Oakland Bartending School

4.8 (150 reviews)

Master bartending in the heart of the East Bay! Our Oakland-area campus in San Leandro provides hands-on training with connections to the thriving bar scenes across Oakland, Berkeley, and the entire East Bay region. With live bartending shifts available at local venues, you'll gain real-world experience before graduation.

Online Program

Serving Oakland, California

Call Us

(888) 901-8477

Email Us

info@bartendingcollege.com

Flexible Schedules

Self-Paced Online

Start Online Course Call (888) 901-8477

Class Schedules

Choose the schedule that works best for you at our Oakland campus

Weekday Classes

Monday - Friday, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (2 weeks)

Weekend Classes

Saturday - Sunday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (2 weekends)

Evening Classes

Monday - Thursday, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (3 weeks)

All schedules cover the same comprehensive curriculum. Choose based on your availability.

Enroll Now

Serving Oakland & Surrounding Areas

Learn bartending from anywhere with our comprehensive online program. We serve students in Oakland and throughout California with flexible, self-paced training that fits your schedule.

Explore Online Program Call (888) 901-8477
Flexible Nationwide Training

Training Your Way in Oakland

No matter where you are in Oakland or California, we bring professional bartending education to you with options designed to fit your life.

In-Home Instruction

A certified bartending instructor comes directly to your location in Oakland for personalized, hands-on training.

Live Virtual Training

Interactive Zoom sessions with professional bartenders. Learn cocktail techniques, bar management, and more from anywhere.

Instructor's Facility

Train at a certified instructor's professional bar setup near Oakland. Real-world environment, real-world skills.

Partner School Placement

We find and enroll you at a bartending school in any city. We handle all the coordination and communications for you.

Corporate & Event Training

Custom programs for restaurants, hotels, event venues, and private parties. Train your team or learn for your next event.

Hybrid Programs

Combine online coursework with in-person practice sessions. Flexible scheduling that works around your life.

Let's Build Your Custom Training Plan

Call us to discuss which training option works best for your schedule and goals in Oakland.

Call (888) 901-8477 Explore Programs
Flexible scheduling Certified instructors Nationwide coverage Job placement assistance
Local Insights

Oakland's Bar & Cocktail Scene

Discover the local hospitality landscape where you'll build your career

Oakland and East Bay: Rising Star of Bay Area Bartending

The East Bay has emerged as one of the Bay Area's most exciting bar destinations, offering more affordable living while maintaining world-class cocktail culture.

Top Spots

  • The Kon-Tiki - Tiki lounge with craft cocktails in Uptown Oakland
  • Last Exit - Jack London Square cocktail destination
  • Mad Oak - Neighborhood gem with creative drinks
  • Jupiter - Berkeley's iconic beer garden

Craft Beer Scene

Oakland's craft brewery scene (Drake's, Federation, Ghost Town) rivals any in the country.

Trending (2026)

  • Low-ABV cocktails
  • Local craft spirits
  • Sustainable bar practices

Job Market Data

Bartending career opportunities in Oakland, California

Bartender Salaries in Oakland

Entry Level $31,000/year + tips
Median Salary $38,000/year + tips
Top 10% $58,000+/year

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024

Job Market Outlook

1,850

Bars & restaurants in Oakland metro

9% over next 5 years

Projected job growth

Peak Hiring Seasons

March-September, December holidays

Top Employers Hiring Bartenders in Oakland

Drake's Brewing Company

East Bay Hotel Properties

Plank Oakland

Jack London Square Venues

Downtown Oakland Restaurants

Student Success Stories

Hear from our graduates who launched their bartending careers in Oakland

"The live bar shifts were incredible. I was actually earning tips and gaining experience before I even graduated. That hands-on training gave me the confidence I needed."
JM

Jordan Mitchell

Bartender

Class of 2023

"Oakland's bar scene is so diverse - from dive bars to upscale cocktail lounges. The East Bay program prepared me for all of it, and now I manage a popular spot in Uptown."
AN

Ashley Nguyen

Bar Manager

Class of 2021

"The craft beer knowledge I gained helped me land a job at one of Oakland's best breweries. The instructors really understand the local market."
MW

Marcus Williams

Brewery Bartender

Class of 2022

Local Information

Everything you need to know about bartending in Oakland

California Liquor Laws

Minimum Age to Bartend 21+
Alcohol Serving Hours 6:00 AM - 2:00 AM
TIPS/RBS Required Recommended
Required Certifications:
  • RBS Certification (required)

Entertainment Districts

Jack London Square

Oakland's waterfront entertainment hub with restaurants, bars, and event spaces along the estuary.

Uptown Oakland

Vibrant arts district with craft cocktail bars, live music venues, and late-night dining.

Temescal

Trendy neighborhood with boutique bars, breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants.

Downtown Berkeley

College town nightlife with dive bars, craft beer spots, and cocktail lounges near UC Berkeley.

Insider Tips

Oakland's bar community is welcoming and collaborative. Start at neighborhood spots to build your reputation. Industry nights are Mondays when the best bartenders gather.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our Oakland, California bartending program

What makes the Oakland campus unique?

Our Oakland-area campus offers live bartending shifts at partner venues, where you work real shifts with instructor support. You'll earn tips and gain resume experience before graduation.

Do you serve areas outside Oakland?

Yes! Our job placement network covers the entire East Bay including Berkeley, Hayward, Fremont, Walnut Creek, Concord, and even extends to Livermore, Napa, and Vallejo.

How is the Oakland bar scene different from San Francisco?

Oakland offers a more affordable, laid-back atmosphere with a strong craft beer culture. It's often easier to break into than SF, and many bartenders work in both cities.

Is public transit accessible?

The campus is accessible via AC Transit bus routes. BART stations in San Leandro and Oakland connect you to the entire Bay Area.

What types of establishments hire in the East Bay?

The East Bay has everything from Oakland's trendy cocktail bars and breweries to Berkeley's college-town spots and suburban restaurant chains.

Do I need RBS certification to work in California?

Yes, California requires RBS (Responsible Beverage Service) certification for anyone serving alcohol. We include this training in our program.

Nearby Bartending Schools

Explore other ABC Bartending College locations near you

San Francisco

California

Train to bartend in one of America's greatest cocktail cities! San Francisco's legendary bar scene awaits you. Learn from industry professionals in the heart of Union Square, with job placement connections to world-renowned cocktail bars, hotels, and restaurants throughout the Bay Area.

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Sacramento

California

Learn bartending in California's capital city! Our Sacramento campus offers comprehensive hands-on training in a professional simulated bar environment. With flexible scheduling options and strong connections to the thriving Midtown and Downtown nightlife scenes, we'll help you launch your bartending career.

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Fresno

California

Central California's premier bartending school. In two weeks or less, we'll train you to be a competent, skilled, and hireable bartender! Learn hands-on in our Simulated Bar and be ready for a fun & flexible bartending job in restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels and other venues.

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Canyon Country

California

Launch your bartending career in the Santa Clarita Valley! Our Canyon Country campus serves the growing communities of Santa Clarita, Valencia, and surrounding areas. With quick access to Los Angeles and a thriving local restaurant scene, this location offers the perfect blend of suburban convenience and career opportunity.

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View All Locations

Start Your Bartending Career in Oakland

Join thousands of successful graduates through our online bartending program. Learn from anywhere in Oakland with flexible scheduling and earn your certification in just 2 weeks!

Start Online Course Call (888) 901-8477

Also Serving:

Oakland Berkeley San Leandro Hayward Fremont Castro Valley Alameda Richmond Concord Walnut Creek