Real Graduates. Real Jobs.
Don't take our word for it. Hear from the people who trained here and found work behind the bar.
Our Graduates at Work
From the classroom to the best bars in the DC region.
Over 300 Google Reviews. 4.9 Stars.
Don't take our word for it - hear from real graduates.
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Featured Graduate Stories
Marcus Johnson
Old Ebbitt Grill
Left a desk job in 2022, graduated PBS, and was placed at one of DC's most iconic restaurants within two weeks.
“I spent eight years in an office wondering what I was doing with my life. A friend mentioned PBS and I figured I had nothing to lose. Two weeks after graduating, I was behind the bar at Old Ebbitt Grill serving senators and tourists alike. The training was intense but practical - every single shift I lean on what I learned in those 40 hours. Three years later I am a senior bartender pulling in more than I ever made sitting at a desk, and I actually enjoy going to work.”
Keisha Williams
MGM National Harbor
Single mom who completed the Saturday program, placed at MGM within days of finishing.
“The five-Saturday schedule was the only way I could make it work with my kids. The instructors were patient and thorough - they made sure I could free-pour, build cocktails from memory, and handle a rush before I walked out the door. The placement office called me the Monday after my last class with an interview at MGM National Harbor. I started the following week. The tips at the casino are incredible, and I finally have a career that lets me provide for my family on my own terms.”
David Okafor
Kennedy Center
Started with PBS event staffing, now works marquee events at the Kennedy Center full time.
“I graduated during a slow hiring season, so I jumped into the event staffing side right away. Within my first month I worked a black-tie gala, a corporate holiday party, and a wedding for 400 people. Each event taught me something new about reading a crowd and managing volume. After six months of events, a contact at the Kennedy Center offered me a permanent spot. Now I work opening nights, galas, and private receptions. The money is great, but honestly the best part is that no two nights are ever the same.”
Elena Rodriguez
Ridgewells Caterers
Graduated the evening program while working days, now staffs presidential-level events through Ridgewells.
“I took the two-week evening class so I could keep my day job while I trained. By the end of the program I knew I was ready for something bigger. Ridgewells brought me on for a State Dinner prep event and I never looked back. Since then I have bartended at PGA Championship tournaments, a Presidential Inauguration, and too many embassy receptions to count. PBS gave me the foundation, and the placement network gave me access to a world I did not even know existed.”
What Employers Say About PBS Graduates
“This has been our go-to bartending school for almost 20 years! Whether sending staff for additional training or looking for viable bartenders, we don't go anywhere else!”
Anne Barnes
Long-Time Partner, Employer Partner
“We rely on PBS for trained bartenders across all three of our venues. Their graduates come in ready to work and understand hospitality at a professional level.”
Owner
Owner, Sutra Lounge / Club Timheri / Savour Restaurant
“We would contact the school...they would give us who would work for our bar. When we interview the candidates they are usually knowledgeable.”
Mo
General Manager (2009 Best Sports Bar DC), Penn Quarter Sports Tavern
“I can take their grads directly out of school and train them exactly the way I want. We have had a great deal of success finding talent from them.”
General Manager
GM, Tabaq (U Street)
“PBS Bartenders have worked professional football games, professional and Major Championship golf tournaments, Presidential Inaugurations, State Dinners.”
Director of Personnel
Director of Personnel, Ridgewells Caterers
What Our Graduates Say
“After graduating I landed such a job within 3 weeks. I went through the entire process - classes, the job placement assistance, the resume help, the interview coaching. The whole experience from start to finish was worth every penny. The skill and resume combination is going to be a big help for a long time.”
Adrian
“I am confident in knowing that wherever I bartend I will be more than qualified because of what I was taught here.”
Brittany Garr
Upper Marlboro, MD
“Best money I've ever spent!”
Angelique Hairston
Forrestville, MD
“They took me from bar-ignorance to a professional bartender!”
Derek Francis-Diamond
Arlington, VA
“I came to this school with the expectation of being an expert upon graduation and I wasn't disappointed!”
Janyka Danoy
Centreville, VA
“PBS is the best place for true hands on training...You can't learn unless you get behind the bar.”
Rich Mayo
Sterling, VA
“Great class. Awesome instructors that are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic...the best school around.”
Ben Goldberg
Potomac, MD
“Tim is a wonderful and enthusiastic teacher who knows how to make learning fun...can't find any room for improvement.”
Miles Branch
Washington, DC
“Great experience from beginning to end. The instructors really know their stuff and make learning bartending a lot of fun.”
William Smith
Alexandria, VA
“I would recommend this school to anyone looking to learn bartending. The hands-on training makes all the difference.”
Priscilla Hutson
Washington, DC
“Instructor Jon Rice is one of the best teachers I have ever had. He keeps the class engaged and makes sure everyone gets personal attention behind the bar.”
Brian Powell
“Signed up not knowing what to expect and left feeling like a completely different person behind the bar. Worth every dollar.”
Michael Parker
Springfield, VA
“I drove from Richmond to attend PBS and it was absolutely worth the commute. No other school in the area even comes close.”
Hope Hargrove
Richmond, VA
“The job placement assistance is what really sets PBS apart. They helped me with my resume, prepped me for interviews, and connected me with employers.”
Marc Trewick
Washington, DC
“PBS gave me the confidence and skills to walk into any bar and know I can handle whatever comes my way.”
Jamal Swayne
District Heights, MD
“Fantastic program. The instructors are pros who genuinely care about your success. I learned more in two weeks than I thought possible.”
Brad Masters
Centreville, VA
“I took the evening class and it fit perfectly with my schedule. The training was thorough and the atmosphere was great.”
Tiffany Bishop
Fairfax, VA
“Everything about this school is top notch - the facility, the instructors, the materials. I felt completely prepared on my first shift.”
William Carter
Burke, VA
“I enrolled with zero bartending knowledge and graduated feeling ready to work anywhere. The hands-on practice is nonstop.”
Cassie Frost
Alexandria, VA
“As a military guy looking for something different, PBS delivered. Professional environment, real skills, and they helped me find work fast.”
Matt Fleming
Quantico, VA
“The training facility is impressive - real equipment, real setup. You feel like you are working in an actual bar from day one.”
Andrey Korsak
Leesburg, VA
“PBS exceeded my expectations. The curriculum is well structured and the instructors make sure you are ready before you graduate.”
Adam Lawson
Fairfax, VA
“From the first class to job placement, PBS was there every step of the way. I am so glad I chose this school.”
Monica Jackson
Temple Hills, MD
“I looked at several bartending schools and PBS was the clear winner. The training is hands-on, the staff is supportive, and the job placement is real.”
Anissa Hargrove
Waldorf, MD




























