I signed up for the school about a year ago. I finished, but had something come up so I didn't do job placement. I returned a few weeks ago and refreshed. Two days later I interviewed at two places that job placement gave me. I was offered a job at one of the places! I absolutely love this school. This school is a hidden gem I wish I would have found 10 years ago. A lot of bartenders don't think that they need bartending school, but I can tell you what a difference it made in my career. Employers actually asked if I attended a school and not an online course! read more

Riverside Bartending School - On the other side I learned soooooo much! Love this place - Bartending Schools Near Me - Riverside, California

If you're serious about starting a bartending career, this is a must for you! They teach you everything from pouring, to liquor knowledge, wine Knowledge, all kinds of mixed drinks and cocktails. The list really goes on! The instructors are great! The atmosphere there is such a great time! I still go back just to bullshit with the friends I made within the school. I highly advise this. I know so many people that have gone through the school and are now making big money! And have a lot of fun doing it! Shout out to Kevin Chan! He's the best! read more

National Bartending School is pretty much amazing. Scratch that it's totally amazing. I was bummed and unemployed, pretty pissed at life, until one day my girlfriend suggested we try bartending school. We called a few places and then I spoke with Nate, who gave me a complete run down of the school and how it can help. The course was great, and really informative. Nate, Elvis, Phil and Chris are all really cool instructors who demand the best from you but help you get to the level they see you achieving. Its a very relaxed atmosphere so there is no need to worry about anxiety. It's at your own speed which is really helpful too. And they help you get a job! pretty cool imo. I say this now as a server and a bartender at a local restaurant! read more

This school has helped me open up a lot and took me out of my comfort zone and get out there and try something new I am very thankful for the instructors for encouraging me and pushing to a better life read more

Riverside Bartending School is one of the most effective and informative avenues you can find for learning the real-world skills you'll need to make it in the world of bartending, and after 20 years in the trade, I can honestly say that the value you will derive from this program will repay you over and over again once you get behind the bar. I gladly give 5 stars to the school, the staff, and the premium they place on the craft. If you're on the fence, get started now and you'll be earning a return on your investment in no time at all. read more

Before I started my bartending school, of course I had to figure out and did research on which School I wanted to go to... Specially when it come to driving,time and money$$.... I had to pick from severals , I chose this school because of 1. 90% to 99% Job Placement , even tho it's state they don't guarantee the job , common sense !- your likely to get a job vs other school won't even try to help you after graduating.. 2. Learn how to make 200+ drinks And a lot more !! Other bartending school would only teach you just the basic and that's it ... I started school, everyone come and go as you please , do it at your own paste , staff is here is Awesome!! Megan,Brian,Corey and Phil - thanks guys ! Staff is here to help you any questions you may have and will help teach you , People here in school is awesome !! Everybody here is willing to help one another, it's like one big family ... Great environment ... Total of 3 weeks I finally graduated!! Yaay! Feel awesome to accomplish!!! Very exited !! My mentor who is the owner & in charge of Job placement (Nate Smiley) -- will help you land a job , and I can honestly say he will HELP you because 1 week later after graduating, I've landed a job at this new dining place in Riverside called The Castle !! Awesome ! Not only that- but 2 other students who I attend school with and also graduated 1 week before me has also landed a job at the same place !!! Now were gonna be working with each other .. Its like we never left each other :)) With that being said , Btw this school was an hour drive from where I live , I truly recommend this school to everyone who is seeking to attend bartending school , well worth the money$ spent and drive forsure !! Thank you Riverside Bartending School !! You guys rock!! read more

This school is legit! You can go at your pace and on your own schedule. They have several full stocked bars and a realistic environment. You'll learn all the drinks, techniques, and garnish prepping. You'll learn how to properly pour beer, change kegs, and pair drinks with certain foods. They even teach you how to use a POS system. They got you covered with a SafeServe certificate and an awesome bar kit. Basically, they teach you everything so you can walk into your new job with confidence. The staff is awesome and super helpful. They even post up the new drinks so you're always updated. Even after you graduate, they are more than happy to have you back to freshen up on your speed and efficiency. They make sure the environment is positive and fun. And you can always tell who's in the office by the music in the bars. Now about this Nate guy... he is a beast!! He matches your motivation to find a career 100%. Two days after I graduated I already had two interviews and landed both. He prepares you with a practice interview and fine tunes your resume. He even helped me find the right high heels. He's truly passionate about his job, which is finding you a job. He keeps up with his students and finds the best bars for their personality and work ethic. What can't he do? They made me into the specimen I am today and I can walk into any bar knowing that I am the best. The confidence I grew in my bartending abilities is solely from this school! I paid for my bartending/mixology classes within the first week of working. If your interested in starting a career in bartending/mixology, this is where you need to go. Hoodtender out! read more

