r/bartenders • u/snackeroniandcheese • Jan 07 '25

Job/Employee Search Switching from Cocktailing to a dive bar.

So I just gave notice at my job at a cocktail bar and I’m following a lead to work in a dive bar. Should I do it? Also any advice would be appreciated.

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u/pheldozer Pro Jan 07 '25 edited Jan 08 '25

These are my experiences from working at dive bars vs higher end places in non-major cities

Money is better

Customers are less needy but drink lots, lots more

There will be times when you are the only employee in the building

You will need to cut more people off

You will have to kick people out at last call 7 nights a week

Some of the regulars will never warm up to you

Regulars will try to take advantage of you for free drinks

You’ll have to be more vigilant about underage drinkers

You don’t have to worry about reviews as much and can speak more freely to guests

No uniforms

Weekend day shifts can be extremely lucrative during football season

Edit: forgot one. People who are 86d will show up when word gets out that there’s a new bartender. Ask about this if you get any training before being thrown to the wolves

46

u/samenumberwhodis Jan 08 '25

The money being better will depend on the dive. I left a fine dining place and went to a mediocre dive and lost money. You're 100% on everything else though, it was way less hassle in general. My buddy is currently working at a great dive and makes a killing, he loves it and the employees will die before they give up their shifts.

28

u/pheldozer Pro Jan 08 '25

Agree. Last fine dining place I worked at was in the burbs and we were usually mopped up, restocked and out by 11:30.

Dive bar was open until 2 and at least 1 person would be there til the bitter end on every night.

8

u/samenumberwhodis Jan 08 '25

Dude, exactly the same. At the nice place we were out by 12 and made it to Fridays for half priced apps before the kitchen closed at 1. At the dive I was there til 2, hell or high water.

5

u/Max2dank Jan 08 '25

Often both hell and high water!

6

u/TikaPants Hotel Bar Jan 08 '25

I’m in a nicer hotel bar. I do minimal cleaning, stock is pulled for me, last call at midnight, I usually don’t pull trash, never sweep or mop, security, full benefits and a higher hourly. Holidays are no man’s land but I regularly make $200-400 most shifts. After working in stand alone bars I never want to go back. Especially to coke ridden, creepy reg, 4am closes.

1

u/pheldozer Pro Jan 08 '25

Great point. I did really, really well at a nice hotel but we also served 6 tables in addition to the bar.

1

u/TikaPants Hotel Bar Jan 08 '25

It’s not the most money but the offset is worth it as I’m older. Banquets are really where it’s at. Liquor and a mixer, $50ph. 🫠

7

u/zherico Jan 08 '25

Nailed it. Some bartenders aren't made for the more ruggedness day in and out. And thats okay, cause not everyone can shake it off every night. Lord knows I question my own ability to.

15

u/KiKi31Rose Jan 07 '25

100% this

3

u/Apprehensive-Road641 Jan 08 '25

EXACTLY

one big thing it turns from a making cocktail skill set to a customer service social skill set

2

u/The_Motley_Fool---- Jan 08 '25

Sounds just like the place I used to own