Well. My mom was right. She bought me this class to encourage me to be self sufficient. She thought I should get into bartending since I was a "struggling artist" and already working in the industry as a server or host... but, alas, she was truly and utterly right. By completing this course, I was able to quadruple my income (maybe more even) working the same amount of hours and NOW I CAN FINALLY PAY MY BILLS. HALLE-FREAKING-LULAH! What I used to make in two weeks as a host or server, I now make in a night as a bartender, sometimes over $800 a night, not even including the $15.25 LA hourly rate and hate to say it, the work is a lot more mentally stimulating and fun, too. All I can say is my damn mother was right and for the right person, this simple 2 week course could totally change your lifestyle. I would have never managed through this class without the teacher at the Altadena location - Raven. Her caring about her students and holding each and every person accountable is truly what got me through this class. It is a lot of stuff to know and learn quickly and you will definitely feel stupid and spend many nights memorizing flashcards and procrastinate on finishing and you most certainly will not walk out having mastered bartending, but it's experience and knowledge that would have taken perhaps decades to gain the old fashioned way. And then her invaluable advice regarding how to actually use it to get a real life money-making bartending job is the difference between getting hired or not and most certainly got me my gig now. I feel like I skipped a long line of time, sweat, and tears getting into this and I'm just hugely grateful I decided this once to listen to my mother. read more

I usually do not write reviews for anything, but taking the bartending course at ABC, with Raven the instructor in Altadena CA, is compelling me to write one. I took the course with no previous knowledge about alcohol, mixing drinks, or being behind a bar for that matter. Raven is an excellent teacher and an even better person. In just two weeks she was able to instill in me the skills of a successful bartender I had no idea I would learn as much as I have in just two weeks. She not only taught me how to mix drinks but also taught me the ins and outs of bartending in general the dos and the donts and most importantly how to find a job after I finish the course. She helped with my resume and she made sure, most importantly, I was 110% ready to work before sending me out there to find a job. The resume she helped me build and all the advice she gave me regarding finding a job and just in general being a great bartender in the real world really paid off as I was able to find a job a week after I finished the course. She really knows what she's doing she has years and years of experience and she actually teaches you how to survive in that environment because she actually cares about each one of her students she's very passionate about what she does she's patient and helpful when it comes to students having a hard time passing a certain test/quiz she may give no matter what she will work with you and will never give up on you even if you decide to give up on yourself as that's what happened to me due to certain personal mishaps I went through. THANK YOU RAVEN YOU ARE THE GREATEST YOU ROCK!!!!!!! read more

Thank god for Nick and Raven Graves of ABC Bartending Schools in West Los Angeles. This was by far the ultimate experience in both learning about the food and beverage industry and getting your hands dirty with high volume speed drills. Cara has too much time on her hands to write BOOK REPORTS about her life. Listen Cara, GET A JOB already. If you want to absorb the history of alcohol and refresh your minds with philosophy, theory, darkness, rock and roll, fun, excitement, and an in-your-face style of teaching that all others lack then do yourselves a favor and take this course. Raven Graves is the goth queen, pin-up model with a body that kills and a face that drives both male and female students crazy as she teaches everything from shooters to pre-prohibition drinks. I could not take my eyes off of her mesmerizing smile. Her tattoos and style of dressing made me want to take the class again just to learn from such a wicked beauty. She is an enigma with an endless sea of knowledge and passion for the industry that it is contagious and hard not to be moved by her passion for what she does. From Nietzsche to Plato, from the Spanish invading Mexico and distilling the Agave to what first brought us out of the caves, from the first civilization to the discovery of the longitude problem, you will learn so much more than just MIXOLOGY from Raven Graves. You will learn to be the BEST! The FASTEST! The KILLER Bartender that goes out and brings home the MONEY!!! Thank you Raven Graves. read more

Raven(the instructor) was awesome. I was taking a refresher course even though I took the class back in April. I wasn't able to take the final test because coincidentally I had to take a final at school. I'm actually happy that I wasn't able to take the final because while taking the first set of classes there were two instructors that came in to teach the class (George and Max) while Raven was out. All in all I got to take the class with three different instructors who each had there own personality and something different to bring to the table. Max and George were funny while Max was really into tequila (he gave me some info about patron that made me never touch it again). Raven was mad cool and down to earth while still being very informative and enthusiastic about teaching us which made the experience all the more fun. If you have ever been to any school you can tell the difference between a teacher who is only there for the paycheck and a teacher who actually cares about what there doing, because it definitely shows. Raven not only gave us tons of information about being a bartender and all types of different alcohol but all the stories she shares really help put certain things into perspective. I just recently went back so she could check out my resume and look over a possible job lead I found and even though she was instructing another class she still had time to help me out. Highly recommended and I might just go back for her advance course. read more