Riverside bartending school is definitely the place to go if you want to be a certified bartender and with a job in less than a month. I was desperately looking for a quick, fast, and easy way to get certified and with a job as soon as possible. I was a certified bartender in exactly four weeks with a job as a bartender. Lindsey, Phill, and Nate were more than helpful in getting me through bartending school and finding me a job. I couldn't have done it without them!!! In my honest opinion this school is definitely the place to go with no doubt! read more

Riverside Bartending School - Bartending Schools Near Me - Riverside, California

Riverside Bartending School is one of the best ones out there. I started in December and took a little longer to finish than most people because of my busy schedule but I finished with job placement. The instructors Kevin and Phil are both very helpful. All they want for you to do is be successful in the business. They help with all the tips and tricks of getting a job in the business. Within 2 weeks of being done, I was able to find a part time night bartending job that works around my regular full time job. Not only do you meet new people and make friends while you're there but the staff becomes family! When I first met Phil I thought he was a bit intimidating but also a bit silly. He's actually a very sweet man. He may be a bit strict but he only trains you to be the best! Towards the end of my journey, I was there when Kevin was working and I can say that he is very hard working. Not only does he work with all of the students one on one training and testing them to meet the industry's needs but he also shared his real life stories. This made it more enjoyable and helped me look forward to what was to come. The best part of it all is that even if I'm finished, I can always go back to refresh my skills or ask for help with job placement without any hidden fees. I know that the school will always be there. I would definitely recommend this school to anyone whether if it's for fun or to become a mixologist. Thank you Riverside Bartending School!! read more

I really enjoyed my experience here! It took me longer than I thought it would but they're flexible. It's 100% up to you, they give you the material & it's up to you to memorize & practice. Kevin & Phil are awesome teachers! Patient & clear with instructions & expectations. I learned a lot that I can take with me to my next bartending job. If you've never bartended a day in your life or you're looking to expand your mixology knowledge, this place is for you! They always have discounts going on to help save you some $. They really want to see you finish & help you with job placement afterwards. read more

National Bartending School is a great place to learn about mixology and getting a bartending license. The course is at your own pace, so it's very accommodating for people with a busy schedules or people who want you finish in a few weeks. I would definitely recommended this school to anyone interested in becoming a bartender or even learning more about mixology. All the instructors are were very informative about the lessons and give tips on efficiency working to bar. They do offer job placement if you don't have any leads but it should be easy after graduating since they do a good job preparing you become a bartender. read more

Everyone here was pretty helpful. These people WANT you to succeed. It's not some crazy bootcamp where you MUST go at certain times. It's open all day and even late for people who work different hours. These people have been in the bartending business for a very long time and know the PROPER way to make drinks. Another perk of being in the business so long is that there are so many possibilities for jobs and they make sure to help you. People will say bartending school is a joke but I didn't know a damn thing about bartending and now I work for three different places and do wedding and cater events. Thanks for the help guys! read more

Great experience learning from Coty, Kevin, and Regina. Amazing instructors and easy to talk. The school is a great environment to learn the drinks and network. read more

My cousin graduated from Riverside Bartending School last year and she's had a really great year at her high paying job she inspired me to come here and I don't regret it at all. The instructors here are all very helpful and you can learn at your own pace. They truly made learning enjoyable and I really enjoyed the one one one attention I received while here. About 2 weeks after graduating I received offers from 3/3 of the jobs I applied to. Highly recommend this school. read more

National bartending school has taught me some great things ! They taught me so many Awesome skills behind the bar. They've taught me not to just mix ingredients and make great drinks but to be a great bartender and have a great personality and be professional. They were able to help me find placement which was the greatest! And now I have an awesome job in something that I love to do ! I'm very happy that I attended this school it was worth it . read more

