Making the decision to complete and also receive my mixology/ bartending certification here was one of my best decisions thus far! I had been putting this off for years and I'm proud of myself for finally doing it! It was so eye opening to receive such great background information and techniques needed in order to be a professional in the world of mixology and bartending. I give MUCH respect to this profession to my instructors! The program is definitely not easy BUT it's rewarding and gratifying once you pass the final parts. It's a badge of honor that I wear probably because it definitely challenged me and I appreciate my drive and will power so much more than before!!! Do it! read more

Professional Bartending School - Bartending Schools Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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From absolutely zero knowledge of anything that goes on behind a bar and knowing only what i drink personally... to practicing making drinks from day one! And now knowing drinks off the back of my hand, speed testing at 21 drinks in 8 minutes the 1st test to finishing at 26 drinks in 8 minutes and a 97 on the final exam! Brand knowledge, liquor knowledge, bar etiquette, safe serving. I am going straight to building a resume and setting up interviews! Steve was great and definitely made me work and surprise myself. Mrs. Sylvia is a super funny sweet heart and it seems she will do everything in her power to help you succeed... I completed the course and now... I'm building my resume and taking my safe serve certification test to make myself even more marketable. I will be back when I land my first bartending gig read more

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What an amazing experience here at this Bartending school. The instructors were friendly and very professional. I highly recommend this school for anyone interested in learning about mixology or pursuing a career in bartending. Very clean atmosphere as well. read more

Professional Bartending School - My mixed drinks - Bartending Schools Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

So I wanted an actual experience and get trained to properly give me started in bartending and I thought this was a pretty good way to do it. Now I've read some comments and this is not for everybody and that's okay, but for me, I need somebody to make sure I know what needs to be done as far as instruction goes and this class setting was a good place for that. They actually let me come in and look at a class and sit in for a little bit just to see if I like the environment so I thought that was pretty good of them. How this goes is you will go ahead and sign up and pay the money and then you'll pick what time slot of classes you want to attend. The cool thing about them is that they have a lot of different options. I have a daytime job so I did the night classes which go from 6:00 till 10:00 p.m. You can do morning classes or afternoon as well. And they actually have a weekend class as well so you can come on Saturdays. All of these make a big difference as they take a different amount of time. The night classes are 4 hours but the weekend classes are 8 hours. So you just have to make sure you can commit to a certain amount of time before you do decide to lock in a class. Sylvia ran me through what to expect before and after I finish. So you will go and sit in a actual back room that is set up like several bars. The structure has a bar in front and you will have book work and then you'll have practice time. Of course every instructor is different so keep that in mind, the instructor But I had, Jerry, went through the first hour of class and went through all the things you would need to practice. And then the next hour we would practice on our own to try to get used to and memorized what we could. after a break, we would come back and then we would all do the drinks together and try to do them from memory. So you really makes you have to memorize as much as possible. The biggest thing here is understanding in memory. It's a lot, and I mean a lot of information. Especially in a small period of time. I did the two-week 5 days a week course so they pack the hell of a lot in 2 weeks but you really have to go into the class ready to absorb and then practice and then come out of the class and read and study on your own. If you don't do that and don't do your due diligence, this is not going to work. Because think about it, is a bartender year trying to absorb an internalize different flavors and metrics in mixers and liquors and liquor combinations, it's a lot! It does help that they do walk you through this stuff in the class itself but if you don't take it home and flashcard your way to victory, you may not be successful unless you can bend your mind to remember everything off of the first time you hear it. So you get a book and it's over 170 pages and it goes through all types of drinks which may be shots or dinner drinks or martinis or whatever else you would find at a bar. It goes over all the liquors that should come across in the bar as well and you have to you have to internalize those, for example, knowing the differences between scotches and bourbons and whiskeys is a big part because bourbons and whiskeys are really big deal in the bar scene right now. But the book goes over all that and he does a review, maybe about 10 or 15 minutes before the class really gets going, so you can refresh what you read and talk about the things that are going to be on the final. Yes there will be a final like as actual school setting lol. The 1st half of class you're going to be working through the book and working the recipes and memorizing. The 2nd week of class you're going to be taking all that and applying it and he's going to be testing you on your physical promise so this means you're going to be doing speed drills to see how fast you can make a number of drinks. You have a certain amount of minutes to make a certain amount of drinks, and you need to make them accurately, which means you're making sure you use the right garnishes and the right glasses and all of the liquor combinations are fairly correct. He'll help you through that though so it's not like you're going to be on an island when you're sweating during the speed test lol. The second part of the class (the last day) after you've done all the practicing and reading and speed test, you going to take a final which is a lengthy paged test that you have to go over all the things that you have learned. This is where you're going to be talking about what different types of liquor tastes and fragrances are, where things are from, and of course you're going to be listing all the elements of making a large number of drinks. And again, this is a memory game. If you go on an interview, you're going to want to be able to know how to make a martini so he wants to drive certain points home so you don't have to worry about looking up on your phone with somebody asks you for elements of a drink. Especially if it's a common drink. A worth it experience. read more

