Just hired first string to work the bar for our holiday party. They were on time and ready for the event which was great. Unfortunately they could not handle the demand of our crowd through out the evening. We booked them for 300 guests and they ensured us the staff would be good to service them. We had 272 attendees so slightly less than we anticipated. The issue came about 1 hour into the event when we were faced with 30-40 waits for drinks. It continued to go downhill as they ran out of vodka and beers before 8:00, we started at 6:00. When I reached out to speak with them on it they did not call me back. I paid the invoice in full and then followed up with an email. They responded back with what appears to be a template email for complaints. Explaining how good they are and that it must just be that our guests like to drink. I HIGHLY recommend looking elsewhere for your bar services and if anyone from First String reads this, I would recommend not being rude in correspondence about issues and taking ownership instead. read more

I've had the pleasure of working with 1st String Bartending as a wedding coordinator then later as a bride. 1st String was one of our preferred vendors while I was working at the venue, BRICK. Richard and his staff are THE BEST. They always came prepared with the best attitudes and were flexible which is key on wedding and event days when things may not go as scheduled. I felt confident recommending 1st String to clients because they were always reliable, not to mention affordable with top notch service. When it came my time for a wedding, 1st String was my first choice. Our venue was in LA so I got quotes from bar services up there but just didn't feel comfortable booking with anyone else. At our venue, new bar services must be vetted by the venue team and the business must come in for a walk through along with providing insurance. Richard was nothing but accommodating and took the steps to be an approved vendor. We booked a tasting at Salt Drift Pointe. We wanted to include Filipino ingredients like calamansi, pandan, and mango into our cocktails. The tasting experience was so fun and we were able to narrow it down to a Calamansi Mango Margarita and Calamansi Whiskey Sour. Richard also provided a full shopping list for us tailored to our bar menu. 1st String's bar package is customizable which is amazing since every event is different. We were able to choose disposable cups for the bar and glassware for the guest tables for water. I must mention that 1st String does more than bar service - they also offer event staffing. Our caterer could only do a drop off so we hired 1st String staff to run the buffet, bus, and clean. Our venue was pretty strict and Richard and his team did a phenomenal job with everything tasked to them. We can't thank them enough for ensuring everything ran smoothly and that everyone had a fun time. Seriously, they're the best! read more

First String Bartending Services - Cheers-ing with our guests! - Bartenders Near Me - San Diego, California

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We are so glad we went with First String. They were super efficient, made drinks quickly and were super friendly to all our guests. We did three signature drinks (one mocktail), which made the evening special and our guests loved. They made drinks quickly and everyone had a great time! read more

First String Bartending Services - Bartenders Near Me - San Diego, California

I wish I could throw parties every month because I love to plan events.. even more so to use First String's services! Richard was very easy to work the details out with- he's responsive, attentive, and the team is reasonably priced. For my parents retirement luau in Bonita, Jake came out to serve. He arrive about an hour ahead of time with his bottle opener and Hawaiian shirt in hand. He organized and set up wonderfully! We didn't have a big selection of alcohol and mixers but he worked with what we gave him and was able to come up with a variety of concoctions. He helped clean at the end and was overall very amiable! Hopefully I'll have a reason soon enough to use them again or even see this group at another upcoming party because they're worth it! read more

I originally hired another bartending service for a surprise party I was throwing and at the last minute I decided to use First String Bartending Services after reviewing their yelp account. I am so happy I deciding to go with them because their service matches their reviews. I can't thank Richard enough for his professionalism and attentiveness in helping me organize the bar aspect of the party. He made me a shopping list catered to the speciality cocktails we served at the event which was super helpful, put my mind at ease and gave me more time to work on other areas of the party. Our bartender Andy was able to come earlier than we booked on a last minute request which was incredible. He set up quickly, was dressed professionally, very interactive with our guest, kept the bar clean, and had a smile on at all times. Our guest had nothing but nice things to say about his service and drinks! I am very happy I decided to change companies last minute and use First String Bartending Services! Their prices were fair, the service exceeds expectations and I will use them for any future events! read more

First String Bartending Services - Happy with Andy's shots! - Bartenders Near Me - San Diego, California

