When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
A List Startenders Bartending School
Why A List Startenders Bartending School is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
A List Startenders Bartending School stands out as a premier institution for aspiring bartenders seeking a comprehensive, hands-on education combined with professional excellence. Located in Chicago, this modern bartending school offers an intense and realistic training experience that prepares students to confidently enter the bartending workforce. Their curriculum is designed not only to teach the fundamental skills of cocktail making but also to develop service orientation, ethical practices, and professional hospitality habits — qualities highly valued by employers in bars, clubs, lounges, and event venues. Since its inception in 2011, A List Startenders has successfully launched the careers of thousands of bartenders, expanding its impact beyond Chicago to cities like Los Angeles, Miami, London, and Dubai. The school’s dynamic classes include live simulation bartending and utilize high-tech teaching aids that make learning engaging and practical. Additionally, they provide aggressive job placement support and workshops to build student resumes, ensuring graduates leave work-ready with polished skills to thrive in competitive hospitality environments. With a perfect 5.0 rating from hundreds of reviews, A List Startenders combines expert instruction, strong industry connections, and a passion for fostering lasting student success, making it an excellent place to meet friends and start a vibrant new career in bartending.
Here's what people think of A List Startenders Bartending School
As of recent, A List Startenders Bartending School holds a 5-star rating based on 783 reviews.
Reviews for A List Startenders Bartending School overwhelmingly praise the high quality of instruction and the practical, intensive approach to bartending education. Many users highlight the professionalism of the staff, the interactive training environment, and how well the program prepares students for real-world bartending jobs. Positive reviews often mention the school’s commitment to developing service-oriented bartenders who are confident and job-ready upon graduation. Graduates appreciate the aggressive job placement assistance and the strong network the school provides, which opens doors to various hospitality venues and private events. The hands-on experience and the use of modern teaching aids also receive frequent commendation, as students feel thoroughly prepared. Some reviews do note the intense pace and high standards of the classes, which may be challenging for those new to bartending but are ultimately seen as valuable for building resilience and skill. Any negative feedback tends to focus on the demanding nature of the course rather than the quality of the instruction or support. In conclusion, the reviews collectively affirm that A List Startenders offers a well-rounded, effective bartending education that balances skill development, professionalism, and job-readiness, making it a trusted choice for anyone serious about a career behind the bar.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ana Arambula
I highly recommend A-List Startenders! The sessions were engaging and well-paced. You’ll gain real confidence approaching bartending and envision yourself behind the bar. What stood out most was how you can learn cocktails through interactive drills, which is especially helpful if you’re a visual learner. In addition, you get to learn about spirits, beer, wine and liquor regulations. The class ran smoothly, with clear demonstrations, patient guidance, and constructive feedback after each exercise. If you put in the study—practicing the drills and reviews—you’ll see real results and gain solid confidence behind the bar. If you want to sharpen your skills or deepen your liquor knowledge, this course is useful, entertaining, and a great choice overall. Thank you!!
Celeste Rodriguez
With its assortment of skill building and live-practice, this program strikes a perfect balance of challenge and reward. I went from practically no knowledge to now confidently applying for jobs and hands-on aspect of the course was what solidified it all for me. Greg is a great instructor who is clearly passionate and demonstrates his knowledge in a engaging and personable way. Overall stellar experience I would recommend to anyone interested in developing bartending skills.
Jonathan Melo
Just finished the class this weekend and I can honestly say the experience was amazing. It was fun and you come out knowledgeable and confident working behind the bar. Greg was thorough and hands on when helping us learn to be capable bartenders. I wish I would have taken this class sooner! I encourage anyone wanting to become a bartender to take this course. It definitely pays for itself!
Jacqueline Yadira
MUST STUDY STUDY STUDY! This school gives you the knowledge and experience you need for bartending. To know the history about alcohol, the scenarios while bartending, the training for bartending/bar operations and the detailed matching glassware with the alcohol.. you will learn it here. I been to another bartending school but A List Startenders was a way better experience to the real bartending atmosphere.
Adriana Kopyltsiv
Going to this school was one of the best decisions I have made in a while. I had the best experience and can’t recommend it enough! You’ll be amazed with what you will learn in two weeks. It was very fun and enjoyable! The teacher is absolutely incredible!! Greg was super knowledgeable, very friendly, funny, and extremely patient. He made the learning process very easy. You will graduate feeling prepared and ready to go. I would definitely recommend A-List Startenders!!!
How to reach A List Startenders Bartending School
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Why A List Startenders Bartending School may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at A List Startenders Bartending School with your friends? Because it transforms your typical meetup into an immersive, interactive, and unforgettable experience centered around fun, learning, and togetherness. This is not just another venue to gather; it is a vibrant hub where you and your friends can discover the art and craft of bartending in a lively, relaxed setting. Imagine bonding over shaking, stirring, and crafting delicious cocktails under the guidance of expert instructors who make the learning process exciting for everyone — whether you're beginners or cocktail aficionados. The School's perfect 5.0 rating across 783 reviews highlights consistent excellence and satisfaction, ensuring a high-quality and engaging experience every time. This makes it an ideal choice for groups wanting not only to socialize but to share a unique skill-building journey that mixes entertainment with education. The camaraderie built around the bar encourages creativity, conversation, and laughter, turning any ordinary outing into a memorable celebration of friendship and fun. Whether a casual hangout or a special occasion, A List Startenders offers a space to create shared memories that go beyond the usual night out.