I loved this school! I can't recommend this course enough. I was feeling very intimated and overwhelmed at the idea of bartending and all the components that go into that job, knowing the drinks, glasses, garnishes, etc. Everything about my experience, from signing up, showing up, to practicing the drinks, to verbal instruction, to the testing was an extremely positive experience. Our instructor George, was incredibly accessible and was always available to answer every question I (we) had--and I had a lot. No question was to small or silly, and every question was answered until an understanding was reached. George de-mystified the craft of mixing drinks and helped give me the knowledge and confidence I need to get out there and start working behind the bar. Is the course easy? Yes and No. Yes because it's actually fun. I enjoyed going to class and learning the business and mixing the drinks. No, not easy because you have to put in an effort, like anything in life, you have to put in the time studying and learning the drinks, but if you do your part the school and George will do their's and you will be successful. I will be sharing how great my experience was for years to come. Thank You, George, Tone, and Kimberly. read more

At first I was a bit intimidated and unsure if I made the right decision about choosing weekend courses. I didn't have the time to make it during the week but really wanted to get started with this course. I AM SO PLEASED and completely satisfied with the school and especially Raven as my instructor. She made it super simple , she was very approachable, very knowledgeable , and even after graduating she offered to lend me a hand with finding a job. Throughout the course she gave me the in's and out's of the industry and tips on how to ace an interview. I'm also very glad I chose this location. She has transformed the location and made my learning experience feel as if I were already working at a bar. I truly believe this is key to anyone's transition into the real world. You can also tell she has poured her heart into her school and her students, I wouldn't have preferred any other instructor. If you're looking into a bartending school I would definitely recommend this location. read more

I had the best time in class with Raven! She is such a badass but also sucha sweetheart! She is so passionate about the art and it definitely keeps you motivated. The best part about her class is that the environment is so realistic and distracting that it really makes you challenge yourself to focus. It sounds like a negative thing, but it's really good practice for the real world and no other location is like hers. Raven is full of high energy, very knowledgable and honest.( the honesty part is very important) Not many schools or classes are honest about what the industry is really like. I HIGHLYYYY recommend this location no matter where you are from. It's like you're working in a real bar with loud music and high energy!! It's so much fun and you learn so much so quick, two weeks are over in a blink. Raven drills you hard to get your speed up and recipes down! It's hard work but it's too much fun! I wish the class was longer! read more

ABC Bartending School in Altadena is amazing. All the reviews here are true and legit! If u are looking to learn bartending and to get a hands-on experience this is the place to go. Raven is the best teacher anybody can ask for. She is the patient, sweet and very knowledgeable. But most important she is extremely passionate about what she does. She turned her classroom into a goth bar, so students can have experience operating in a real bar setting. She inspires, she shares all ups and downs and tips and tricks about the industry, she does everything to be sure are a gonna be a damn good bartender. I really can't thank Raven enough. I'm actually surprised how much I could learn in just two weeks and how much fun I got. Seriously, it was the most fun class I ever took. I really recommend this school to anybody looking to learn bartending! read more

Raven is AMAZING! My friend recommended taking this course with her and I couldn't be happier with the results!! Raven was super thorough, gave great advice, and provided a wealth of knowledge to prepare me for the industry. Her school is setup like a real bar, giving you a realistic and ideal experience!! She truly cares about the success of her students! I was curious about how the class was going to go down, given COVID has made everything difficult, but I felt completely safe. The class size is more intimate, allowing for a more customized experience. Joining Raven's school was definitely worth the investment and I couldn't be happier with the results. I feel so much more confident and skilled to begin my bartending career. I wouldn't trust anyone else but Raven to make that happen! Thank you so much Raven! read more

I had a great experience at this school. The space itself is exactly like a bar which is cool. There's easy parking and it's set near the top of Lake Ave below the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains. But the instructor here is what makes this school so special. She's got mad skills, a positive attitude and a calling to be a teacher. There were a big variety of students in our class--absolute beginners, people in the restaurant industry who wanted to freshen up their skills and older folks who just wanted to impress their friends. The instructor pushed and encouraged everybody. By the end of the course, everybody was excited to be a pro bartender. I'd recommend the course at this location for anyone-- I am so glad I did it. read more