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The staff were professional and knowledgeable. They provided a detailed training and make sure I understood the procedures. It was a nice experience to learn from them! I definitely recommend them! read more

I am currently a bartender and only worked in certain establishments and forgot how to make certain drinks, do to limited cocktails and the crowd. I decided to go back to bartend school and relearn cocktails that I have not made since the first time that I went to a different bartend school in 2006. This establishment was much better. Started off it was only a couple of us in the class to more ppl showing up through the week and the following week. I relearned cocktails and had fun with the instructor and classmates. I was the clown in the class but I enjoyed myself and kept saying I'm going to come back. Silvia is awesome with supporting graduates with job placement and or coming to your job to support you. I 100% will recommend this establishment. One of the best things is once you graduate, if you still need help, you're welcome back for more training. read more

I started at the school in 2017 and my teacher was Jerry, which was amazing. I came back last week to do a refreshment course which cost me $150 including my book and by the third day I dropped out the class because I did not like the teacher, Stephen I felt that he was treating me different and I felt that he was saying inappropriate things in his class. I told him that I will get a job working at a gentleman's club ( knowing the owner so can he review my résumé? That's the only reason why I told him that ) and after the info I gave him , he kept on saying you're a dirty martinis girl and he kept on saying you like old fashions meaning I like old men. I complain to Sylvia And she took his side ( not giving me a refund for a three day class which would've took two weeks ) and I refuse to go back. Also, he kept on using the word retarded in his class and all he did was talk about sports and not teach the class like he should like Mr. Jerry. They will not refund me my $150 which is OK but I will never come back to the school again . I will now go to ABC bartending school, which is only $300 instead of paying 500 for a full course here. read more

Very professional and well run school. They teach you all the skills you need to become a professional bartender beyond just learning drink recipes. After completing the class I was definitely well prepared for the fast paced demands of being a bartender anywhere. They also have job placement which I know most people I went to class with used after they graduated and got jobs all around metro atlanta. I wanted to learn the skill mostly so I could work private parties on my off days and nights for some extra cash which they also were very helpful with. Highly recommend read more

The place to be to become a mixologist. More so if you want to learn about bourbon, Stephen is the one to educate you.

This place was by far the best after comparing a few schools. Training was very thorough and the staff was amazing. Was hired immediately as a bartender based off the skills I gained. read more

I graduated from PBSA in November of this year and had a great experience. Everyone was extremely helpful in teaching me everything I needed to know to begin bartending. From someone who knew nothing about bartending to scoring perfectly on my exam, I owe it all to their patience and knowledgeable staff. Definitely worth the investment. read more

I came to this school to learn how to be a bartender. I enrolled and got started right away. The recipes, measurement, laws of spirits, and how to operate a full bar is some of the things I learned. The instructors are very knowledgeable and passionate about the industry and make sure you learn everything there is to know. I also loves the way the classroom is set up with actual bars and alcohol bottles with all bartender equipment available. That was a plus and it allowed me to get comfortable with being behind the bar.They also helped me create a resume and get out into the bar industry immediately. I really enjoyed this learning experience, my instructor Jerry, and the knowledge i gained for my craft as a bartender. read more