What activities can you enjoy at A List Startenders Bartending School for a group meetup? The centerpiece is their hands-on mixology classes that teach everything from the basics of setting up a home bar to mastering advanced techniques like stirring, shaking, straining, and garnishing cocktails. Their signature Bartending Boot Camp is a highly recommended two-hour session where you learn professional bartending skills, including how to mix popular cocktails, specialty frozen drinks, and hot toddies. Instead of passively watching, groups actively participate in crafting drinks, making the experience dynamic and inclusive. The school provides detailed recipe books and instructional handouts so everyone leaves with knowledge they can apply at home. Beyond just education, the classes include components like a 30-minute reception where guests mingle while sipping sparkling wines and sampling a curated selection of local cheeses, olives, antipasto, and snacks, creating a perfect social environment. This mix of instruction and indulgence ensures your group doesn't just learn—they celebrate together in style.
Why is A List Startenders Bartending School ideal for team building and group cohesion? One of the unique strengths of this venue is its capacity to foster teamwork in a fun, informal setting. Crafting cocktails is inherently a collaborative activity, as participants experiment with flavors, share ideas, and challenge each other creatively. The school’s instructors encourage communication and cooperation, which helps break down social barriers among friends or colleagues, leading to stronger interpersonal bonds. The learning environment is deliberately relaxed and engaging, perfect for groups looking to strengthen trust and camaraderie while having a great time. This is supported by the fact that mixology classes like those at A List Startenders mirror popular corporate team-building trends where groups develop leadership, problem-solving skills, and mutual respect while working on cocktail challenges. The ability to customize experiences, whether focusing on certain drink types or adding group-specific themes, makes the school well suited for both casual gatherings and more formal team events.
How does the atmosphere and setup enhance the group experience at A List Startenders? The venue balances professionalism with an inviting vibe that encourages participation and enjoyment. Unlike traditional bars where noise and crowds might hinder interaction, the School’s controlled class environment ensures everyone can engage effectively. The instructors are skilled at pacing the sessions so all participants feel comfortable, even if they’ve never made a cocktail before. The intimate class sizes mean no one is left out, and everyone gets personalized attention. The availability of professional bartending equipment and quality ingredients heightens the authenticity of the experience, allowing guests to feel like true mixologists. Snacks, drinks, and a welcoming reception set the social tone before and after lessons, providing pauses for conversation and reflection on newly acquired skills. This seamless blend of learning, tasting, and socializing ensures a balanced atmosphere perfect for groups wanting to connect more deeply while sharing fun moments.
What additional benefits does A List Startenders offer for hosting private parties or special events? The School thoughtfully supports group needs beyond the classroom with flexible packages and tailored sessions. Whether celebrating a birthday, marking a reunion, or hosting corporate retreats, their bartending experiences can be customized for time, theme, and intensity. The party-centric nature of the classes encourages participation from all skill levels, making them inclusive and light-hearted. The inclusion of a drink recipe book and hands-on practice means your group can continue enjoying cocktails beyond the event, adding lasting value. Guest reviews emphasize the professionalism and friendliness of instructors who elevate the event’s success by creating a lively yet educational party ambiance. Having a venue where you can both learn and party intensifies the connection among friends or colleagues, often turning one gathering into a series of memorable get-togethers. Moreover, the popular 5.0 rating underscores the consistent quality and fun expected from every visit.
How does A List Startenders Bartending School compare to other group activity venues? What sets it apart is its dual benefit of social fun and skill acquisition, unlike standard venues focused solely on eating, drinking, or casual mingling. The immersive cocktail education adds a fresh layer of excitement, engagement, and creativity, making it much more than a simple outing. While many team-building providers offer cocktail classes, A List Startenders’ extensive experience, top-tier instruction, and curated reception elevate the experience to a premium level appreciated by hundreds. It manages to capture both casual socializers and serious cocktail enthusiasts in the same space, ensuring a broad appeal. By blending fun, learning, and socializing in a well-organized format, it becomes a unique hub for groups seeking meaningful interactions that are far more memorable than traditional get-togethers.
In summary, A List Startenders Bartending School is a unique venue that excels in turning group meetups into dynamic, fun, and educational experiences. It specializes in engaging bartending classes that encourage teamwork, creativity, and connection, topped off with expert instruction, delicious refreshments, and a welcoming atmosphere. Its perfect rating and glowing reviews reinforce its status as a premier choice for hosting friendly gatherings, team-building events, and special celebrations, making it the ideal place to rally with your friends or colleagues.