Awesome school just graduated. And I love how helpful Coty,Kevin , and Regina are.!! Best instructors to work with they taught me so much . Ready to start working in the real world now. read more

BesssSt decision I've ever made! this school is super fresh. the instructors are extraaa cool. and its well worth your time. i took a week off of work.. my job at the time was not the greatest. not anywhere even close to it. and went every day for a couple hours getting a couple lessons done a day. the classes there are very informative and the instructors make it fun exciting and easy to accomplish. i got my license after about two weeks took my servsafe test on a Saturday and started working as a full time bartender by the following Friday!!!!!!!! i love my new job. it doesn't even feel like a job or work. its so fun. i cant thank the crew at riverside national bartenders school enough. they continue to follow up with me and help me move up to bigger and better places. RIVERSIDE NATIONAL BARTENDERS SCHOOL KICKS ASS!! read more

Best thing to study ever. It's super fun and interesting to learn all the different drinks! They do an amazing job making sure you're prepared to step out and work. You get to complete the course at your own pace and learn a ton. Took me a couple months and I know have an awesome job at a bar. Couldnt be happier with making the decision to attend then school! read more

Good school, and fun too. I graduated in a little over 2 weeks. The school called me with a local "lead" on a bartending job, and I got hired the first place I interviewed at. They teach your all you will need to know and how to be fast and efficient. read more

Great school if you're looking for a money-making part time career! Flexible hours and schedules make this the perfect opportunity for someone looking to make more than an Uber driver! read more

I am currently a student at National Bartending School in Riverside and have attended class three times so far and my impression to this point is that Nate (owner) and his team put forth the extra effort required to turn out highly qualified bartenders. What I love about the school is that you are not just handed a bunch of recipes (although there are plenty given to you), but you are taught techniques that can be applied to the various types of drinks (and that means a lot coming from a culinary school graduate and chef, techniques are what matter most). I will likely graduate this week or next and will update my review on the job placement program, which I am to understand is pretty robust. read more

I had a great experience at this bartending school. The staff was very friendly and ensured I was set up for success. The positive encouragement and motivation was super from the staff at this school. This environment made it easy for me to learn the keys to bartending and ensure I will succeed. Thank you for your support National Bartending school! read more

I went to this school a while back and all I have to say is AWESOME! The whole crew, Nate, Phil, and Cloie rock! Nate has inspired me in many ways, not only did he teach me how to bartend but he taught me great customer service and gave me the inspiration to open my own bar. He knows the ins and outs and everything there is to know about the bar world. They set you up with job interviews and do anything needed to get you started in a Bartending career. Thanks Riverside Bartending School! read more

Spoke to Kevin and I'm convinced I will join this school learning from him . Excited to start learning here, it seems like a great opportunity and a great place to help you find a job right away once you get your certification read more

I've attended a couple classes and all of the instructors are amazing. They are very knowledgable and committed to helping you learn and find a job in the industry. I've learned how to make so many awesome drinks. If you're really serious about becoming a bartender, or even want to learn a few tricks for athen this is the place to be! read more

Had a great experience here. The instructors are excellent at what they do, concerned with students progress and great to work with. I went in with no experience and feel like I could handle a shift at a moderately busy bar tonight. If there was one down side I feel like they could use an extra instructor for busy times. I would strongly recommend this school for anyone considering becoming a bartender. read more

I took this class at the riverside location and concluded with mixed feelings about the class. The class was informing, I learned what was in and how to make certain drinks. It is a very much hands on course with helpful instructors, but what initially attracted me to this course was the job placement portion and in my opinion, was a complete waste of my time. Going into the course I was told businesses were always calling the school looking for new bartenders all over Southern California, but when I was brought in for job placement, none of that was brought up. Nate Smiley (the Owner, that conducts job placement) brought me into the job placement meeting only to give me a list of establishments that sold alcohol in the city of my choice. His idea of job placement was to give me a list of restaurants ranging from Chili's, where they only promote servers to bartenders, to Flemmings, where two years of experience is required, and have me go apply to these places in person. I walked out of the meeting with a list of establishments I could have gotten from online and advice to do something I was going to do regardless. Nate's Job placement opportunity is NOT helpful and should NOT have been the highlight of this course. As an adult, I don't need help finding places to apply to (especially if these places aren't even currently hiring) and advice on how to apply for a job. In conclusion, the class was helpful in teaching me the bartending basics, but don't expect this courses job placement portion to give you anything in return that you wouldn't have gotten completely on your own. From personal experience, completing bartending school but having no experience makes it tough to find a job with no outside help, but if given the opportunity, the skills learned from the school, or any bartending school for that matter, will definitely help you around the bar. Try looking at bartending school as more of a learning phase, not something that is going to get you ahead of others. And whatever you do, don't get your hopes up about job placement, Nate Smiley is wasting your time and he knows it. read more

