When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
ABC Bartending School
Why ABC Bartending School is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
ABC Bartending School stands out as a premier destination for aspiring bartenders seeking quality, hands-on education nationwide. With a history dating back to 1977, this institution has developed a strong reputation for combining practical training with industry insights to prepare students to excel behind the bar. Their signature 40-hour program, typically completed in two weeks, emphasizes hands-on learning alongside essential theoretical knowledge covering bartending techniques, mixology, liquor and liqueurs, garnish preparation, customer service, and alcohol safety. Located in multiple cities including Phoenix near ASU campus and Chicago, ABC Bartending School offers flexible schedules with morning, evening, and weekend classes designed to accommodate diverse lifestyles. What truly makes ABC Bartending School a great place to meet and learn with friends is its supportive and dynamic learning environment, facilitated by passionate instructors who provide personal attention and challenge students to reach their full potential. Graduates are not only equipped with a professional bartending certificate but also benefit from lifelong free refresher courses and ongoing job placement assistance nationwide. This blend of thorough training, community atmosphere, and career support fosters an engaging and motivating space to start a successful bartending career.
Here's what people think of ABC Bartending School
As of recent, ABC Bartending School holds a 5-star rating based on 968 reviews.
Reviews for ABC Bartending School are overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a 5.0-star rating based on nearly a thousand evaluations. Students frequently praise the professionalism, teaching style, and dedication of instructors, particularly highlighting the approach of Mrs. T, who is commended for creating a collaborative, enjoyable, and confidence-building class experience. Many reviewers mention the school's hands-on methodology and the clear, compartmentalized delivery of complex bartending skills, which makes learning accessible and fun. Positive feedback also emphasizes the supportive atmosphere, flexible class schedules, and the comprehensive curriculum that not only covers bartending basics but advanced mixology and customer service as well. Additionally, the free lifetime refresher courses and job placement assistance receive favorable mentions as valuable resources extending beyond the classroom. On the other hand, a minority of less favorable reviews point to isolated concerns about administrative communication and customer service responsiveness, as noted by the Better Business Bureau. Some skeptical voices mention initial hesitations about the value compared to self-learning methods, although these are rare and often overshadowed by positive outcomes. In summary, the strong trend in reviews illustrates a highly effective bartending education experience, marked by expert instructors and practical skills training coupled with ongoing career support to help students succeed in the hospitality industry.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Brenda Amaya
Attending American Bartending School was a fantastic experience! The highlight for me was definitely Dylan — he’s an amazing instructor. Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable, but he also makes the learning process fun and engaging. You can tell he genuinely cares about his students and wants everyone to succeed. What I really appreciated was the hands-on approach. You get plenty of time to practice behind the bar, which helped build my confidence and skills quickly. The environment is supportive and professional, and I left feeling well-prepared for real-world bartending. Highly recommend this school if you’re serious about learning the craft — and if you get Dylan as your instructor, even better!
Dayanna Salazar
Best place to learn bartending! The location is easy to get in midtown Manhattan. Teachers are great, their experience it’s incredibly helpful. You have the manual and everything at the school, all the tools and bottles to practice. You get behind the bar right away so you really have the chance to bartend. The best way to learn the drinks is practicing every cocktail. I’ll definitely be back to renew my certificate. Thanks Stephanie!
Lisa Hernandez
Great experience. Really enjoyed learning from the best-of-the-best. Stephanie Ringwood is an amazing instructor (Stevie is great too) with so much experience and she was so willing to share her knowledge and love of the craft with her students. Highly recommend this school and course for anyone looking to dive into this profession or who may even just be curious about it. Intense, but fun and you definitely walk away with a lot of knowledge and plenty to kick-start a possible new career! School is centrally located in the heart of Manhattan which is also a plus!
Destinee Cushing
I had an amazing experience in the one week 9am - 5pm bartending course this week! I wasn’t sure how I could possibly learn everything in a week, but Stephanie and Stevie are amazing instructors! They taught us everything we needed to know to pass our tests, and much more! I passed my written and practical exams today and can’t wait to start bartending in the city! Cheers! 🥂 🍸🍹🥃
Ananda Corriette
I highly recommend this school if you are wanting to get into bartending! I had the pleasure of being taught by Stevie, she’s phenomenal!! They offer many different times/days for you to attend classes, and will work with you in terms of payment plans, etc., I went in super nervous, barely knowing a thing fast forward 5 weeks later.. I have graduated with my atap certification and I feel so confident in myself to jump into any situation. You’ll cover various drinks/wine/beer, hygienic protocols, situational protocols, to tipping and money handling, etc,. I love how versatile and well rounded this curriculum is. If you have a thought of becoming a bartender, ABC is the way to go! Study your drinks, show up/pay attention and you will be successful in your journey! Best of luck! xox
How to reach ABC Bartending School
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Why ABC Bartending School may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at ABC Bartending School with your friends? Because it offers a unique blend of fun, learning, and social bonding that transforms any ordinary gathering into an unforgettable experience. With a perfect 5.0 rating from nearly a thousand reviews, ABC Bartending School has earned a reputation for combining expert bartending instruction with a welcoming, energetic atmosphere ideal for groups. Whether you’re looking to learn professional cocktail-making skills, enjoy some hands-on activities, or simply hang out with friends in a lively, interactive setting, this school delivers. It’s a place where you can celebrate milestones, birthdays, team-building events, or just unwind with friends while acquiring a new skill set that you can use for life. The excitement of mixing drinks, competing in fun challenges, and sharing laughs over creative concoctions makes ABC Bartending School an ideal spot to rally your friends and create lasting memories together.
What activities can you do at ABC Bartending School, and why is it perfect for group meetups?
