Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Bartender
What bartenders actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Set up the bar: cut fruit, stock ice and check inventory. From there, the day usually includes mix and serve cocktails, beer and wine, take drink and food orders, and check IDs and serve responsibly. Shifts are mostly evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a bartender working full time.
- Set up the bar: cut fruit, stock ice and check inventory.
- Open the bar and greet happy hour guests.
- Mix cocktails quickly during the rush.
- Check IDs and cut off an intoxicated guest politely.
- Close tabs and keep the bar clean.
- Last call and close out the register.
- Clean, restock and finish side work.
Where bartenders work
Bartenders work in bars, restaurants, hotels, clubs and event venues. The work is fast-paced, social and on your feet, often late at night.
Hours and schedule
Shifts are mostly evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Mix and serve cocktails, beer and wine
- Take drink and food orders
- Check IDs and serve responsibly
- Handle payments and tabs
- Stock and organize the bar
- Clean glassware and work areas
- Build rapport with guests
Tools you’ll use every day
- Shakers, jiggers and strainers
- Bar spoons and muddlers
- Tap systems
- POS systems
- Glassware
- Ice wells
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Tip income can be strong
- Social, lively work
- Quick to start
- Flexible schedules
What’s hard
- Late nights and weekends
- Dealing with intoxicated guests
- Income can vary
- Physically tiring
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love meeting people
- I can work fast under pressure
- I’m comfortable with late nights
- I want tip income
- I can say no to intoxicated guests politely
- I enjoy creating drinks
Not sure? Take the free Bartender fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow responsible alcohol service laws
- Use safe glassware handling
- Keep floors dry behind the bar
- Know emergency procedures