohol than the standard recipe calls for.
What is brown bagging alcohol?
Consuming an alcoholic drink while concealed, usually, but not necessarily, in a brown paper bag, so as to drink in public where such activities are prohibited by law.
Why do bartenders hate dirty martinis?
Dirty Martinis
Some bartenders have had enough, especially when the drinks are ordered dirty. One Redditor's post bemoans a lack of brine and olive specifications, while others cite the annoyance of some guests' particular specs.
What is the golden rule of bartending?
Rule #1: Be Sociable
The first rule to being a good bartender is to be friendly and sociable. You need to be approachable to make sure your customers are at ease. Of course, it doesn't mean that customers can ask you out on a date every time they go to the bar. They are just simply comfortable around them.
What is a double in bartending?
Bar terms starting with “D”
Double Drink: A drink made with twice the usual amount of alcohol. Dry: Refers to the addition of a small amount of dry vermouth or gin to achieve a “dry” taste.
What does POS stand for in bartending?
The term POS in "bar POS" stands for point of sale, which refers to the physical place where sales take place in the bar in relation to how much bars make. In the past, a point of sale system would be a cash register, sometimes with a printer or scanner.
What's 52k a year hourly?
If you make $52,000 a year, your hourly salary would be $25.
What is $1400 a week annually?
How much is $1,400 a week annually? Earning $1,400 per week results in a annual income of $72,800.
How can I make $500 in a week?
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- Website Tester.