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Backyard BBQ & Margaritas Take your bbq to the next level by hiring First String Bartending! This was the best decision I have ever made in my hosting endeavors. Working with Richard helped to keep my cost low by allowing me to procure my own alcohol paired with his guidance on how much I needed to provide. Andy was are the guy for the party and he made a point to make sure people were well served and entertained. Very happy with my decision to work with them for the 2nd time! read more

Thank you for the best service ever! The bartenders were the nicest! Always paying attention to what we needed and having a positive attitude. Is so nice to be serve by people who enjoy what they do!... 100% recommended for any events and parties read more

First String Bartending Services - Having the best time ever!!! - Bartenders Near Me - San Diego, California

The best bartenders ever! I love them, they made the party! I could not of asked for a better bridal shower!! The best team. :)

Always happy with First String Bartending. Their set up is superb. The drinks they put together, menus, decor, and service are outstanding. The staff is friendly, on time, clean, efficient, and a pleasure to work with. Have used them several times. Call and ask for Rich. He is the best to work with. We have used for office holiday parties for over 100 people and just used this last weekend for a 200 person Quinceanera. Even the specialty kids drinks they made were fantastic. Thank you again! read more

First String Bartending Services - First String Bartending at the Quinceanera I organized. Light up bar. - Bartenders Near Me - San Diego, California

I hired first string for my daughters wedding. They were on time and after giving only a few directions got right to work. The wait staff was willing to help any way they could, passing out hors d'oeuvre, cleaning up after guest, pick up plates, keep kitchen clean etc. The bartender was fun, set up effectively and was ready for guest during cocktail hour. He even served the bride and groom at their table. I can't say enough about the service I received. The only regret I have is not hiring them for a longer period of time. Highly recommend read more

These guys were amazing. 10 out of 10. Professional. Just very great in general. They were amazing to my guess and helpful and just wonderful the process hiring them and setting everything up was clear and everything ran smooth the day of my reception and my wedding I would use them again for sure. read more

The best bartending team you could hire for a wedding. We had them for our wedding in July. Note we were hosting a destination wedding in San Diego without being from there. If that's your situation, trust these guys with all your bartending needs. Our guests loved them, and were able to make the perfect drinks! read more

We hired First String Bartending for our wedding, which was just a few weeks ago. Richard and his team were SO professional and friendly. Because of their exceptional service, all of our guests had an amazing time! We are so glad we went with First String and we highly recommend them for any event! Thank you again, Richard! read more

Richard helped my party turn out exactly as I had envisioned! He's super nice, arrived on time, and took care of everything from start to finish. He made sure that we all stayed quenched with yummy adult beverages, handed out Champagne as my guests boarded, and came around to get us all a round of shots going. I appreciate how he went above and beyond. I couldn't be more happier with his service, and cannot wait to throw another event to have him bartend. Richard, you are awesome!! Thank you for making my 30th Birthday Party one for my guests and I to remember! read more

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First String Bartending worked our wedding on Friday, April 20, and were every bit as good as advertised (if not more!) They were punctual, courteous, friendly and excellent bartenders. Richard Inunza, who we communicated with before the event, was exceptionally flexible, communicative and friendly. These services are fairly priced and well worth it, and I would highly recommend First String for your event. We are so happy we chose them to be bartenders for our wedding. read more

We had the pleasure with working with Richard! He was awesome, great with our guests and so professional! I remember him checking on us to see if we wanted anything to drink! Our guests loved him, it was almost like he was part of our family! Thank you so much for making our wedding so fun and we will be sure to use you guys again for other events!! read more

Needless to say I just had another party of 180 people and we used Richard and his crew. Richard was not able to make this one but his replacement crew was awesome. Terry filled in and did a great job of handling everything. Our special servers, Margo, Maxeen and Ida were fabulous! They came up with special lava drinks for the kids and also some drinks with menus for the adults. There is no other way to state that they are perfect! I will always use them. read more

I used First String Bartending for my husband's retirement party and I'm so happy I did. Richard was great answering all my questions before the party and Andy did an incredible job all night. The price was great and the service was amazing. read more

I cannot express enough how valuable they were to our wedding. So easy to work with and always accessible before the event. We forgot club soda and they immediately ran out to get it during their prep time but were still ready to go when the event starting. Our specialty cocktails were delicious and they even helped clean up at the end. So worth it to book this crew for any event!!! -Julian and Alex Peña read more

