An Elite School With Elite Teachers Creating Elite Bartenders Ten days ago I was sitting on my couch with my laptop with absolutely no experience or knowledge of bartending whatsoever. Being a college student, The only drinks I knew how to make were created by pouring liquor and soda into a plastic cup with ice. I had always wanted to learn how to bartend but i wasn't sure of the steps to take. I knew bartending can be a competitive field so i wanted to take a class to get an edge. I had originally decided to take classes at the Fort Lauderdale Location but was unable to due to those classes being unavailable at the time, thankfully the Owner of the Miami location texted me that morning to notify me that the Fort Lauderdale location was temporarily unavailable and to confirm i was coming. He even offered to give me a generous discount if i wanted to commute to the new Wynwood location. At first I was very skeptical about waking up an hour and a half early and having to drive thirty to forty minutes each way through Miami traffic, when I had originally thought it would only be five minutes away. I can now say that deciding to go to Elite Bartending School Miami and the Wynwood location was the best decision I have made. I can't say enough good things about our instructor Johnny (John Winston). Many Bartending schools have reviews that say their instructor really cares about his or her students and wants to see them do well. While that may be true, that would be an understatement when it comes to Johnny. The first day we were let out on lunch break, me not being from the area, thought i could just go drive and find a fast food place in the area and be back really quick. Little did i know all the restaurants were all the way on Biscayne Boulevard and traffic was heavy. I had gotten lost and by the time i realized where i was, our break was almost over. I had turned around, and When i had gotten back I had told Johnny that I had gotten lost and hadn't eaten. The first thing he did was turn towards his food to try to give me some. I politely declined, but the fact that i had just met him two hours earlier and he was willing to do that showed what kind of instructor and person he is. He creates a fun learning environment by incorporating jokes and telling stories about his bartending experiences to keep lectures fun and interesting. Most teachers would put their face into a book and just read pages to students while they follow along in their own book, but here that is not the case. Johnny was extremely knowledgeable about the course and would explain everything and gives examples of different scenarios and how to approach them or avoid them altogether. He did this all while keeping eye contact with each of us and would always review everything he taught us after each class and before the next class. Also there was never a time where he wasn't willing to answer a question and help correct our mistakes, whether it was the first time or the hundredth time. After seeing what kind of person he is, and seeing his passion for bartending and teaching, I have gained so much respect for him it motivated me to try to become the best student and bartender i can be. On the first day we took a speed pouring test to see where we were at as beginners and to see what we could improve on as the class went on. Having no experience of bartending, I had the lowest score in the class with a 76. This did not sit well with me being the competitive person that i am. I always try to excel at everything i do, so i bought a practice pour kit to bring home. I must have practiced for over three hours that night. On the first day, one of the First things Johnny told us was, "This class is not easy, but all you have to do is meet me halfway." And to be honest, he was right. This is not an easy class, but like anything in life, if you put the work in, you will be successful. Two days later I got a 97 on the second pour test and a 98 on the third, which were the highest in our class at the time. I don't say this to brag, but i say it to convince anyone who is on the fence about taking this class just like i was two weeks ago. While this class may seem intimidating, I felt the exact same way my first day, and I can confidently tell you that now only 10 days later I know over one hundred recipes and how to make them behind a bar. Elite Bartending School Miami and our Instructor Johnny (John Winston) will put you in the best possible position to succeed, it's just up to you to put in the work and invest in yourself. Just like I did. read more