Professional Bartending School - Another day enjoying bartending school.... Cheers!! - Bartending Schools Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Hi everyone My name is Tiara Payne and I am a recent graduate of Professional Bartending School. I wanted to take the opportunity to show my appreciation for these guys because everyone here is so sweet, they make you feel like you're apart of this family, and their way of teaching is immensely legit. I'm telling you if I had not had this experience I first wouldn't have gotten the job I got, (PBS got me hired) and even if I had of gotten the job I wouldn't have lasted more than 2 days but because PBS taught me as much as I could retain, it really guided me and turned me into pretty much their best bartender which is crazy seeing how I was the new girl. Well I won't make this an essay lol I'm just extremely grateful for all they've done for me, I mean I'm living my dreams now and to think it all started here read more

Took this class a while ago and it was very steep in price. The class itself was amusing enough but what really bothered me was the "job placement" spiel. After I completed and passed the class, I walked out of the door never to hear from them again. I tried to get a job bartending but everywhere I went on my own was thoroughly unimpressed with "bartending school" being on my resume and told me I had wasted my money. I tried going through the school for job placement and all of my phone calls were ignored, my voicemails never returned, my emails unanswered and my stopping by always seemed to be when they were "too busy", "about to start a class", having a meeting", etc. I completely feel like they took my money, gave bare-minimum instruction (a beer video? Really?) And then give you a big "f-you". read more

I had a very disappointing experience at the Atlanta campus this morning. The administrator was 40 minutes late and did not have the class materials ready. I informed her that I wanted to withdraw from the class due to those reasons... she told me to go to hell, said I would be a bitch to get a job for, and said that she was sure that my check would bounce. I informed her that I am retired military and that my money was good. She was not nice, helpful or polite. I was excited about attending this school. I am just happy that there is another school here in Atlanta. I am lodging a complaint about this with the BBB. No one, and especially retired military, should be treated this way. I am getting a full refund, as I was within the 3 days as allowed in my contract, and my fiancé is withdrawing as well. She is not a good representative for this business. Being told to go to hell, being called a bitch, and then being told that I would write a bad check... calling my integrity into question???... I am going to elevate this as far as I can; Oh, and as she was making a copy of my withdrawal explanation letter, at 9:00, the instructor walked in... for a class that was supposed to start at 8:30 I so do not recommend read more

Despite these negative reviews, I had an awesome time at my Saturday class! Nolan was a great instructor and very informative. The classroom is so cool. It was a real life bar set up. Practice days are available!!! Nolan went over some basics, after that we were behind the bar for an hr. Repetition is key. We repeated this throughout the day, and in my first day I learned how to make 14 drinks. 7 just based off memory. After the course they help you find a job in your desired atmosphere. I can't wait till I become a Real bartender!!!! read more

Professional Bartending School - This is the classroom setting! A real bar setup! - Bartending Schools Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

The teacher Jerry was very Professional and Accurate with his lessons. The classroom setting was like working in a real bar. The atmosphere, the vibe was genuine and up beat. Big Shout Out!! To my girl Asia Levingston the Job Placement Coordinator for her support. She had me in interviews the week following my Graduation. By the 2nd week I had 2 jobs to choose from.. Which was Awesome!! Totally recommend this school if your looking to be in this profession and want to do it right, give them a call. Go take a tour and tell them I sent Ya!! read more

Overall, I say the experience was cool. I wouldn't say that it is not a good idea to go to this school however, just be aware that that whole job placement thing is a lie. They don't actually place you on a job, they just tell you where to apply. They send you and 10 other graduates to the same interviews and openings. read more

Professional Bartending School - Bartending Schools Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Absolutely phenomenal and helpful staff. Within two weeks of graduating I was Bartending full time on the Upper Westside. Absolutely worth your investment if you're interested in becoming a bartender! All the educators are unique and talented, and very helpful in ensuring you leave the course knowing what you need to know. Definitely worth your time and investment. read more

This is a great school. Excellent instructors and they ensure that you are properly trained and given the skills to obtain a job as a bartender. Would highly recommend this course to anyone seeking to learn this profession. read more

