ABC Bartending College Portland

4.8 (150 reviews)

Bartend in Portland's world-renowned craft beverage scene! Our campus trains you in both classic cocktails and innovative techniques for PDX's unique bar culture.

Class Schedules

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

Weekday Classes

Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 3 PM (2 weeks)

Weekend Classes

Sat-Sun, 9 AM - 5 PM (3 weeks)

Evening Classes

Mon-Thu, 6 PM - 10 PM (3 weeks)

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

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Serving Portland & Surrounding Areas

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

Flexible Nationwide Training

Training Your Way in Portland

No matter where you are in Portland or Oregon, 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 Portland 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 Portland. 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 Portland.

Flexible scheduling Certified instructors Nationwide coverage Job placement assistance
Local Insights

Portland's Bar & Cocktail Scene

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

Portland has established itself as one of America's premier craft beverage destinations. Beyond its legendary beer scene, the city's cocktail culture emphasizes local ingredients, house-made syrups, and innovative techniques. Bars like Clyde Common and The Multnomah Whiskey Library have earned national recognition. The city's laid-back creative spirit means bartenders are valued as artisans, not just servers.

Job Market Data

Bartending career opportunities in Portland, Oregon

Bartender Salaries in Portland

Entry Level $26,000/year + tips
Median Salary $38,000/year + tips
Top 10% $60,000+/year

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024

Job Market Outlook

1,800

Bars & restaurants in Portland metro

9% over next decade

Projected job growth

Peak Hiring Seasons

Spring and summer

Top Employers Hiring Bartenders in Portland

Pok Pok restaurants

McMenamins

The Hoxton Hotel

Pine Street Market

Ace Hotel Portland

Student Success Stories

Hear from our graduates who launched their bartending careers in Portland

"Portland's cocktail scene is incredible. The farm-to-bar philosophy training was perfect for working here."
AM

Alex M.

Bartender

Class of 2023

"Portland takes spirits seriously. My training prepared me for one of the best whiskey bars in America."
JS

Jen S.

Lead Bartender

Class of 2022

"Learning about local ingredients and sustainability set me apart in Portland's unique market."
KP

Kevin P.

Craft Bartender

Class of 2024

Local Information

Everything you need to know about bartending in Portland

Oregon Liquor Laws

Minimum Age to Bartend 18+
Alcohol Serving Hours 7 AM - 2:30 AM
TIPS/RBS Required Recommended
Required Certifications:
  • OLCC Service Permit required

Entertainment Districts

Pearl District

Upscale neighborhood with craft cocktail bars, wine bars, and trendy restaurants in converted warehouses.

Alberta Arts District

Artsy neighborhood with dive bars, craft cocktail spots, and eclectic venues reflecting Portland's creative spirit.

Division Street

Southeast Portland's dining corridor with innovative cocktail programs and acclaimed restaurants.

Insider Tips

Learn about local distilleries (Portland has many). Understand the farm-to-bar philosophy. Beer knowledge is expected everywhere. Industry culture is strong - network at bartender events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our Portland, Oregon bartending program

What certifications do I need in Oregon?

Oregon requires an OLCC Service Permit for anyone serving alcohol. This is included in our program and we help you obtain it.

What makes Portland's bar scene unique?

Portland is known for craft everything - cocktails, beer, distilleries. The farm-to-bar philosophy and local ingredient focus is central to the culture.

Is the job market competitive in Portland?

Moderately competitive, but well-trained bartenders are always in demand, especially those who understand Portland's craft beverage culture.

What about beer knowledge in Portland?

Essential! Portland is a craft beer capital. Our program includes beer education alongside cocktail training.

Can I bartend at 18 in Oregon?

Yes, Oregon allows bartending at 18, though you'll need your OLCC permit which we help you obtain.

What neighborhoods have the best opportunities?

Pearl District for upscale, Division Street for innovative dining, Alberta for eclectic venues, and downtown for hotels.

Start Your Bartending Career in Portland

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

Also Serving:

Pearl District Alberta Arts Division Street Hawthorne Mississippi Beaverton