Went to ABC bartending as it was highly recommended by a friend of mine, and couldn't be happier with my decision. I went in with zero knowledge about bartending, and after just two weeks feel more than confident as I begin looking for a full time gig. The class was an absolute blast and it's an awesome environment, but Raven, the instructor, is what truly makes the course worth your time. She's fun, laid-back, articulate, patient, but also makes sure she gets the most out of her students. Great for people looking to work in the industry or even just familiarize themselves with a wide variety of drinks. Whatever you're looking to get out of it, I highly recommend taking this class with Raven. read more

Raven is amazing. From the moment I stepped into her class I knew that this was going to be a fantastic experience. Raven goes above and beyond. Unlike other schools, she's decked out an entire authentic bar for you to practice in, she teaches you tricks and tips, and extra drinks that are popular but not in the school curriculum. She really goes out of her way to take care of you and make sure that you're prepared to go out into the real world as a bartender. More than that, she believes in you and supports you and your goals. She's truly a mentor. I loved every minute of my classes (I'm kind of sad they're over!) and I feel 100% prepared to go out into the world and bartend! ~ Madison read more

I recommend ABC Bartending School location in Altadena for many reasons. Raven the instructor is a extremely talented and experienced Instructor. She always made class fun with having great music and bar setting atmosphere. She teaches students everything she knows about alcohol drinks, the history of alcohol, and goes the extra length in helping you with your resume and taking the right steps in getting your dream bartending job. She is always there for her students. She answered all my questions if I had any in class or even through the phone. Graduating with her I felt ready to work in the bar setting. You won't find a better bartender instructor than the amazing sweet raven. read more

Today was my last day of class. I had the privilege of taking the class with Amazing Raven Graves. She is very informative and patient. She has a laid back attitude and goes into detail about where a drink originated as well as gives tons of acronyms to help with the recipe. She has transformed the Altadena location to include music, different colored lights and a fully stocked bar (of water). She is very passionate and it shows in her students. I loved every minute of class and hated when I had to miss a day to attend a graduation. I highly recommend if you are looking to get your license or just learn about your weekend habit to register for her class. read more

I just finished my class about two weeks ago at Altadena location and I have to say that it was a really good investment. Sure anyone can learn to bartend on the fly, but when you have an awesome instructor that's super knowledgeable, it makes all the difference! My instructor Raven was beyond helpful and full of knowledge in liquor, the does and don'ts of bar etiquette and even the history on alcohol... she was amazing! Very informative, encouraging and very helpful! I high recommend this location and instructor... I live in Whittier and drove to Altadena for class and it was well worth the drive and the money! Go see Raven... she's the best!!! read more

Would recommend anyone who is experienced and inexperienced in the bar, there is always something new to learn. You not only work in a very well decorated and bar simulated environment which helps prepare you for real world Bartending, but the instructor Raven Greys doesn't just teach what's needed and leave it there, she goes into the history of the liquors which gives you a step over others that only know a bottle and a name. Overall I recommend if your interested in pursuing a Bartending career or not sure yet it's a great location to attend you will gain all the knowledge and experience needed to be the best bartender you can be. read more

Our job placement program will assist you find work until you do!! We help with Bartender Resumes, interviewing and places hiring. We deal with establishments, private events, and major festivals!! We have bartenders currently hired to work the Renaissance Festival and we need bartenders for the Tacolandia event on June 11th in LA. We need 80 bartenders for this event....if you get started in classes by May 30th, you can work this event!! LA Weekly's huge taco festival Tacolandia needs 80 of our graduates to bartend this event!! Call immediately to start training a be on the list to work this if you graduate by the 11th!! read more

I went to ABC Bartending school and I can easily say this was the funnest school I've ever been. Raven is an amazing instructor. She is very passionate about what she does and committed to teach her students. You don't simply learn how to make drinks but learn a lot of history about drinks. You even find out some health effects on certain drinks. You learn how to mix drinks. And well you gotta learn all these drinks and how to prepare them fast. The decorations in this place is unique and music makes you feel like you're working at an actual bar. I highly recommend it, I can't think of a better teacher than Raven. read more

The Altadena location of ABC is on a whole other level when it comes to learning how to bartend. They have a full on bar to practice on and Raven the instructor is an absolute rockstar behind it. Not only will she teach you how to make the most popular bar drinks but she will pass on invaluable knowledge of not only the technical aspects of the bartending but also incredible insight on how to navigate the industry in a way that is most effective for you personally. So whether you have bar experience or are completely new ABC Altadena and Raven are the best investment you can make for your future in bartending. read more