I have read all of the reviews here, and I guess everyone's experiences, and opinions, are different. I have no negatives to report on my experience with the school. I started the school in the summer of 2012 and had to leave part way through. When I called in August of 2016, my file was located quickly and, since I had paid the tuition in full, they allowed me to start the course over and complete it. For a school of this nature, I feel that the tuition is competitive and warranted. At no time was I treated rudely and no one "ignored the hell out of" me. As for the classroom environment; yes, you mix with colored water and have plastic garnishes. To use liquor and real garnishes would be cost prohibitive...let's be real. The instructors are very experienced in the bartending field, and are focused on developing professional mixologists, not "drink slingers." Because of the experience of the instructors, students can glean many subtle nuances of the job, preparing them to work in, virtually, any bar environment. Speed is emphasized, but I can say that the instructors watch which bottles you pull and how you measure to ensure proficiency and correctness. On job placement...Asia Levingston has gotten me some pretty cool private gigs (I've been told that the best are chosen for private parties), but more importantly, she has diligently stayed in contact with me regarding openings in some of the very highest class of establishments. Her choices of jobs to refer to me have been exactly what I asked for in my placement interview. Asia has advised me about the intricacies of interviews in some of these places, so that I was as prepared to interview effectively as I could be. Lifetime job placement? I don't know...I'm not dead yet, but I have confidence that Asia will support alumni as much as she can in their quest for employment, but it is incumbent on the graduate mixologist to take an active role in their job search,too. In summary, my experience with this school is completely positive and the staff have been nothing but supportive since I graduated. I graduated in August of 2016, and I have recovered the cost of my tuition in work that I have gotten through Asia, alone. If you want to learn in a fun environment, taught by consumate professionals, I highly recommend the Professional Bartending School. If you have questions, contact me at wade.h.price@gmail.com. read more

Is bartending school worthwhile? Generally, no. They tend to substitute plastic fruit for actual garnishes, colored water for booze and teach outdated recipes while charging a fairly large amount of money. Professional Bartending School is no different. However, if you're looking to make extra cash as a bartender in a night club or a college bar, Professional Bartending School will give you the right , though dated, recipe collection for those environs and some experience behind a bar using common equipment. It seems that most people can make at least 20 cocktails in 7 minutes after taking the class. The do use only colored water, so I don't know that'd I trust graduates can make a good drink, but they are fast. They pretty much emphasize speed solely at this school and therefore free-pouring over measuring. The quality of the school is that of and old dive bar and the people who work there remind me of some of my favourite people I used to encounter in my bartending days 20 years ago. Space is kind of cramped & the equipment is not in the best condition. Students are told what a proper set up would be and the bar is close to a complete set up, but one does rely on a quite a bit of 'make-believe'. The curriculum covers Cream drinks, Up Cocktails, Shooters, Tall & Highball drinks, Short drinks, Cordial & After Dinner Drinks, Sours and Wine Cocktails. The focus is mainly on shooters and syrupy sweet juvenile concoctions, though. Class covers a set of 'must-know' essential recipes in that range and the other areas mentioned, but completely ignores 'must-know' essential Classic, current, and modern cocktails, and ignores current trends and ingredients. Also absent is significant historical context, which is essential to understanding the cocktail & the expectations of certain drinkers. In an era where the likes of Ted Haigh, Dale DeGroff, David Wondrich, and Gary Regan reign supreme as experts of cocktail history, technique and recipe orthodoxy, Roger Oldham, the author of the text, is an unknown , perhaps a regional Ohio figure, who peaked in skill and knowledge at the cocktail's lowest point, twenty years ago. His book reflects this and seems to focus on a youthful mid-western and Fort Lauderdale drink-as-much-as-you-can-as-fast-as-you-can crowd of decades back. Nonetheless, there is some useful information in there. The organization of the book is pretty darn good. It is, however, a cheaply bound publication one could have done at any Kinko's. Some liquor information is a bit lacking, and the instructor did err himself a bit on liquor information as well. The recipes taught are a bit odd at times, straying far from the standard occasionally. Martini & Manhattan recipe's, for example, are extremely far from the USBG and IBA standards. Fortunately, one can use the text as a guide & find better versions of recipes from established & well-regarded bartenders online. Aside from cocktails, Professional Bartending School covers Beer and Wine service and spends some time on proper presentation of cordials. Beer service is unfortunately ineffectively taught though a Budweiser DVD from Anheuser-Busch and a Guinness DVD from Diageo. Wine service instruction is presented in the text book. Service of cordials is demonstrated and is practiced in the same make-believe atmosphere of the rest of the course. They claim to provide placement assistance, but only provide publicly-available job postings and do not in fact provide any real placement assistance. They do, however give excellent advice on how to interview land a bartending job. Beware highly positive reviews posted elsewhere online. Most appear to be by employees of the school. Sometimes they even use their real names. If you really just need to learn the basics (not fundamentals) of bartending for a nightclub or college crowd really fast, Professional Bartending School will have you up to speed within two weeks. The classes are steep in price, about $600-$700 for 40 hrs of class time. Students may get a discount on tuition. I'd say don't do it; The Joy of Mixology by Gary Regan covers all you need to know & is a lot cheaper. read more

