First and foremost - don't attend bartending school unless you have server experience and won't mind being laughed at by employers when you tell them you attended Raleigh's Bartending School. Unfortunately, I shelled out a lot of cash and attended school for two weeks to discover no one will consider you for a bartending job without server experience, and they think Raleigh's Bartending School is a joke, which it is. Raleigh's Bartending School is a complete rip off. They make a great sales pitch but do not deliver on a single promise. The instructor, who is extremely rude to everyone, spends 15 minutes demonstrating the drinks and then hangs out in his office for the rest of the class. Not once did he observe our technique or offer students assistance. When you do ask for help, he is extremely disrespectful and not at all the nice guy he made himself out to be before you handed over your money. The "job placement service" is simply a re-posting of Craig's List ads. I also found out that I was charged $150 more than my classmates. When you call for information, they will tell you that they have a special going, but I discovered too late from my classmates that they will lower the price if you tell them the special costs too much. Therefore, if you still think attending Raleigh's Bartending School is a good idea, DO NOT pay more than $400 for their two week course, but you will be better off saving your money, getting a server job and working your way up to bartender. This is exactly what I am having to do. read more

The experience I had at RBS was fantastic. I took the two week course, which was at a pace that I felt was well balanced and very reasonable. The class is very hands on and is structured in a way that allows you to practice, practice, practice - which is of course probably the best way to learn how to bartend. Stephanie and Anthony both had a ton of extremely useful information, both on the material in the class and for bartending in the real world. They both really know they're stuff and are very approachable and friendly, and they are always available to answer any questions or provide clarification. Also, they have lots of funny stories. The class is very hands on and it's an exceptionally social environment. Everyone in all the classes was very cool, and we all learned together and helped each other during practice time, and we really enjoyed one another's company. The written test was relavant to the course material and practical test (making 12 drinks in 6 minutes) was a lot of fun. The whole class stayed for everyone's test, with us all cheering each other on. I would absolutely recommend RBS to anyone, whether they're looking for a career in bartending, some extra income, or just want to learn to have fun making drinks at home for themselves and friends. WIth my past service industry experience and the certificate I received, I found a job after I passed the course on the way home, the very same day. read more

This is really a great school, and I had a fantastic experience. I originally took the course a few years ago. The instructors were knowledgeable, helpful, and very willing to provide extra help and useful insight. Their tips and tricks have stuck with me even to this day. All of the essential drink recipes are taught, including proper technique, and the class does a great job giving you the tools to learn new drinks and experiment a little bit as a mixologist on your own. After the class, job placement was a breeze. I was offered a job at the first place I applied (Friday's), and made plenty of spending money for my senior year in college. Bartending paid my rent during my first year of graduate school as well. Now, almost 5 years after the class, I got back in touch with the school because of their lifetime guarantee. Keep in mind, this isn't something that most programs offer, and it was a great way to keep up to date if you need a refresher. The school even offered to help me find work in Boston (where I live now). The owner, Mike, is a great guy who really takes pride in his program and his graduates. The curriculum is high quality, the instructors are knowledgeable, and I would strongly recommend this school for anyone looking to bartend, be a good host, or really just anyone with free time looking to learn something fun. RBS is definitely the place to do it. read more

Becoming a certified bartender has always been a dream- meeting people, serving drinks, and making people's day. So with little experience, I needed to find the best school with the reputation, the staff/instructors, and curriculum to propel me to success. That IS the Raleigh Bartending School hands down. Their program is designed to help with pouring techniques and familiarize students on bar terms/setups. Next comes the heart of the program- understanding different drink classes including their recipes which moves students forward to practice them HANDS ON. Many types include both traditional and popular trends to cater to all manners of customers who you could be serving with cutting edge customer service styles guaranteed to invest in repeat business and faithful patrons. But the education does not stop there- they instruct students in the responsibilities and telltale signs of intoxication. Now as a head bartender in a rising South Carolina bar, I cannot stress how happy I was with my investment and the gratitude I have for Anthony and Kelli for their partnership that extends even after I have graduated. I would suggest anyone who has a passion to join many of us successful Mixologists, reach out to RBS today. read more

This is the best school ever. I actually attending back in 2007. I was hired at my first bar two days after graduation, the first job I applied for. I had so much fun not only at the school but the job as well. I use to come early because I wanted to be there. Plus the school helped me from time to time to get booked for different events for extra money. I've been behind a desk for a couple years now and I have to change positions because of hours and I immediately thought of the best job I've ever had. I was a little nervous about what all I'd have to do to get back into it. But thankfully all I had to do was pick up the phone. The refresher classes are fee and they help youo get back out there. So in two weeks I'll already be back. If your looking for a school that not only teaches you something new and exciting, but makes it fun, helps you find a job, and then has your back for life, Stop looking. Go to the RALEIGH BARTENDING SCHOOL! read more

I had Niki B. as my instructor, and she was fantastic! I learned a lot, very quickly. I would definitely recommend that if someone wants to go into bartending, this will be the best way to start out knowing what you're doing! Update: I graduated about a month ago and have been having a fantastic time bartending! I have bartended at slow paced country clubs, and high volume/fast paced parties with hundreds of people. I have known all the drinks that have been ordered, because I have had fantastic preparation from the bartending school. Everywhere I have bartended, people have thought I was amazing at what I did, because I am knowledgeable about drinks, and the tips & tricks you learn from the instructors go a long way in actual bartending. read more

