Unprofessional from the start. Sent an email asking for details and instead received a blanket email with no details. Instead a rep named Rich kept calling and it was like talking to a used car or a timeshare sales person. Super frustrating. I was interested but his tactic of avoiding answering my questions was a red flag from the get go. So it was a huge NO for me. I will do an internship instead with a bartender and get hands on tutelage. Especially after reading their reviews. Such a waste of my time and energy. read more

This was a very intense schooling. The instructors were great. I cannot imagine trying to bartend without this schooling.

David was excellent, Learning how to make Martinis, Manhattans and Rob Roys was excellent. If you are looking for an different place to host a party, this is your spot. I love making quality drinks and now have learned that my pour is on the money. You are able to bring in food and dessert and also have your music piped into the space. Learning to make drink under controlled circumstances gives you an advantage! Would go back again just for fun. read more

Midwest Bartenders School - Learned how to make an official pour and not spill a drop! This is amazing! - Bartending Schools Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Just graduated! Really enjoyed the classes, very informative and the teachers are outstanding! I would recommend this school to anyone looking to learn quickly and open themselves up to many opportunities and events to work at!! read more

Currently taking the weekend classes. Lesley our mixologist teacher is great! But we've got 18 people in the class, only 3 to 4 people can really fit behind the bar to practice. So we practice in groups and have to share a lot of the bottles. So you're not able to practice efficiently and learn the count of your pours correctly and timing. Our teacher Lesley did extend our class time an extra hour so we could get a little more time behind the bar to learn. But it was still very minimal. Very frustrating with the money that I have paid and the little time that I get to practice. read more

It Rented the space for a private party / lesson, and we had a ball! David was a great host and instructor. We learned to make martinis, manhattans, and Rob Roys. We learned the difference between "up", "neat", and "dirty".. and we had fun doing it! read more

Midwest Bartenders School - Bartending Schools Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

My only experience with this business was via a Living Social offer that was promoted as a "Mixology Class" a $45 deal (which in hindsight was TOTALLY overpriced) for a 4 hour class to learn how to make cocktails. I have no idea how they operate an actual class but this was a hot mess of an evening and sadly 4 hours that I will never get back! First off the the Mixology Class was NOT what was advertised! It was pitched as a "So you want to have a party for a few cosmopolitan friends but don't know how to make a cocktail...well learn how to make over 200 drinks blah blah blah..." This was a bait and switch deal because it was a 4 hour pitch about signing up to attend this school so that you could be a bartender for hire. The whole thing was completely unorganized, the instructor was told there would be 5 people showing up when there was actually 17. Upon entering we were handed a folder and an application. (WTF??) The folder contained a few pages of recipes but mostly facts/info on being a bartender for hire. The first 15 minutes was spent on introductions (no problem, I like meeting new people) after that the next 20 minutes was the instructor telling us all the stuff she wasn't going to teach us, (i.e. The "fancy" drinks at Applebee's and Cheesecake Factory.) Why this mattered, I have no idea as not ONE person said they wanted to make those types of drinks. Moreover, not ONE person said they were there to learn how to be a bartender for hire or to make that their profession yet we were "pitched" to all night about the school. It was tedious! The entire thing was just a hot mess! Several people got up and left which I almost did numerous times but I kept hoping it would get better, it never did. We covered things like how to up-sell someone to a top shelf liquor because that will increase the tab thereby increasing the tip and while that is indeed true its hardly relevant if we are ALL there to learn how to make drinks for friends in our own home! The bar is not "Well Stocked" as was promoted in the LS offer it's pretend like a Barbie's Playhouse. Most everything is fake! The mixers are fake, the fruit is fake, the whip cream is shaving cream, the straws and stir sticks have been there for decades! I get that for cost saving measures they might cut corners, but then don't tout this as an experience in a "Well Stocked Bar". Class was supposed to go til 9:00pm but by 8:30 most everyone was walking out the door and as we left we were advised that ordinarily the cost to attend "school" is $495 but for tonight only it was discounted to $295. OK, whatever.... The instructor had 25+ years behind a bar so she was knowledgeable, but honestly most of the information that was shared with us was stuff we could have easily gotten in a book of recipes or by watching homemade video clips on YOU Tube. All and all this was a big HUGE big waste of time. read more