My mom and I decided to take this class because we were both very interested in bartending. Silvia took us on a tour of the school and allowed us to watch part of a class. We then enrolled and it was a great decision. We took the class with Jerry and we loved it. Jerry is the type of instructor that likes to see everyone be successful so he is always there for assistance. The trick to doing well in this class is to take it seriously and study study study. We took the 2 week program and i truly feel ready to take on a bartending job! 100% recommended this class to anyone and everyone! read more

This place was fun and my instructor Gary was great. I was recommended to go to this school by a friend of mine that said it was fun and easy to catch on. You get 3 certifications upon graduating from the program and they also have a job placement agent help you with your resume and of course help find you a job. I just completed the class and now I'm excited to say I'm looking for a job now. I would recommend and have recommended this place to several of my friends and colleagues. Great place worth every dollar! read more

As a recent "graduate" of this school (April 2013), I can say that this school is worth it and my instructor, Jerry, was top notch on teaching beverage knowledge and any other concerns that I had with the business. As with anything that we do in our career choices, our career environment is constantly changing and is up to us to keep up to date with what's going on as drink recipes change ever so often. I would recommend this school to anyone as the staff has provided me with anything I've asked for. read more

The time I spent with this Bartending School was great. I learned a lot. Never met the instructor Jerry but heard great things about him from other students. My instructor was Joe. I adored him. He made learning fun. Asia and Silvia are great to work with. I have been placed at events as a bartender. If you want to be a bartender I highly recommend this place. read more

I found the staff friendly and helpful. The instructors were knowledgeable, and provided multiple tricks to remember the various builds. I especially appreciated the focus on speed and accurate pours. After completing, I found the placement department indispensable. I continue contact since 2004. You get out of it what you put into it. read more

I graduated from this school and I couldn't be happier! I absolutely love the staff here and everyone is extremely nice. One reason why I choose this school verses others is that they have a placement advisor who helps you find a job to your needs and just not in Georgia but all over the world. Ms. Silvia is super sweet and will make sure you're happy and content! You can't beat the hands on practice they have to offer anywhere else!! Check them out! read more

I don't know what everyone is complaining about! I took the one week excelerated course at the Professional Bartending School of Atlanta, and had so much fun. I looked forward to going to the classes everyday (for 10 hrs). Jerry my instructor had a lot of industry knowledge, shared his stories, and really knew the lessons like the back of his hand. Although it was fake alcohol you still learn what you need to know to be a good efficient bartender. Asia the placement director, was also amazing. Along with tuition you get lifetime job placement and Asia called me within a week of graduating with a job inteterview,which I got! I really enjoyed my time here and was sad it ended! read more

A positive experience with basic training in drink prep, and drinks knowledge. Both Asia and Silvia offered practical advice for getting jobs, will seek placement for you and you can always go in for practice. Highly recommended! read more

I have so much to say, I don't know how to sum it up. I procrastinate ALOT! But this school was so patient with me and all my many issues. I paid in 2015, but didn't attend until 2017! No issues, no hassle, nothing..welcomed with opened arms! And all the staff are so Happy for no reason. It makes you feel so comfortable with coming to class as you are. They made bartending easy, fun and interesting. The class room itself is the inspiration. The job placement is awesome they are serious about YOU and what you want or prefer, kind of like they work for you. I'm currently getting placed with private events because that's what I asked for at the moment. I graduated in March, got a job in April and have had 3 jobs since then. All I can say is if you're considering PBSA then you have chosen well! To me, they are the best. You can't go to no other school and get 3 different certifications, all nationwide, refresh classes if you think you need it, and guaranteed job placement! Money well spent because you make it back in days of your first job! Thank you Joe, Asia and Sylvia! read more