Since day one Anthony and the staff of Raleigh's Bar tending School has been absolutely great. They are very knowledgeable of their craft and gave great incite on how to pass the speed test and the written test. I was so intrigued by them that I drove all the way from Winston-Salem, which is an hour and a half from Raleigh to pursue bar tending schooling. It was truly worth every mile driven and every dollar spent in gas. Thank you Thank you Thank you for this wonderful experience. I will recommend this program to anyone. Special thank you to "Kells" for not giving up on me and pushing me to be the best, for that I am truly grateful. :) read more

I just graduated and it was worth it! I took the professional course and it covered so many things that will give you the upper hand when it is time to step into the real scene of Bartending. I was apprehensive about the "not using real liquor" but how in the world could any place of business afford to make drinks and throw an entire bottle away every minute or so down a drain just for practice "10-20 students day/night and weekends". The mixing of the alcohol and learning their behavior in doing so is also a learned over time and with experience. I loved it and Kelli was amazing as my instructor. Anthony was wonderful as well! read more

I graduated from the Raleigh Bartending School and I thoroughly enjoyed it! At first I was a little iffy about the appearance but only because it was not the "school" setting I was used to. My instructor Nikki was one of the best, she was very down to earth and real, and didn't mind giving you examples of how it really is in the world of bartending. She was also extremely knowledgeable about the liquors and could pretty much answer any question you could throw at her. I would recommend this school to anyone that is serious about taking up bartending. My only request to the school....please get another vacuum. read more

Raleigh's bartending school is a great investment even if you have bartending experience. My instructor Kelly really showed us how to exceed most bartenders ability to make drinks fast with NO mistakes. Shes honestly a awesome teacher. She will take the extra time to make sure you develop the proper skills. She will make sure you will feel comfortable at any bar you step foot behind of. The school also offers job assistance so you can find a new job in your newly learned field of work. If your thinking about bartending don't hesitate to go to Raleigh's Bartending School it will change your life. read more

I came in with little to no experience of bartending (or alcohol in general). I left feeling confident in my abilities and the fact that I could be a wonderful bartender in any work setting. Kelly was a phenomenal instructor, and was there to answer any questions we may have had, as students. The bar setting of the classroom makes it casual & easier to learn. Jelly pushed us to our limits & ensured that we were prepared for the midterm & final. I passed the written & speed tests with flying colors because of her amazing teaching methods. I would highly recommend Raleigh's Bartending School. read more

I'm a recent graduate of the RBS. I would consider the time that they afford you before instruction begins, to be golden! Practicing hands-on is a sure fire way to master any new skill/technique. I thoroughly enjoyed the instructors. They were always available to give good advice and direction. They were all super friendly and very knowledgable. I can think of 3 very helpful tips to anyone that is considering enrolling in the course.... 1) Use your flash cards. They work! 2) Time yourself while practicing! 3) Take it serious, but have fun! Good luck! read more

RBS is a great way to quickly learn the bartending trade. Within a month of graduation, I secured a position with an events company. The instructors were great, the set up was very user friendly, and hands on. It does require effort on your part -- this is not a 'gimme' course. You must learn the recipes and you must be able to mix quickly. You are given ample support from the instructors and your fellow classmates. Flexibility of classes is great, especially for busy lifestyles. I highly recommend RBS! read more

Raleigh Bartending School provided me a priceless education. They gave me the real world tools to become a professional bartender. Upon graduating, I got a job recommended by RBS. That job helped pay for my college education. With the positive affects of RBS, I'm graduating at Wake Technical Community College this spring semester with a degree in Hospitality Management. I am eternally grateful. RBS is an amazing school with kind, brilliant people who genuinely want you to succeed. read more

I just graduated from Raleigh's Bartending School on 8/2/14 and I must say it was a good experience. The instructors Anthony and Nikki were great both in their own way. They definitely made sure I as well as any other student was ready and prepared to complete the course and feel confident about going into the field to find a job. I've gained a ton of knowledge from these two and I will always take any job that I choose and perform my duties as if I'm taking that test. LOL read more

Uh.....quite possibly the most fun I've ever had going to SCHOOL! There were about 15 of us in class rockin out to music and makin all kinds of drinks and just havin a blast! I don't get the whole online school thing for this.....if it weren't for the hands on, I'd be lost - and less than 40 hours would have been nuts! Too much stuff....I took an EXTRA week just for fun. Dude - this was awesome to the extreme and I wish my fellow grads the best too! read more

I just graduated from here & my overall experience was great. All of the instructors I came across were cool and willing to help. I only did Saturday classes so sometimes I was there alone as a student which was both good and bad in my opinion because you get the peace & quiet but you don't have another student testing you which I liked. You do come across some really nice people there though that are willing to help you out. It's definitely worth it! read more

I did the one week program all the way from Charlotte. I drove 2.5 hours there and back every day, and it was 100% worth it. The instructors I had, Anthony and Kelli were very knowledgeable and work with you at your own pace. I was even able to make up a couple classes that I missed later on. Would definitely recommend RBS to anyone looking to get some real knowledge and hands-on experience! read more

i had katherine as my instructor she was super cool and knowledgable. i missed a couple classes and also attended nikki's she was the ish, her knowledge of alcohol is incredible, i highly reccomend u take her class. this course helped get me closer to my goals in life and put money in my pocket. thank you katherine, anthony, and nikki u guys are the best!!! read more