Bartender’s Training Institute

The instructor has a unique sense of humor that really keeps the class entertaining and fun. You learn a lot from the amazing handbook offered at the school. I am so happy to have chosen this school. Bartenders Training Institute really is the best school in the LA

Having just been hired for my first bartending gig, I can tell you that the time invested in this school is worth it. Lou and Cindy are not only passionate 110% about what they do but they also know there stuff. You will learn essential do’s and don’t’s of bartending as well as well over 300 drinks by your third lesson. And while the course is designed to be taken over the course of a week; its flexible enough for you to take it as long as you need to.
That being said, do not go into this lightly. You will be called out if you do something wrong or if you’re slacking off. You are also given plenty of study materials that you are expected (as you should be) to actually study.
If you’re a hard worker by trade and a mixologist by hobby and want to bridge the gap; this place is a no brainer. The more time you invest here, the more you will get out of it.

This place probably should be your only choice to consider when deciding where to learn to bartend. Lou is definitely the most well educated bartender I have come to known, which makes him a fantastic teacher of the trade. He’s passionate about what he does so when he see’s what he doesn’t like he will not shy away from letting you know, not because he doesn’t like you, but more like tough love. And if you can’t take that tough love and turn it into making you a better bartender, I suggest you go learn at the weenie hut Jr. for bartending. Lou is the man!
Cindy is wonderful too, she will go out of her way just to see you strive and see your own potential the way she sees it. From getting you a job interview, to working big events, all which make you the big bucks! She cares for all her students and does the best she can to make them all take the next step In their careers.
So look no further, Bartenders Training Institute is the place you have been looking for, I guarantee it being a student myself.

Enrolling at Bartenders Training Institute is the best decision I made! Thanks to Loui and Cindy I now have a job that I LOVE! and don’t have to live pay check to pay check. They are so supportive and make sure you truly know your drinks and brands before you graduate and if after the 2 weeks you’re still not ready they still allow you to come in to practice and re-​take the lessons. I was so relived because I had to juggle a full time job and school while taking this course. The instructors, Loui and Mr. G were extremely helpful and always there to help me improve and show me how to be faster and work smarter, not harder. I’m so grateful for all their support and even after I graduated Cindy continued to help me until I found a good Bartending job. I’m so amazed by the commitment they have to their students and I’ll forever be grateful for everything they taught me.

This place is awesome! You will learn so much information and so many different drinks, all essential if you want to get into bartending. Lou is a great guy, hilarious (at least I think so), he teaches the classes and really knows his stuff. He might yell at you if you completely screw up but it’s all out of love and will help you so much in the end. And if you can’t handle that then good luck bartending in the real world lol.
The class is 2 weeks depending on how dedicated you are. Be prepared to learn a lot of drink recipes and practice to get the most out of this experience. Lou is really helpful and will make sure you know what you’re doing and will teach you shortcuts and tips that will be beneficial when you start working.
I think the best part about this school is that if you know your stuff, work hard, and make an effort, Cindy will help you find a job and get interviews. She helped me get an interview before graduating and even put me in a bartending internship! She has good relationships with a lot of bar managers all over the city so they trust her referrals.
If you’ve always wanted to bartend but don’t have the experience, or you want to improve your skills, then you should definitely sign up here! Thanks Cindy and Lou!

I recommend this school to anyone interested in bartending. This hands on experience will really prepare you for working in any type of establishment. Louis is a great teacher who will really make sure you are doing things the proper way and are having fun doing it. Cindy constantly lets us know of new job openings all around the city. I got hired from the very first interview she sent me to. This place is truly amazing and anyone who wants to start bartending NEEDS to come here if they want a head start for working as a bartender.

I’m absolutely grateful to everyone at Bartenders Training Institute. Making the decision to enroll in this course was one of the best things I’ve done this year. I started working gigs before I graduated, thanks to Cindy’s diligence. Lou is very knowledgeable, and Mr. G completes the team. Thank you guys!