We had a party months ago and Richard was so great to work with. He worked with me to customize a drink menu and his staff is soooooo professional! Fast, nicely dressed, courteous and extremely thoughtful! Our event was flowing smoothly all night and their prices were very reasonable!! I was very happy with their services and they will be my go to in the future !! read more

I wish I could give 100 stars to Richard and Banessa. I decided to splurge on a bartender for my 30th birthday. I found First String Bartending through Yelp and was surprised at how affordable they are - I didn't even have to "splurge"! I changed my venue location three times within two months and Richard didn't have a problem with it. He answered every phone call and email promptly. And when I asked him if I was the most annoying client he's ever had, he was nice enough to say, "No way!" You wouldn't even know he was the owner because he made me feel like he had all the time in the world for me when I'm sure he was extremely busy! I added Banessa as wait staff last minute and she was an angel. I had a temporary freak out over my birthday cake and my anxiety would have lasted a lot longer if Banessa hadn't been there to keep me calm. She even brought me a lemon drop martini and told me to relax and she would take care of everything - instantly made me feel better! Because of Richard and Banessa, I didn't have to worry about a thing. They were set up at the location before I even got there and helped me set up the food and show the guests in. Richard even made sure to make my drinks first when I walked up to the bar (it's my party, I can cut the line if I want to.) My guests were talking about how great he was and could not believe his prices. A friend hired a bartender to just pour wine and beer at her party and she said they charged double what Richard charges - and he was making delicious mixed drinks! He even sent me the pictures he took at my party when I told him I forgot to take pictures that night! I'm definitely hiring them again for every event I have. I felt so lucky to have found them! Oh and one last word of advice, follow his shopping list. He's an expert and knows what he's talking about. I bought an extra bottle for every liquor he suggested and ended up with way too much at the end of the night. Now I need to throw another party just to finish the bottles! read more

OMG 4 stars isn't nearly enough! I would give First String Bartending Service 100 stars!! Richard is amazing!! He was very professional through the whole process and on the day of gave my family and friends outstanding service! Richard kept in constant contact with me and assured me that he would deliver on everything I asked for, and he did just that. He received so any compliments from my guest on how friendly and professional him and his staff were. Richard created special mock tail drinks for my daughter and her friends and they loved it! I could go on and on, but I suggest booking this company so you can see for yourself! read more

First String Bartending Services - Best bartender ever!! - Bartenders Near Me - San Diego, California

Richard, what a great event. My daughters wedding at the Encinitas Botanical garden was a huge success. The two separate locations for drinks during the night worked out very well. The bride did not want a signature drink or hard liquor but your service and beer/wine paired so very well with the food that was served. Great service from beginning to end. Happy bartenders made the guests feel really welcomed. From set up to tier down, your crew was exceptional. We had no concerns about quantity and quality of the beverages and everyone had a super time...over 100 guests. Thank you for being flexible on initial scheduling, on time and with all the required items to make our event a huge success. I would highly recommend your team to others who require a professional bartender for any event. read more

This was my first time hiring a mobile bartender and it was a wonderful experience! Richard, the owner, was excellent in communication and listened to all my needs and concerns. He assigned Andy to be the bartender at my parents' party and Andy felt like part of the family Andy not only served drinks but helped clean up after the party. HE WAS GREAT! I want to throw another party just to invite him read more

Great experience. Extremely professional but without lacking a personal touch. We shopped several different SD bartending teams and found Richard's approach to be more succinct, more straight-forward and more value (ie. we saved money). The execution at the event was flawless. Highly recommend them. read more

First string bartending provided the best services out of all my vendors on my wedding day. The bartending gentleman was kind, efficient and unlike any of my other vendors was attentive without encroaching on our event. I would recommend them to anyone and everyone. They rocked it and we're so appreciative! read more

Where to start?! From my first phone call til we said goodbye at the venue, Richard was nothing but professional, sincere, and excellent at what he does. We used him for a wedding on August 20th. Him and his employee Vanessa showed up on time with energy, smiles, and a positive attitude. They did an amazing job, were super organized and professional, made wonderful drinks, and knew exactly how to interact with guests and other vendors alike. Thank you Richard! You saved the day and were exactly what were looking for. You will definitely be our first choice for any other special events! read more

