How to Be Barback - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 4, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

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Steps How to Become

Get the Necessary Experience. Barbacks typically need to have previous experience working in a bar or restaurant before they can become a barback. Having a large amount of customer service experience is also beneficial, as barbacks must interact with customers regularly.
Obtain Your Required Certifications. Depending on the state in which you plan to work as a barback, you may need to obtain a food handlers card, TIPS certification, or other certifications to legally be able to serve drinks.
Find an Employer. Many restaurants and bars are always looking for experienced barbacks. You can search online for job postings or ask around at your favorite establishments to see if they are hiring.
Get Trained. Once you have been hired, your employer will likely provide a training program for you to become familiar with their bar and its operations. Many employers also provide additional safety and customer service training for barbacks.
Fulfill Your Duties. The primary responsibility of a barback is to assist the bartenders in running the bar. This includes stocking and organizing the bar, serving drinks, cleaning and sanitizing, and occasionally running food orders to tables.

Working hard and staying focused are key elements to becoming an ideal and capable barback. Developing a strong work ethic and taking pride in one's job can lead to success. Doing so allows barbacks to become more knowledgeable of the inner workings of the bar, as well as its products and services.

This knowledge helps them to better anticipate the needs of the guests and co-workers, creating a smoother, more efficient workflow. having organizational and multitasking skills helps barbacks stay on task and handle a variety of tasks at once. By maintaining a positive attitude, barbacks can make sure everyone around them is having a good experience and that all tasks are being completed in a timely manner.

With these skills and attitudes, barbacks can become ideal and capable employees for any establishment.

You may want to check Tray Passer, Catering Waitstaff, and Restaurant Waiter for alternative.

Job Description

Stock beer coolers and shelves with product
Receive and store shipments of beverages
Clean and organize bar area and equipment
Assist in setting up for special events
Collect, wash, and store glassware
Check identification of customers to verify age
Assist bartenders with preparation of drinks
Monitor inventory and restock supplies as needed
Keep bar area clean and organized
Follow all safety and sanitation guidelines

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of beer, wine, and spirits
Knowledge of mixing and pouring techniques
Strong customer service skills
Ability to multi-task
Knowledge of state liquor laws
Knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices
Ability to work with a team
Ability to lift heavy objects
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Attention to detail
Good organizational skills
Ability to stand for long periods of time

A successful barback must possess a variety of skills in order to excel in their role. Having an understanding of mixology and the ability to create classic cocktails is essential, as is having knowledge of beer and wine. barbacks must be able to anticipate the needs of the bartender and customers, and possess strong organizational abilities.

Being able to work quickly and efficiently, while remaining organized and professional under pressure, is key. the most important skill for a barback is the ability to multitask. The ability to manage multiple tasks at once is essential for success in the role, as a barback must be able to perform a variety of duties such as stocking and restocking items, cleaning and organizing the bar, and providing assistance to the bartender during busy times.

Without this skill, barbacks may find it difficult to keep up with the demands of the job.

Line Server, Room Service Waiter, and Dining Room Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the barback role?
How would you handle a situation where customers are demanding drinks quicker than you can keep up?
What measures do you take to ensure all areas of the bar are properly stocked?
What is your understanding of alcoholic drinks and their ingredients?
What safety procedures do you take when handling and transporting glassware and bottles?
How would you handle a customer who becomes overly intoxicated or unruly?
How do you handle multiple tasks at the same time?
How do you maintain a professional appearance during your shift?
What techniques do you use to remember drink orders and serve customers efficiently?
How do you ensure complete customer satisfaction when serving drinks?

Common Tools in Industry

Bottle Opener. A tool used to open bottles, (eg: bottle of beer).
Corkscrew. A tool used to open wine bottles, (eg: bottle of Chardonnay).
Bar Spoon. A long handled spoon used to stir drinks, (eg: Long Island Iced Tea).
Jigger. A tool used to measure precise amounts of liquor in a drink, (eg: Martini).
Ice Scoop. A tool used to scoop ice from an ice bin, (eg: ice for a Margarita).
Muddler. A tool used to muddle herbs and fruits in cocktails, (eg: Mojito).
Shaker Tin. A two-piece metal container used to shake cocktails, (eg: Daiquiri).
Strainer. A tool used to separate solids from liquids in a drink, (eg: Manhattan).
Zester. A tool used to make thin strips of citrus zest, (eg: Lemon Drop).
Citrus Juicer. A tool used to squeeze juice from citrus fruits, (eg: Orange Juice).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
American Culinary Federation
United States Bartenders Guild
International Bartenders Association
Beverage Alcohol Resource
Beer, Wine & Spirits Association
International Sommelier Guild
Nightclub & Bar Media Group
Guild of Professional English Butlers
American Craft Spirits Association

We also have Counter Attendant, Lounge Server, and Busboy jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Barback. A barback is a person who helps the bartender in a bar or restaurant. They are responsible for stocking the bar with supplies, cleaning glassware, and assisting with preparing drinks and food orders.
Bartender. A bartender is the person responsible for serving drinks and managing the bar. They are often the face of the establishment and are expected to provide excellent customer service.
Mixologist. A mixologist is a professional bartender trained in the art and science of creating craft cocktails. They have extensive knowledge of spirits and mixers, as well as an understanding of flavor profiles, presentation, and bartending techniques.
Barista. A barista is a person who specializes in making espresso-based drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos. They are knowledgeable about coffee beans and the different types of espresso drinks that can be made from them.
Busser. A busser is a person who clears and cleans tables in a restaurant or bar. They are responsible for keeping the dining area clean and organized, refilling guests drinks, and resetting tables for the next guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Barback?

A barback is a person who works in a bar or restaurant, assisting the bartenders. They help to keep the bar stocked, clean glasses, and prepare garnishes.

What qualifications are needed to be a Barback?

Most employers require barbacks to have at least a high school diploma, although some may prefer candidates who have experience working in a bar or restaurant. Additionally, barbacks must possess strong organizational and customer service skills.

How much does a Barback make?

The average salary for barbacks is around $21,500 per year. However, this can vary depending on location, experience, and other factors.

What are the typical duties of a Barback?

Typical duties of a barback include stocking the bar with supplies, cleaning glasses and surfaces, preparing garnishes for drinks, assisting with serving customers, and helping to keep the bar area organized.

Are there any hazards associated with being a Barback?

Yes, there are potential hazards associated with working as a barback. These can include slips and falls due to wet floors, cuts from broken glass or sharp edges, or burns from spilled alcohol or other hot liquids.