This school was a worthwhile experience for me in that I now know things I didn't and can make drinks I didn't know how to before. I really liked the instructors and I thought they were pretty knowledgable. I however did not make my tuition back in the first week after getting a job so that part of it has been a bit disappointing, I think they should stop using that as a selling point because i think it depends on what type of place your working. I've started at a Mexican restaurant so unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity to make most of the drinks I was taught but its a start, I can always progress to somewhere else if the money isn't right. I still haven't gotten any calls for Bartenders For All Occasions which is the school's other business, so I'm wondering what the deal is with that. Overall I think attending the school is worthwhile if you go when tuition is lower. I put down a deposit last October which locked in my tuition rate at around $500 and I waited until June to take the class. Others who were taking the class paid a lot more. read more

So i went here in 2011. The class was fine and I learned a vast amount of drinks and speed. I was assisted in job placement and found a job within a few weeks. BUT when I called back a year later to find a new job they couldn't fund my file and said they would pull it from the back and call me the next day. This went on for about two months! I found a job by myself but how can you advertise lifetime job placement when you can't even call someone back? I have my certification and my reciept but they wouldn't help me with finding a job because they couldn't find my file. Ridiculous. I wish I had tried a different school that wouldn't just take my money and not follow through on their "lifetime job placement". Disappointing in how it is ran after you graduate. read more

After reading some of the past reviews, I can honestly say that I have had a totally exact opposite set of experiences at The Professional Bartending School. Especially concerning the administration, a lot of the aforementioned staff is no longer with PBS. They have a new Job Specialist by the name of Asia, who literally every week sends me out on bar tendering interviews. The Instructors are very well informed with all the latest bartending knowledge and very positive as well. It's truly the best Bartending School in Atlanta, just go in for a visit and see for yourself. read more

Hello, My name is Cherina and I attended The Professional Bartending School in February of this year. I am relocating to Atlanta and I went there for a week before I moved to take the class. I picked that school because I liked they had Job Placement. It really geared me to that school. Although I didn't know what to expect when I went in because I was scared of the fast past, I took the week course and learned so many different things. Not only was the class fun and informative, but the staff was awesome. My teachers were Stephen and Jerry. They made the class interesting and they actually cared if I succeeded. On the last day of class the Placement Director Asia came to me, and I thought I was in trouble. She said can I talk to you, and I said sure. Really guys, I thought i was in trouble. She said, "I know you're going home tomorrow to pack up, and you will be gone for a week, but can you do an interview tonight?" Of course I said yes! I went to the interview and started training that night. And the rest will be history! Thank you Asia, Stephen, Jerry and all the staff at The Professional Bartending School. read more

I absolutely loved this school, the staff are very welcoming n courteous. The program is short but very informative n beneficial. One of the teachers (Jerry) was very patient n helpful. It's alot to learn but there teaching method sticks!!! I attended the two week program, n the day I graduated I was offered a private party position, n the following week I got a job offer. The agent (Asia) is great n really helpful! This school is definitely a benefit if you are serious about pursuing in bartending. All in all they deserve ***** stars read more

OHad a great experience, Jerry the instructor was a very experienced bartender and he knows everything about it. The class was very helpful and even found me a job a couple weeks after taking the course. I too was shocked to see these bad reviews out here. read more

I took the classes here. They were very well informed all popular drinks and how to make them. I had a great time in class everyone was very nice and professional in all aspects. My first interview they found for ended up great, got the job. I recommend this school to anyone and everyone read more

Hello, I am a recent graduate from the Professional Bartending School of Atlanta (PBSA). Weeks after graduation, I was working special events and landed a gig at a great artsy bar/cafe, all which was setup through the Professional Bartending School of Atlanta. I am so pleased I attended PBSA, they really set me up to win with the information provided in the course. Instructors were very knowledgeable about the industry and teaching students different drink recipes and techniques. It only took me two weeks to complete the course and I passed with high marks! The best part was the school finds jobs for you, couldn't believe it happened so quick. So come taste one of my fabulous drinks at APACHE CAFE. Thanks for the experience, Professional Bartending School of Atlanta. read more

This school is awesome. I really enjoyed the people there, they made me feel welcomed.I loved the hands-on learning experience with making drinks.I would definitely recommend this school to anyone interested in becoming a bartender. read more