Prior to founding the Pacific Bartending School, Dan Mackey was the head instructor at the San Francisco School of Bartending. Dan was also instrumental in developing the curriculum at that school – the same curriculum that is used at the Pacific Bartending School.
Read what students had to say about their experiences:
"Why would I travel 2 hours to attend Pacific Bartending School when there was another bartending school one hour away? The answer is simple! I feel I received the best possible bartending training there is available. Dan was upfront with the price of the training, as it is listed on his website. The honesty with which he answered my many questions gave me reason to know that I would not have received the same quality and personalized training anywhere else. Nineteen years of bartending experience by the owner and instructor, Dan Mackey, was imparted to us in his easy to follow teaching techniques. His sense of humor used in his instruction has helped me to retain these valu! able tools. The continual daily hands on training at your own workstation helps you to make rapid progress. As an added bonus to us, Dan shared his expertise on the many ways to handle and retain your professionalism in various delicate situations that will always arise in a bar/restaurant setting. Thank you Dan for the knowledge and tools and the fun atmosphere in which you delivered them."
- Debra A., Graduate, Pacific Bartending School
"Thanks for allowing us to step over the bar-to see the other side-working as a bartender is a powerful position, and the tools you've given the graduates of your school can further launch them into successful, rewarding careers..."
- Christa McNally, SKYY Vodka-- Assistant Brand Manager
"Since I am a teacher, I have studied curriculum extensively. I think you have done a very good job developing your curriculum and the instructor was excellent."
- Kathe Welch, Graduate, San Francisco School of Bartending
"The instructor went through the whole process of being a bartender. Everything I've wished for were in these two weeks."
- Jacob Lam, Graduate, San Francisco School of Bartending
"Very professional atmosphere. Dan made the class very fun and easy. Much appreciated."
- Michael Robles, Graduate, San Francisco School of Bartending
“Thanks so much for the wonderful 2 weeks. I learned a lot and had so much fun. I made new friends too..."
- Sami Monseur, Graduate, San Francisco School of Bartending
"The job is going real well. I just got promoted to the best shifts during the week-yesterday I rang a little over four thousand. I love my job and I think going to your school was the best career move I've made thus far in my life..."
- Helen Park, Graduate, San Francisco School of Bartending
"VideoCocktailer drills are great! I would consider them a necessity for any good bartending school. Also, the other schools were very pushy and condescending. I could tell they were under great pressure to make a sale. SFSOB wasn't like that."
- Mike Rosenstein, Graduate, San Francisco School of Bartending
"Thank you for making the course what it is, a hands-on course taught by a real bartender, not that fake internet stuff but actual hands-on learning! After finishing your course I went for my 1st interview. I walked out with the job. With your tips and knowledge you gave me I am now the bar manager within 4 days of being hired. The previous manager was caught drinking on the job, something you told us never to do. I made my tuition back in 3 days off tips alone. Thanks again Dan!"
- Anthony Gonzalez, Graduate, Pacific Bartending School
"Hey Dan, the new years party went great!!! I made $450 in four hours of work!!! My
station (not being cocky) made more tips, had more people just coming to me,
and was kept the cleanest. So I would like to thank you for making all that
happened. All your tricks worked, from the little tricks to remember drinks,
to putting the money down on the bar a certain way to get a bigger tip.
My first drink was the same as your first, vodka tonic. The funny part was
I was hoping thats what they were going to order.
Well cant thank you enough but thanks again for all your help."
- Cory Anderson, Graduate, Pacific Bartending School
"Before you pick any school do some homework. I visited several bartending schools and they're not the same. This was by far the best one I found. The owner is the instructor and he's funny, informative and makes learning bartending easy and fun. That was 3 months ago and now I'm a working bartender. For the first time in my life I like going to work. Thank you, Dan! You were right. You told us the real learning starts when you're working behind the bar.
I've spent over 40k on education. I earn more money now as a bartender than my old career. For what it's worth, you would have made a great professor. Your course beats the crap out of what I learned in college."
- Richard H., Graduate, Pacific Bartending School
"The teaching system combined with Dan's experience is unbeatable."
- Matt McKenzie, Graduate, San Francisco School of Bartending
"Everything was perfect...the drills, the people, the lesson, and especially Dan's humor. This course was both fun and challenging."
- Rachelle Roxas, Graduate, San Francisco School of Bartending
"Dan is a stellar teacher. The teaching method is simple and brilliant."
- Erin Anres, Graduate, San Francisco School of Bartending