A week after I graduated I was hired by Bill Hansen Catering. As if that wasn't enough the Clevelander Hotel on Ocean Drive picked me up just after that. These guys are on the map in a major way. Back in the day, I worked the Food & Bev Industry for nearly ten years. I waited tables and bar-backed but never tended bar. After graduating College I was off to New York City. I jumped head first into corporate America (Advertising) for almost another ten years. I got married; life was grand. Then, my own business. Then a partnership with my wife. Then uh, divorce. Then, the economy tanked. Next I'm down in Miami living back home with my parents. Awesome. I'm 33 years old, unemployed, getting a divorce, and living with my parents. "Good to meet ya, how ya doin'." Needless to say, not sexy; times were tough and I was strapped for cash. Enter Elite Bartending School. Skirting the scam-school trend, I did my research, stopped by and checked 'em out only to find they were super legit, not mention extremely nice guys. The peeps that run this institution walk their talk and make sure you can when you're done. So slick and so pro..it was pleasure to watch them and learn. And, eventually do as they do. By the way, my instructors all had bartending gigs on the side. It was obvious it hadn't only taken them a few years to put their biz together, but instead every bottle they'd cracked, cocktail they'd hacked and drink they'd slung for the past some odd years of their lives, collectively. These guys know their sh*t. And they're cool. I take my hat off to them. If I had to go back to advertising and write them a headlined ad for their Elite Bartending School, it might go something like.. "Partly Sunny with a chance of landing a killer bartending gig." The real warmth comes from the staff which takes pains in helping you get the right job, and is as equally interested in finding out afterward what you think of them and your new job. It doesn't look like I'll have to be couped-up in that office for while. Cheers Elite. read more

Elite Bartending is absolutely the best bartending school ever! Not only do you get many hours of hands on training behind the bar and are given all the information you need to gain accuracy and speed, it's also a lot of fun! I came across Elite Bartending School by word of mouth. I was researching bartending schools in Miami and this program was highly recommended to me by many very successful bartenders which are alumni from Elite Bartending School. The day I went to register myself in the program I observed the final exam of one of their classes and I was all the more convinced that this was the best bartending school in Miami. I took the Sunday classes with Obi whom is a wonderful teacher, very knowledgeable, patient, encouraging, and super friendly. One can tell he loves his craft and really cares for his students. He goes the extra mile to make sure everyone understands. His lectures are entertaining, engaging and up to date with all the ins and out of bartending. I would like to thank both Johnny and Obi, instructors at the school for helping the students succeed. They prepare you for interviews and for real life situations. I had high expectations from Elite and they were not only met, they were outstandingly exceeded. Once you are alumni, you have a lifetime membership, therefore you can always come back to update or improve your skills; you will be able to walk in on any class and practice behind the bar for free. The schools job placement is amazing, from Ultra Music Festival to American Airlines Arena events. The location of the school is very convenient, in Lincoln Road, at the popular Mr. Jones Nightclub. They offer classes in Spanish and a weekend program for students who can't attend during the week. Either if you are new to bartending or you have previous experience, this school will give you the extra edge you need to enter such a competitive industry. I highly recommend this outstanding school to anyone that is looking to get into bartending. read more

Have to rate Elite at a 5 star level, hands down. I've shopped around the Fort Myers area for a bartending school and the choices were extremely limited. I actually went to the only school in the area to visit and see if it would be a good fit for me - I was disappointed. In my continued search, I happened across Elite's website and was impressed enough with their quick reply to my inquiry that I went down to meet Austin. I was instantly WOWED and have been ever since. I so appreciate their professionalism, integrity, knowledge and skill. Truly the BEST in the business! What school is so much fun training you for a job that is so much fun?!!!! I also want to mention how committed Elite Bartending School is to the community. I am partnered with a local non profit here in the Fort Myers/Lehigh Acres area and reached out to the school's owners for donations. For Christmas 2015, Elite donated a brand new Christmas tree for our "It Takes a Village" tree raffle. The raffle was a huge success and made one of our PIFLA families extremely happy! On another occassion, Elite also donated a total tuition voucher for another of our raffles. The winner of that raffle is still walking around all "sparkly" and is currently a student in the BEST bartending school in the city! To sum it up, Elite Bartending School is committed to training you to be an AWESOME bartender. If you want an "in" in the industry - get trained by the BEST in the business, with the biggest hearts ever! read more

