Where else would be the best place to be a bartender than the city that never sleeps? Known for its dynamic nightlife, diverse entertainment, and thriving hospitality industry, the Empire State offers the perfect backdrop for aspiring mixologists.
From trendy Manhattan lounges to Brooklyn’s eclectic bars, the city provides a rich environment to learn and master the art of bartending and mixology.
Whether you’re aspiring to kickstart a bartending career or eager to enhance your existing skills, New York’s bartending schools can help you achieve your goals.
The 5 Best Bartending Schools in New York
American Bartenders School
Established in 1969, American Bartenders School has deep ties with the bartending community of NYC to help grads get jobs.
Available in the following cities:
New York City
EBS Bartending Academy
With 28 schools in 20 countries, EBS Bartending Academy is one of the world’s largest bartending schools claiming more than 7,000 attendees per year.
Available in the following cities:
Brooklyn
Liquid Lab
Providing both private and public mixology classes, Liquid Lab hosts a handful of courses in New York City every month.
Available in the following cities:
New York City
Columbia Bartending Agency
Run by former Columbia University students, The Columbia School of Mixology has been training bartenders since 1965.
Available in the following cities:
New York City
Bartending School NYC
Around since 1977,  ABC – which runs Bartending School NYC – is one of the largest bartender training establishments in the nation with locations across the United States.
Available in the following cities:
New York City
Bartender Licensing in New York
While a bartending license is not required to work in New York, the state Liquor Authority does recommend bartenders enroll in an Alcohol Training Awareness Program (ATAP) course. A list of approved providers can be found here.
If you do decide to take the ATAP training, the certification is valid for three years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age requirement to become a bartender in New York?
The minimum age requirement to work as a bartender in New York is 18 years old.