Had a lot of fun at this place. You don't need to go to school but it's definitely helped me learn and remember lots of drinks that I make all the time. HOWEVER, of you are going to go here, save all your proof of payments. I wasn't able to get my license until I paid off my balance, so I went in and paid the balance and was given my license. 4 years later I'm getting letters from a collections agency that says I still have a balance. I'm trying to improve my credit and now have a mark against me for something I already paid!!! Then... I'm trying to call them to get it straightened out, but they never answer the phone. Had a great 2 weeks of classes, but wouldn't have done it if I would have know they were going to screw me over in this way. read more

I came in and was greeted by Charmaine- she was an absolute doll. Richard signed me up right away and I paid the $720 up front for the two weeks course. Slight down fall, he seemed a little pushy and annoyed that I asked questions about the course so I kept it brief. I was there less then 5 minutes. Charmaine greeted me once I left his office and asked when I would be starting--- Monday I told her, she offered for me to sit in and observe the class she was about to start (this was before 10am). I declined because I had other obligations that day, but I thought that was very kind none the less. Monday rolled around and I got there a half hour early. Charmaine was my instructor. I was a little disappointed to find out that two out of the 5 people in my class were on payment plans- I wasn't told that was an option. I still planned on paying up front like I had but knowing that getting on a payment plan was an option would have been nice regardless. I like honesty. The classes were really fun, a breeze. If you apply yourself you won't have any problems. There was one girl in class that always tried sitting next to me so she could copy my answers, she never paid any attention and was constantly asking me what she missed (she was buried in her phone the entire time so no wonder she struggled). She also always tried to practice mixing drinks next to me so she could copy my every movement. After several classes I squeezed myself between two other classmates and didn't have to explain why- they already knew. You get a book to study in class and to take home with you. You have assignments/quizzes every day. As long as you pay attention and are truly there to learn you wont have any problems passing them. The instructor will help you if you get stumped or have questions. I usually ask lots of questions but Charmaine is a fast paced instructor and covered everything. Which was great! The class room/facility is set up like an actual bar. The instructor will explain the different bar set ups and what is expected most places for opening and closing duties. They'll explain the different liquors and liqueurs. What you will practice mixing with is not real alcohol. Basically water and food coloring although occasionally you will get the chance to practice with the real stuff and get a chance to try different concoctions. Nothing that will give you a buzz. You will be able to practice technique and flare. You'll learn about all the utensils; some that bars will carry and others that wont be necessary. I'm glad I got to actually practice mixing because I'm a kinesthetic learner as opposed to a visual or auditory. The written exam is long, be prepared for a couple pages. But again- if you apply yourself don't worry. The mixing exam is basically (speed test) 12 drinks mixed in under 8 minutes. You'll get to practice the proper pours each morning and also have plenty of time each class to practice other drinks so don't freak out! I stayed over a few times and came in early also a couple times so I could practice to my hearts content till I felt comfortable. I passed the written exam with a 96% and passed the mixing exam in 6 minutes. There was every type of person in my class. A Hispanic lady who's English was a little rough, she already had a job with her family in a bar and was there to learn more recipes and to better understand the laws for bars, liquor, and serving- which they covered. There was a retired elderly women who was there for fun, she was basically just looking for another skill set and to learn different things to make at home for her and her husband. There was the girl who wanted everything to be handed to her (the one who was always peeking over my shoulder)- she cheated on her written exam (and yes, the instructor knew and had her re-take it, cheating is not tolerated) and not sure if she took her mixing exam or how many try's it took her. There was the army girl- she got out of serving our country after 20 years and wanted something to keep her busy and that would also be beneficial on the money front. And then there was me- I wanted a new career and skill set. Charmaine won't just dump you after you pass your exam. She'll work with you, give you the opportunity to practice by actually working different events. She'll give you a password for their site afterwards that'll show you different job openings and she'll also keep in contact with you on different places that are looking for help. Don't be hesitant to try it out. Some employers prefer hiring people who have actual experience as opposed to school or training. But then some people will hire you because you are trained properly, have flare, and haven't picked up any bad habits yet. It's a good foot in the door at least and even if you haven't bartended anywhere employers will like the fact that you've done events so you have some experience in that area- so definitely try to sign up for events when you can. read more