Coming home from my sophomore year at college, I wanted to work as a bartender for my summer job. Elite Bartending School was the best launching point I could have undergone in the hopes of becoming a highly trained and skilled bartender. From the moment I walked into the door until receiving my completion certificate, I felt welcomed by the staff and encouraged to try my hardest. Regardless if you have Kevin or Austin as an instructor, questions and discussions are encouraged during class. They also instruct the most useful way in learning drinks, which I continue to use in refreshing my memory. The instructors give their own stories of their time behind the bar which only fuels your interest in one day sharing the same stories with friends and family. The classes are a lot of fun and you actually do learn a lot in the short amount of time. The amount of bar time you will receive is unparalleled by any other institution. The only thing that should halt someone from enrolling is the price which isn't a big deal at all. Some bartenders make the enrollment fee back in a few days. And another aspect of Elite Bartending School that other schools don't offer is their job leads. You can search for jobs on your own, but by becoming a graduate at Elite, you have the opportunity to apply for the jobs placed on the forum. Definitely call Elite Bartending School and enroll as soon as possible. You will not regret the decision. read more

I am so glad I chose Elite as my go-to bartending school because I learned a wealth of information from the two weeks I was registered in. Located inside Ivy Nighclub, Elite gave me a hands-on feel of what it like to serve drinks from behind the bar, especially in a high-paced like setting. It was a very friendly environment to be a part of. Everyone in class was helpful and friendly!! I really appreciate how the course is set-up for students to learn and be assisted with their resume and jobs through their staffing arrangements. I came in during their open-bar hours to practice pouring and cocktail recipes. The instructor, Johnny has the absolute passion in sharing his professional expertise in the bartending profession as well as the proper cocktail-making techniques and concoctions.His talent, encouragement and support for us to absorb from his teachings are highly appreciated because the course can be challenging if you don't push yourself to have the drive to learn the skills that are required behind the bar. Totally do-able..study and practice! Because he was real, honest and fun to learn from, I had a pleasant experience in learning the tools of the trade.Thank you!!! Tip: Make sure you not only make time for the course, but also to come in early to study and practice. I found this to be very helpful for me. Don't make the mistake I made: Park on the premise, not across in the public garage. read more

The class was nice and informational but for what they claim to make priority is misleading. Johnny never hesitated to contact me when I needed to pay the rest of my tuition but never cared to answer me when I needed to retake my test or come in for open bar. Before the class finished, he told us he cared about whether we found work and his job wasn't done until we got the help we needed. I understand everyone has life and cannot just focus on every person all the time. I simply would've appreciated to get at least a response to go and practice and retake my test so I could get what I originally came for with this class. Which was to be able to work big events. Its ok to have a life just don't commit to responsibility you cannot handle. Honestly almost feels like a waste but I don't think its a terrible class. Just deceiving when you think the instructors actually give a damn about the students they teach. What kills me is they were on me like white on rice to pay and after that I never got a response until I had to call Austin the owner to get a hold of the instructor. I honestly could've went to another bartending school for half the price and gotten the same knowledge. A few of my bartending friends went to ABC bartending school and received actual one on one assistance now fully employed as successful bartenders. what a shame. read more

Ok, so let me start off by saying Bartending School is often frowned upon compared to learning by experience, however, this course allows you to learn the essentials to find a bartending job. Aside from the learning, they open the door to job placement but DO NOT GAURANTEE a job. Please do not go into this thinking that they will automatically find you a job in the hard rock clubs. The truth is I think the point of joining this particular school aside from the information taught is the ability to work the events they privately staff such as ULTRA, ART BASEL, AND SEAFOOD FEST just to name a few. You need to get a 90% overall average to participate in these events so definitely treat this class seriously and I promise it will be an amazing experience. I received a 95% and look forward to working a lot of events soon to come. It was intense, stressful, and rewarding at the end. I spent a lot of time studying and reviewing which paid off. We had Austin (Owner) teaching us and he was wonderful, very knowledgeable, patient, funny, and took the time to teach us things the proper and most efficient way. I am very happy I took a chance and went here, its worth it if your interested in working the events they staff and/or just to gain another skill in your resume. GO RIGHT NOW AND SIGN UP! :) Its only about 8 people per class. read more