The staff is great, I had fun learning the drinks and the tests were not hard to pass if you took time to study. However I would not recomment this school if you are looking to get a job through job placement. My friend and I started at the same time, and neither one of us got a job through job placement. He gives you a long list of bars, in which most of the bars are closed, and expects you to drive around wasting time and gas going to 60 places before he will help you further. This is a complete waste of time because as soon as you walk into these restaurants and bars, the employees are never helpful and do not allow you to speak to managers. The list of bars he gives you is out-dated. The first 10 places I went to were closed down. Really annoying. At least check to make sure the places you are sending people are still in business ! Successful job placement requires spending time looking for places who are actually hiring and then sending your students there. Not have you running around like a chicken with your head cut off, going to all these restaurants that are not hiring. And he did not tell my friend and I that all of the restaurants hire within. Meaning you have to be a food server with them for a few months before you can even apply to be a bartender. The school is awesome but the job placement assistance sucks. read more

Have to say this school is beyond amazing. The staff and the people you meet make your experience here so enjoyable that you forget that you're doing any labor. Not only is it fun, but they make it really easy on you. NBS uses learning methods that are practical & super effective. Repetition & association are two ways that the brain learns best & both of those methods are used at NBS. Actually going behind the bar & practicing pouring drinks is extremely effective as well. Any questions you may have are answered by a readily available & dope ass staff. These guys go beyond just teaching you ingredients. They teach you real life bartending situations & how to deal with them - realistically!! It's always entertaining hearing their own personal stories they've experienced on the job as well (& they have MANY). It reminds you of all the good times & $$ you're working hard towards. Once you're graduated they'll make sure your resume looks great & help you land a job ASAP. I finished bartending school & got a job about a week or two afterwards. So now I can experience my own stories :] read more

Overall I LOVE this program. I originally signed up over a year ago, but had some major setbacks due to transportation and moving around a lot. Luckily I kept my receipt, i thought they would've forgotten me because it had been so long since the last time I attended, but the staff remembered me and every time i went back they made me feel right at home. It's a very laid back environment and i love the fact that it's work at your own pace! I met some really nice people there who helped me get to school the days i didn't have a ride and every one was always very supportive of me completing the course. People who were almost finished had no problem helping me with any questions i had. So far i've completed all of the lessons and i can't wait until i pass my final pour! I just got my best friend signed up and i'm going to help her through the course, she's really excited (as she should be)! I highly recommend this school to anybody who is interested in becoming a bartender, the staff here is amazing! Made some great friends and i am SUPER excited to graduate! Even graduates come back into school just to stop by and say hi, they all have jobs and seem to be doing much better for themselves. Just wanna give a shout out to Nate and Elvis, you guys are awesome and i thank you for helping me get through this course! i know i've been on and off for a while, but i'm almost done and it's all thanks to your motivation! You were the ones who kept me going! Thanks again! You guys rock!!! :) read more

First of all, let me just say that this school ROCKS!! The instructors are always helpful and make it fun to learn!! It's basically the most thorough yet laid back educational school you'll ever attend. All questions are answered and you will not get certified unless and until you know what you need to know. It's definitely not easy and takes a lot of concentration. As for the guy who said they don't teach you and you are going to have to be trained at the bar you get hired at....of course! EVERY place will want you to do it their way. Even SUPERCUTS trains their haircutters "THe Supercuts Way". LOL!! Doesn't mean it's the right way...it's just their way. As for job placement, NOBODY can guarantee that they'll get you hired. That's up to you. Harvard University won't even guarantee you'll get a job with their degree. But I will say that within one week of graduating, I was hired for two wedding events that the school (Nate, the owner) gave me a lead for and got hired for a part-time bartender at an establishment in my 3rd week post-graduation. Thank you so much NATE!! You're awesome!!! I have nothing but great things to say about this school. IT was definitely the BEST choice...and the best part is that any student is welcome to come back to take refresher courses at any time (no charge), just be sure to keep your receipt/contract. What other school does that?!? If you want to learn to be a mixologist for fun or to make a living, this is the school to go to. I'm definitely glad I found this school!! I'm recommending this to all my friends that now admit that they want to do it too!! :) read more