A fantastic class. Although it's only 2 weeks you learn an insane amount about different drinks and the industry. My instructor Cliff seriously knew his stuff. I'd recommend this class for whoever is trying to get in the industry or just trying to learn a new skill. read more

This is the best bartending school in Indianapolis having fun while you going to make money.

My wife and myself attended the class finished the course with honors and are paid in full now that we're out of the class they have yet to call us for any jobs read more

It's actually Midwest Bartenders School...if you want to bartend or serve by all means do it and they will accept anybody...tuition is about $700 for a 2-week course (day or 6-10 at night)...they say it is discounted from $1000+ so they can fill classes....the classroom is set up like a bar...instructor (mine was Cliff) knows his stuff and will tell jokes...it is really fast paced...there is a lot to study...you learn how to mix drinks, serve properly and safely...quizes every day but not really graded...you can practice bartending about 1-2 hours a day with 4 people to a section of the bar...not a whole lot of time for me....final day of course is tests (written and speed test in which you must mix 12 different drinks in less than 8 minutes). This may seem overwhelming but instructors will help you on speed test if you get stumped and you can take test over again that day if you don't make it...I got I think 95 percent of written and did speed in 7:20. When you graduate you can access jobs online and sign up to work special events that school contracts with Indy 500, KY Derby and others...but many many people sign up for these and you may not work as often as you'd like....I've been able to work just 1 event since July...the brickyard 400. I had a hangup with getting paid for that but it was resolved. If you want to bartend for a career or just part time this is a good school but afterward be patient about getting jobs. read more

This experience was Amazing ! I've learned alot more than I thought went into Bartending. I have a whole new outlook for Bartenders. My instructor Cliff, Very Amusing and fun to be around. He's a great Instructor ! I definitely would recommend this class to everyone! read more

Great fun, the bar could be updated a bit. Learned a lot of different drinks, but am not sure if they will ever be used. Great location. Thought I would learn a little more, but still had a great time and met awesome people. read more

I signed up for the class because my mother Charmaine works for the school. My teacher was Cliff but she guided me through the areas I struggled in. I learned a lot about alcohol and other familiar drinks. Good class to take, easy way to make easy money on the side. People believe bar tending is just simple and it actually is... but you can't make any money on the side or have the experiences you'll get if you don't have the license. There's some Pro's & Cons to this but WAY MORE LEGIT PROS than cons and Im happy with it. read more

I was scared at first and excited all at the same time when I first started, but after completing my coursework, I am so happy to start my new career as a bartender. read more

They do accept anyone because they want your money...you def do not need this school to get a job. They do say they discount it just to get you in there. Some of the bars around told me bartending school looks bad on resumes because they want actual work experience. There is a lot of studying and lots to learn and get thrown at you in a short amount of time. It is fast pased but if you study you will pass. After you graduate..good luck at trying to get an event. You have to buy your own bar kit and uniform and license. I got signed up for an event and bought all the things needed --drove there a few different times to sign up and get the info(i live over an hour away) also canceled plans...they then told me they didn't need me a day before the event. I had problems getting a hold of anyone for answers on what to do or where to go and felt like I was not getting what I paid for. Also the flair classes are fun...but I also had a problem getting a hold of anyone after I graduated to know when they were or werent having them. I felt that as soon as they received my payment and I graduated that they could care less anymore about me. They promise job placement but they just give you a list of bars or restaurants hiring around them. Me and my friend were def not impressed and feel they should be more organized and professional about things...especially since people pay a nice amount of money to do this school. I think if you are already a bartender this school would be ok for you to do to sharpen your skills up--if not--save your money and invest it in somthing better! read more