YES 5 STARS! Reason for those 5stars. is well The best experience of schooling ive been put through! ENJOYABLE, EXCITING AMUSING ATMOSPHERE is Facking AMAZING excuse my French. If local it shouldn’t be a problem finishing within a week or two and BOOM its a Official your a BARTENDER! TEACHINGS from One of the Best of the Best Teachers Mr. LOUIS FASANELLI backed up by Mrs. CINDY BENSON who well help you with job placement «If your MOTIVATED» it shouldn’t be a problem. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU BOTH ON HELPING ME LIVE THIS BARTENDER DREAM. Ive had since I was 15 drinking my folks alcohol not knowing what a screwdriver really was early morning before school.(haha) BEST OF LUCK TO YOU BOTH! THANK YOU! Word from the WISE «It“s not a Job.. . Its a Party!!!» Much Love! Too you both!

I’m going into my 2^nd week into taking classes and Cindy, Lou & his assistant instructors are amazing. They make each and every class different and fun. If you want to go to school and actually learn about bartending while having fun then you would definitely enjoy taking all these classes. What is better than learning from experienced bartenders? #callLouonhiscellphone

Lou and Cindy are some of the best people you could ever meet. Cindy is the sweetest and will do everything in her power to get you into class. Lou is The Rock he’s going to make sure that you are sharp and on point and know the alcohol that you are trying to serve. Do not come to this class and expect to play around this is a no games School. I’m working already and haven’t even graduated yet on Lou and Cindy advice. If you want to be a mixologist and you want to do it right come to this school

Would recommend this school to anyone interested in having a fun well paying job. Everything here is hands on and it’s a great environment to learn the tools of the trade. Louis is very helpful and makes sure you get the drinks right until it becomes second nature. You will learn proper clean up, costumer service and how to make the drinks balanced that will give you in an edge when applying for bartending job.
Cindy will give you all the information you need regarding the industry as well help with job placement to work in a place you will enjoy. Every student here helps each other out to make sure we all get the info down correctly as well as being supervised by Gerry when practicing. Overall it’s a very affordable school worth admission with a comfortable environment that will prepare you for a real life bar and the rush that comes with it

So, I’ve gone back and forth on deciding to write this or just leave it alone. After much debate, I have decided that it is my obligation to ensure that no one unwillingly goes through the ordeal I went through (and continue to go through) with the Bartender’s Training Institute.
During the time I attended, I documented the instructor, Louis’ use of racist, sexist, and verbal abuse, including calling a girl a «disrespectful cunt» in front of the entire class. He also asked us to falsify or documents for a national certification called «T.I.P.S.» Every session is filled with slanderous remarks such as telling a young man to grab one of the cherries for the drink even though he «probably doesn’t have experience with that,» alluding to his sexual orientation. He also likes to highlight students from different ethnical backgrounds by saying that he «won’t call deportation» if they make a drink properly.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I consider myself to be pretty laid back. Stand-​up comedy and podcasts are my life. I love offensive comedy – in the right environment and not to the detriment of unwilling participants. All I wanted was to get my license so that I could network and supplement my existing income – not to be bullied on a regular basis.
I finally had enough when, despite the contract I signed stating clearly that I had as much time as I needed to take my exam, Louis started to bully me into taking my test. When I told him I work full-​time and haven’t had enough preparation, he motioned to sexually pleasuring himself with his hand; in other words «jacking off,» thus letting me know that my full-​time job was not a relevant excuse, I suppose. From there, the «relationship» got worse and worse. I became the butt of his jokes, and he continuously referred to me as being depressed or not paying attention when I was often times fighting back the tears.
I am an adult and did not want to put up with the abuse any longer.
I asked for a refund on February 2^nd 2016 and have yet to receive it. I complied with every request the owner, Cindy, asked of me. The attached photos show the text message conversation with her where she said she would refund me but continuously made excuses as to why she hadn’t yet.
I do plan on filing a formal complaint with the Better Business Bureau & the TIPS certification organization, so you may want to look elsewhere for certification, as it does not look great to have a certificate from a company that has been reported in such a manner.
I know I will never see that $ 370 again, but if I can save even one person from going through what I’ve done through, then this post is worth it.