Loved this class! Everyone told me to lie my way through bartending because that's what everyone does, but I couldn't be more comfortable and ready after taking the elite bartending course. They teach you everything from liquor knowledge to drink recipes to how to pour a perfect cocktail. They even give you small tips in helping you be quick and sufficient and how to make fast cash once you're behind the bar. Throughout the course they give you 5 tests before your final. Instead of overwhelming you with 100 recipes to study before your big day, they space out these short test to get you familiar with each section that you will be tested on the final. And the best part is these tests can't do anything but help you (and trust me they do). The teachers pay close attention to each person in the class, helping them with areas they are weak in and congratulating them when they see improvement. You have options to do morning, night or weekend classes so it is extremely flexible to anyone's schedule if you are interested. I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to be the best at bartending! They'll even help you find a job after! Sign up, I promise you won't be wasting your time. read more

You wanna bartend? You wanna Elite. Being a skeptical person myself I checked it out in person before committing to the program, the experience is amazing, you learn all the essentials you need to know and gives you the confidence to go and bartend anywhere. I had a great time, made some really great friends and learned more in two weeks than I had the 6previous years of bartending. I was mostly concerned about after graduation what my job prospects would be and how easily i would find them, Elite doesnt just train you then kick you out bye bye good luck. your a member for life you can come back and watch any class or practice as much as you want and they have a dedicated team posting up new job leads every week telling you what jobs there are, and, because they have a great reputation in the bartending world if you apply from elite you have doors open for you everywhere you go. I dont normally say only good things about something but when the only complaint is that you would have liked to stay longer to see your friends, you really can only congratulate the great company that is elite bartending. I would highly recommend this to anybody even slightly curious in the subject. read more

Before attending Elite Bartending I had done my research into local bartending schools around my area (Deerfield Beach) and couldn't find a school that caught my attention. When I came across Elite Bartending School's webpage I was immediately intrigued. I drove all the way to Miami Beach for these classes and had a great experience, well worth the drive and money. My instructor was Johnny who has had many years of experience bartending and is passionate about bartending. The class is mostly hands-on and in an actual bar, they allow you open bar time so you can spend time practicing or just want to go in and study. There is a lot of information, Johnny makes sure during his lectures to give some pointers for you to remember what you've learned but as long as you have the motivation to learn and study you will do great. Johnny has a lot of patience with his students and constantly motivated us. He also really brought the class together as a team and makes his classes fun and interesting. Highly recommend Elite Bartending. read more

After months of research, contemplation, and even recommendations by bartenders that did NOT graduate from Elite, it as an easy decision to register with this school. As a single mother, full time college student, and small business owner, the weekend course (four Sundays and final exams on the fifth Sunday) as the best option for me. However, upon graduation, I can personally attest that it was the right decision. Elite Bartending School's Lead Instructor Obe is extremely competent, knowledgeable, and passionate about the art and business aspects of bartending. Obe will not cut you any slack, but he will support you every step of the way. Even outside of class hours. I went from not believing that I could pass the course to earning a 90% on my final exam. This was a result of Obe's commitment and patience throughout the experience. Not only I did obtain a bartending certification, but the expertise and confidence that was instilled in me from Elite Bartending School will be instrumental in my new career path. read more

I came to Elite Bartending School with zero background in bartending. Many people I spoke to about bartending schools said "it's a waste of money" and "just go on youtube they have all the basic info you need". I decided that I wanted to be the best and made the decision to invest in my education and learn from the best. Let me just tell you that the knowledge that Elite Bartending has given me is anything but basic and general!!! MONEY WELL SPENT, from the continuing education options to the job placement assistance they offer their graduates, Elite goes above and beyond for their students both in class as well as outside of class. Johnny is a great instructor and knows so much about the industry and is very generous with the info he shares. This class is challenging but fun and interactive. You definitely won't be bored! Not only will I graduate with a load of knowledge, I will have the confidence and expertise of an ELITE Bartender! read more