They did our wedding a year ago, and we loved them!! Super friendly, and came through for us at the last minute. If you hire them, you'll be so happy!! read more

Richard and Andy kept the party going at our wedding of heavy drinkers! We initially chose them because they had the best bang for our buck and we were on a tight budget since the average California wedding costs $40k. They helped us stay far below that and we had a 7 hour open bar! They handled our 150 guest count with grace and efficiency. We got their mixer, cups, ice package we provided the alcohol. We also got 3 signature drinks with no additional charge. During the wedding, they made sure we had alcoholic drinks but what we found to be more impressive was that they made sure to keep us hydrated by offering my husband and I water! They looked like they were having fun doing their jobs. We definitely made the right choice with first string! read more

We hired first string for our wedding and from our first email to Richard I knew this was the company to go with. They are professional, quick to reply to your questions and easy to work with. They even gave us a custom shopping list to stock our bar: Our guests were taken care of and served fast and our bartender always had a smile on her face. read more

First String Bartending Services - Bartenders Near Me - San Diego, California

Thanks so much Richard and Banessa for making my western theme celebration a huge success. You guys were on time and even started early to host party. You catered to the guests respectfully and professionally with yummy drinks. I was very appreciative that you guys dressed up for the theme. Thanks again, I would definitely recommend your bartending service. read more

First String Bartending Services - Bartenders Near Me - San Diego, California

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I hired First String for our annual holiday party at the last minute after a cancellation, and they were AMAZING. Richard was professional, polite, and upbeat. I had never hired a bartender for a private party of this type before, and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again, or to recommend First String. They were such a hit at the party. The drinks were delicious, and Richard came early to help set up, and left the bar area pristine when he headed out for the night. Can't recommend them enough! read more

Absolutely love these guys! It rained on my wedding day and even they made my day better! Yummy drinks and so attentive to the detail! I also loved that they worked with my budget and made everything easy! Definitely would recommend read more

I found out about this company at another wedding I had attended prior. Super cool dudes to work with. After speaking with several (more like 7-8) bartending services, this one was the most honest and down-to-earth that we contacted. All the others tried to upsell like hell on mixers, ice, etc....but First String took the time to listen to what we really wanted and offered us exactly what we asked for! Richard was always prompt in responding to us and was always happy to answer any questions we had. I would definitely use them again! read more

Richard and team did such a great job at my wedding in August 2016. I made a lot of changes to the drink menu and Richard was very accommodating in updating my shopping list. More importantly, he was very responsive to my questions along the way. Great job and all of my guests were happy and buzzed :) lastly, I left early but my late night party guests said that the bar stayed open past the time I had agreed to bc they were still dancing and drinking. That was very sweet of Richard. Hire them! Great rates, friendly staff and an easy vendor to work with during a stressful time!! read more

Richard is awesome! I worked with him for an event I coordinated on New Year's Day at Moniker Warehouse. He is personable, responsive and all around awesome! I would highly recommend! read more

First String is first class! Jake was so professional and a fun addition to our engagment party! Richard is organized and incredibly helpful. We will definitely recommend First String to our friends and family. We will be hiring them again! read more

All of our guests enjoyed the party and especially the 2-Bartenders from "FIRST STRING." All the women enjoyed Jake and all the men really enjoyed Nathalie!! They served up some awesome drinks which kept everyone in a very HAPPY mood. First String did it again!! Score a 10-out-of-10 for them. That's why they are called "FIRST STRING"!! Having a party? You better call "FIRST STRING" and make it an Epic happening for you!! read more

First String Bartending Services - Great Bartenders at our big party. - Bartenders Near Me - San Diego, California

Excellent staff and very professional! My husband and I hired First String for our wedding back in February. Richard was extremely helpful and thorough in his responses leading up to our big day. At our reception the bartenders were very courteous and continued to make sure my husband and I were good to go that night (whether that was with water or an adult beverage). I highly recommend First String to anyone in need of a bartending service for any event! read more

I recently worked with Richard and his team for a wedding at the Coronado Community Center. They were so amazing to work with and went above and beyond to make sure the Bride and Groom were happy. The guests raved about their cocktails. His team executed the distribution of the wedding toast (which was comprised of 3 different selections) without flaw. Their attention to detail and promptness is incomparable. I would refer them for any event and can't wait to work with them in the future! read more