If you’re looking for awesome training to become one damn good Bartender, this is the place to go!!!
I called in and spoke with Cindy, very helpful and extremely welcoming, came in to check out the class and I was convinced this was the school for me.
Cindy helped with registration and answered ALL my questions with a smile every time. Lou instructs the class and all you have to do is Listen up, take notes and pay attention! He knows what he’s talking about so don’t waste your time or his. This is not the place to sit around and look pretty. This school offers ample time to practice your cocktails and they can be accomodating to people’s schedules, just be sure to keep your lines of communication open.
You can expect to be a professional mixologist when you’re finished with training here. 5 stars to Cindy, Lou and Mr. G!!! Thanks for everything guys! «Unicorn»

If you know absolutely nothing about alcohol this is the place to go! Want to become a bartender? Look no further. I went to school here and passed the course and am now working as a bartender:) they teach you everything! And as for the cost. You make it back in tips when you start working!
Lou is the man! He teaches you everything in a fun easy to learn way! And Cindy is the director there who helps you get a job. They care for you as a student. It will be the best decision you make. It was for me. And did I mention I met my other half there? Lol

If you want to be the best, go where you are taught to be the best. You want teachers who care about your today, your tomorrow. Burry your past. Go into the future knowing you went to the best school ever. Lou is a teacher. He knows. Jerry will tell you how it is. Cindy will keep you in your element. Go here if you want to bartend. I never learn how to sugarcoat anything. I’m telling you what you need to hear. Do yourself a favor. Go here and come out as the best. I did. Take notes.

Excellent fun worth it !! The best investment it was fun Lou is the best amazing inspiring mentor

I’d like to start this review off by first saying, when you read the bad reviews on this site, they’re taken out of context. If you call the school and they’re short with you, it’s because there is currently a class going on, and no one else is available to speak to you right then. That being said…
While attending the school, I found Lou to be incredibly funny and very sweet. The people who say he’s a «hard ass» are obviously not doing what they’re supposed to. If you pay attention, work hard, don’t interrupt or show up late, and you come in and practice often… You’re GOLDEN.
Cindy has so many connections to places that are hiring! I was sent to my first interview after 2 weeks, before I even graduated: and LANDED that job. I have now been working at a very nice restaurant in Calabasas for several weeks and I love it and make as much money as I was making at my old job (AND working half the hours!)
This school is worth the money, and definitely worth the time. Do yourself a favor and save up, take a few weeks off from your current job and social life, and dedicate yourself to learning a new skill that will open infinite possibilities for you in life.
If you want a place where you can learn about mixology, meet nice people who have similar passions in life, and learn from the very best: this is the school for you! Thank you Lou, Cindy, and Jerry!

Like all the other reviews say, this place is as good as it gets! After 3 weeks I went from knowing nothing about bartending to knowing hundreds of drink recipes and how to properly prepare them AND a job! Lou knows his stuff and doesn’t bullshit so just keep your mouth shut and soak it in. Cindy is a miracle worker. Do what she tells you and you’ll get a job. Simple as that.
Soooo…if you want to work as a bartender, this is the place to start.

Love love love this place. I’ve been a waitress for two years but need to move up and make more money so here I am. Love Cindy and Louis they keep it real and are the best! Thank you Bartenders Training Institute! Definitely recommend everyone that wants to be a bartender to come here first! They teach you everything you need to know and best you get hands on training.

I’m currently attending this class and I’m loving it. If you want to learn from the best, this is where to do it.
Do not look any further! Just go to the intro class and see for yourself!