This school is very professional and knowledgeable within the craft and art of professional mixing. I've been told, "you don't need to go to school to become a bartender." I highly disagree but To some that may still hold true, attending this school will not make you just an average run of the mill bartender, you will be a professional above the rest with an understanding of why and what you are doing. You will even stand out from seasoned bartenders doubt. The curriculum is tough (which is a good thing) though easy to learn with practice. Johnny was my instructor and knows his stuff, he also has a great teaching style that will work with just about any learning ability. I'm now confident that I can hit the miami bartending circuit with no hesitation. I plan on coming back to attend the advanced course once I've been on the scene for a couple of months... i recommend this school to anyone serious about there future in bartending. read more

Well where can I start, I started the class not knowing the crucial fundamentals needed to be a successful bartender. I have been fortunate in working in some of the most exquisite hotel on Miami Beach and have always wanted to be a Bartender but just never could grasp the knowledge and experience. So that's where Elite Bartending came completely prepared me in every aspect to pouring accuracy, drink knowledge and the list goes on and on. Johnny W. was my instructor in Miami Location and he was just Superb I mean he really took the time and effort to make that I grasp everything and was super patient. Now this is very intense and will only work if you are serious and dedicated in being an Elite Bartender the number one rated state licensed bartending school. well all said and I loved my experience and still go to classes and take all I can from them. Thank you Johnny and Austin love you guys!!!!!!! read more

Elite Bartending School has been a fantastic experience for me, and still is!...That lifetime membership is a real benefit. From the practical quality content of the classes to the dedication of the professors/bartenders, Elite has been great. At first, I was somewhat skeptical of every bartending school. Since I really wanted to improve my bartending/mixologist education, I did my research and then picked State Licensed schools only. I then visited them in person. The course content may be similar (pouring methods, hands on training, point of sale training, drink recipes, etc, but as soon as I met these guys, saw the setting (an ACTUAL Club in So.Be.!) and realized how well connected they are, I had made my decision. I now know I made the right one! Their assistance with job placement is already worth the price of the course. Guys, keep up with that good work!! read more

If you're looking for the right school to train to become a bartender, look no further. This is hands down the best bartending school you'll be able to find. You get to train behind a real bar and get the full authentic experience of being a bartender in real life. Johnny was my instructor and since day one made me feel like a friend and was always there to help whenever I needed it. One of the best parts of this class is that at the end they don't just give you a certificate and send you on your way, once you graduate, you are able join a forum where you can see all the events that the school is staffing and that you can bartend for as well as mixology and flair training classes to further improve your bartending skills. I loved the whole experience of taking the class and this is truly the best bartending class there is. read more

If you are thinking about becoming a legit bartender,this is definitely the school to go to! Johnny and Obe will teach you all there is to know and then some. Each day for me was a learning experience. I always looked forward to getting to class and learn the next thing they had to teach us. Be prepared to put in the work and actually study and know your stuff. Johnny has so much knowledge about the industry it'll definitely make your jaw drop. After taking this course i feel confident and prepared to be behind any type of bar and know that i am well prepared and have the knowledge to do so. They have unleashed the BEAST! Lol. I highly recommend this school. Don't hesitate any longer and sign up today! They have day, night and weekend classes that fit in with your schedule. read more

Elite Bartending School is the best bartending school in the country. I learned so much about bartending, the drinks, and etiquette in the 10 days. I now know all the tools, drinks, measurements, and I have incredible confidence felt in a very calm way knowing I am prepared. The practicals are very strict and get easier as they become harder and then the easy practicals are "clockwork." I was very nervous projecting about the final and working as a bartender in the beginning of the class even until the last day. My final results are awesome validation and I now believe and know I can walk into any bar to work in a capacity to achieve success. That is with a working knowledge of currently over 100 drinks committed to memory and a desire to learn more. read more