STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

I just completed Professional Bartenders School's 30-hour course in Mission Valley, California-- what a great experience!

I worked as a bartender in New Jersey for almost two years, but that was twenty-five years ago! I turned to PBS because I have a job opportunity here in San Diego that requires me to have current bartending certification. Additionally, I felt a 'refresher' on the basics, plus information on California's rules and regulations, would better prepare me for this opportunity.

From the minute I walked in the door at your school, and saw a completely outfitted bar -- with five fully equipped stations and two flat screens going full blast with music and sportscasting -- I knew I was in for a 'full immersion' experience! To describe the classroom environment as 'non-stop' and 'hands-on' is to put it mildly. I was amazed to find myself behind the bar mixing drinks after just one hour of expert orientation and direction! Our instructor, Arnie, had a 'cool' style which combined his encyclopedic mixology knowledge with the professionalism of an experienced classroom teacher. He was both riveting and entertaining, as well encouraging and supportive.

Age-wise, our group of 25 was mostly '20-somethings', with a sprinkling of 30+ -- and then there was me. Regardless, Arnie had everyone's full attention. He kept us all focused and on task with his in-your-face, no-holds barred presentation of what it is REALLY like to work behind a bar in San Diego. Because of my experience bartending in NJ, I was able to truly appreciate the 'real world' view Arnie was expertly weaving into his engaging and entertaining instructions. His presentations alternated between the fun and the serious, enabling him to fully impact our entire group with the critical sales, legal, safety, and ethical aspects of a bartender's responsibilities. The stories Arnie included from his own experiences behind the bar breathed life and authenticity into the subject matter.

I believe Arnie's bartending expertise and teaching skills are a perfect fit for the excellent curriculum offered by Professional Bartenders School. I feel lucky to have the benefit of his energy and upbeat work ethic as I re-enter the job market in San Diego's restaurant and bar industry. There is no doubt in my mind that a bartending certificate from PBS will open doors for anyone wants to have fun and is willing to work hard behind the bar. Professional Bartending School gets a '5 Star' rating from me.

Betty Wells
San Diego, CA
PBS Graduate
February 2014

Great experience, lots of fun, and the life-saver knowledge of more than 150 alcohol drinks. Now I know what is the difference between Scotch and whiskey, what usually comes in my favorite drinks, I actually can make more than 15 totally different cocktails within 7 minutes and do know weird and bizarre names of delicious liqueurs.
The course lasts only two weeks, where you receive constant tutorials and practise all the time. And it feels awesome when all of the sudden by the end of it you can recognize and easilly make what seemed to be absolutely impossible to make. Also I found out a lot of interesting facts about beer, wine, tequila and other hard liquors. 
I totally suggest you to try this course, and I'm sure you'll find the moment or maybe the opportunity to use new skills after its graduation.
Julia S.
San Diego, CA

The Professional Bartending School in San Marcos is an outstanding experience! As a retired educator , I was able to appreciate the teaching methodology. Don't think you're going to saunter in and hang out for two weeks--becoming a professional bartender.

takes WORK! The great thing about this is that the instructor, Arnie, makes the process enjoyable. He keeps things moving, provides lots of practice time, and has an in-depth working knowledge of the the profession. Our class had a cross section of people, and we all had a great time! I felt that Arnie's positive approach and great sense of humor established a super learning environment. I'm looking forward to a new career, and my family and friends can't wait to test my new skills!
Kris S.
Escondido, CA