This school is literally the best in all honesty. I wanted to try my hand at bartending on a whim and found myself (and my best friend) so invested in it. You learn things here, in a comfortably professional way, from some amazing bartenders. There are also so many wonderful people coming through this school, it's uncanny how many friends you'll end up making here. The school is a "go at your own pace" 100 hour program that can have you certified anywhere from as little as 4 days to as long as 4 years. The instructors here work with you hands-on individually with anything and everything, and the price is perfect considering the long term investment you'll be making. I saved up a little over $300 to practice here and in about 6 months I got certified. They also work with you financially so that the school is affordable, as if it couldn't get any better. The location is a bit tricky to get to, but once you've made it once or twice you start worrying more about the actual tests instead of getting there. Finally, they have a job counselor who will dedicate his time to helping you get a job when you make an appointment. This school really has everything you need to become a high-rolling money making bartender. read more

I just graduated 2 weeks ago and I already have a job! This place is amazing the instructors are so helpful, attentive and encouraging. I highly recommend this school to anyone who is in a dead end job and wants to make a change while having fun! Thank you Riverside National Bartending School! I made $189.00 my first night in tips. read more

I had been following the school for a couple months on facebook before my sister and I both decided to sign up. I really wanted a change to do something I would be interested in and the guaranteed job placememt aspect of it really interested me. When we got there we were immediately welcomed into this very friendly fun environment, we sat down with one of the instructors, and he went over everything about the program as well as answered anything and everything we could think of, and after that we signed right up. It is at your own pace, so I got right to it, and learned quickly and got through my tests and lessons relatively quickly. I signed up on June 7th, 2016, and I officially graduated, received my serve safe certification, went to my job placement with the owner Nate, who is really chill, funny and most of all really passionate about making sure he gives you what you need to get the job you want. After my job placement, I followed his instructions and ended up landing a job interview that same day for Friday! I went to the interview today, and guess what....I got the job and I am working a very popular rave event at the end of the month, and I just can't believe that less than a month ago, I just signed up and was a clueless little bird and now I already have a job and am about to be out there working at awesome places, spreading my wings and soaring! This school is legit, if there are bad reviews it is because those people didn't put the work in and weren't determined, cause I did it, and I am so excited to start a new journey in my life. I wish I can rate this place a 10, they have awesome instructors that see that you learn and understand everything, and to have fun doing it, and the rest of your fellow students are just as fun, it's an awesome environment. I made friends and I have a place for life that I can always come to and brush up on my skills and know they will be there for me every step of the way, which is hard to find now a days. You're not wasting your time or money here, this is a great investment. As long as you want it, it is open for you to receive it! Thanks Nate, and Andrés my main instructor, you guys really are family to me! I appreciate the love and support you guys have shown, and I promise to make you proud! Awesome sauce out! :D read more

I just attended the National Bartending school in Riverside and I have to say this place is so great! The enrollment team helped me get into the program with ease. They are so helpful and have an open door for when ever I have any questions. The classes are not only fun but also gave me a taste of what it's like to be behind a bar. I'm a hands on learner, so it's really neat to be able to go behind the bar when ever I can to practice mixing drinks. I am so excited to have gone to school here because the owner Nate has worked extra hard for me with job placement and I have had success getting into a bartending job straight out of the program! It only took me 4 weeks to finish and could have taken less time if I had gone everyday. I met some really fun people there and got a job out of it! So I went from unemployed to employed in 4 weeks making money to use today and able to pay my bills! That's why I give it 5 stars. They seriously help you get a job!! My boss now says he's so glad I had training and know how to pour drinks because the last person he hired didn't know a quarter of the drinks I can make. Woohoo!! now I look like a pro :) read more