At ABC Bartending School, the main activity revolves around learning the art and science of bartending through a hands-on, immersive curriculum. The school offers classes that teach you how to mix drinks professionally, master essential bartending techniques, and utilize the right attitudes to serve customers effectively. These sessions aren’t just lectures but interactive workshops where you get real practice making cocktails, juggling bottles, shaking shakers, and even perfecting the flair bartending skills you see in bars and clubs. This interactive element makes the experience engaging and highly social, fostering camaraderie as you encourage and compete with your friends. Alongside the instructional component, ABC incorporates challenges and group exercises that make learning fun and dynamic, perfect for groups who want to bond while doing something different. The curriculum is designed to be digestible, balancing technical learning with a lighthearted atmosphere that keeps everyone motivated.
The venue is also highly flexible for different group sizes and occasions. Many have praised the school’s welcoming instructors and environment, such as Mrs. T, who is known for creating an encouraging, dynamic classroom where collaboration thrives. Such an environment makes it easy for groups of friends or family members to feel comfortable and get the most out of their experience. Whether you’re novices or have some bartending background, the tailored instruction meets diverse skill levels, allowing everyone in your group to engage and succeed. The emphasis on teamwork and support means your meetup becomes more than a lesson—it turns into a collective adventure marked by shared achievement.
How does ABC Bartending School foster learning and enjoyment for groups?
ABC Bartending School excels in balancing education with enjoyment, making it a perfect spot for groups who want to learn without the pressure of a traditional classroom. The instructors employ a hands-on teaching method that strongly focuses on participation. Instead of passively listening, students actively create drinks, swap roles behind the bar, and receive personalized tips and feedback from experienced bartenders. This method helps maintain high energy and participation levels, which is crucial when you come with friends expecting a fun time. Groups are encouraged to engage with each other, share experiences, and even compete in friendly contests, which adds layers of excitement and community.
Furthermore, the course is structured into manageable, compartmentalized segments that promote step-by-step learning, making it not only accessible to beginners but also rewarding to anyone seeking to improve. This structure is particularly beneficial for groups since it allows individuals at different learning paces to stay on track comfortably. Besides skill-building, the school’s environment supports a casual vibe with upbeat music, a realistic bar setup, and plenty of interaction, helping guests loosen up and enjoy themselves. Because you’re learning a service skill that’s directly applicable to nightlife and hospitality, mastering these techniques in a group setting encourages you to later recreate the fun as social hosts, impressing friends and family alike.
What makes ABC Bartending School stand out compared to other meetup venues?
ABC Bartending School stands out because it offers both an educational experience and a party atmosphere — two elements rarely combined in one venue. Unlike standard bars or event spaces, it couples a practical skill-building session with the entertainment factor of a lively group event. It isn’t just about drinking or socializing; it’s about transformation and empowerment through learning a valuable craft. This gives your meetup a broader purpose and lasting value, as guests leave not only having had fun but also equipped with bartending skills they can use personally or professionally.
The school’s 5.0-star rating with close to a thousand glowing reviews speaks volumes about customer satisfaction and the consistent quality of the experience. Testimonials frequently mention instructors’ professionalism, charisma, and passion, all crucial to maintaining an uplifting and engaging environment. This level of instructional dedication makes the difference between a one-time event and a deeply enjoyable and memorable gathering that your group will talk about long after. Moreover, the venue’s set-up with real bar tools and ingredients adds authenticity to the experience, making it feel like a genuine, professional bartending gig rather than a staged class. This realism amps up excitement and engagement from participants, transforming your meetup into a full-fledged bartending adventure.
Can ABC Bartending School accommodate special events and customized group experiences?
Yes, ABC Bartending School is well-equipped to host special group events such as birthday parties, corporate team-building activities, or even casual family reunions. Their staff is experienced in tailoring the experience to suit the group’s unique preferences and size, ensuring personalized attention and a smooth flow of activities. Special occasions can be enhanced with competitive bartending games or customized drink menus that incorporate favorite beverages of the group. This customization fosters a personalized and memorable meetup that feels exclusive and thoughtfully crafted.
Because the school combines expert instruction with social interaction, it helps groups build stronger connections through shared challenges and learning moments. The supportive culture nurtured by the instructors encourages everyone to participate and have fun regardless of prior experience, eliminating any intimidation or awkwardness. This inclusive atmosphere is perfect not just for friends but also for families with varying age groups, making it a versatile venue that suits a wide demographic. The convenience of having all necessary bartending tools and ingredients on-site also means no extra preparation hassle, allowing your group to focus entirely on enjoying the event.
What do customers say about the ABC Bartending School experience?
Customers consistently highlight the professionalism and enthusiasm of the instructors, along with the hands-on, easy-to-follow approach to bartending education. One reviewer noted how Mrs. T’s teaching style is dynamic, collaborative, and challenging in a positive way, making the process both fun and rewarding. Others praise the school’s atmosphere as friendly and encouraging, which is especially great for groups — you feel supported rather than judged as you learn new skills. Many reviews describe the sessions as life-changing, with attendees gaining both confidence and competence in bartending.
The favorable feedback focuses on the blend of efficiency in teaching and the genuine enjoyment of the sessions, underlining why the school is perfect for group meetups. Students appreciate the practical nature of the lessons, the interactive challenges, and the real bar setup that resembles a professional work environment. This authenticity is key to sustaining interest and enthusiasm throughout the course. Overall, the overwhelmingly positive ratings across customer satisfaction categories—from management and culture to educational value—affirm that ABC Bartending School is a top-tier venue for social and educational gatherings alike.
By rallying your friends at ABC Bartending School, you ensure a meetup filled with laughter, learning, and lively interaction — an experience that leaves everyone not only entertained but empowered with a new skill and fond memories of togetherness.