Barkeeper vs Bartender – What’s the difference?

Having worked in two different bars, I’ve heard all the jokes about being a barman vs. a bartender. The truth is that they are both jobs that require a lot of hard work, skill, and experience. Some people can do one job better than another but it doesn’t mean they’re not good at both!

Barkeeper

Barkeepers are responsible for more than just making drinks. They are also responsible for keeping the bar clean and stocked with supplies, which includes checking on how much alcohol is left in each bottle. Barkeepers also ensure that bartenders are following proper procedures when serving customers. For example, if a bartender is trying to serve someone who’s already been cut off from drinking by another bartender, it’s up to the barkeeper to intervene so as not to get into trouble with management or other employees at the establishment.

Barkeepers may work at restaurants or bars where there aren’t any bartenders present; these places generally have only one person responsible for cleaning up after patrons leave their seats during meal times (i.e., during breakfast hours). The same goes for establishments whose primary focus isn’t alcohol sales–for example: coffee shops where people come just because they want something hot and caffeinated before heading home after work

Bartender

As a bartender, you’re responsible for taking orders and serving drinks. You’ll also need to be aware of what’s going on in your section–if someone wants another round or if there are other patrons who need help with their drink orders, etc.

Because bartenders are responsible for the bar area, they must know how much liquor is left at all times so that they can make sure there’s enough alcohol on hand if someone asks for something specific. Bartenders also need to keep track of how much money has been made throughout the night/shift so that they know when it’s time to close up shop (and get paid!).

In addition to these responsibilities related directly to serving customers’ needs, bartenders must also maintain an overall cleanliness of both themselves and their surroundings by keeping themselves tidy while working behind the bar as well as ensuring that everything else around them stays tidy too–this includes making sure glasses aren’t dirty before putting them back into use; wiping down tables after each use; throwing away garbage regularly; cleaning bathrooms regularly (or having someone else do it); etcetera ad infinitum!

tools of the trade

Bartenders and barkeepers are both professionals who tend to the needs of patrons. While bartenders primarily work at bars and restaurants, barkeepers may also be found in hotels and other establishments with a full-service bar.

Although both professions require rigorous training, there are some differences between what tools each uses on the job. Bartenders use shakers (a metal tin) to mix drinks; barkeepers use muddlers (a wooden pestle) when making cocktails with fruit juices or herbs like mint leaves. A jigger is another common tool used by bartenders but not by their counterparts; this device helps measure out precise amounts of liquor or other ingredients when making mixed drinks such as margaritas or mojitos. Barkeepers often rely on strainers instead of strainers because they’re easier to clean than strainers after use (and don’t require special brushes).

Bartenders also typically have corkscrews available behind their stations so they can open bottles easily without having customers wait around while someone else gets them one out from storage elsewhere in an establishment’s kitchen area. However most bars have bottle openers readily available so either way works just fine here!

They are different jobs in a bar.

Both bartenders and barkeepers are responsible for serving drinks. However, there are some differences between the two jobs. The most obvious difference is that a bartender tends to be more outgoing than a barkeeper and will often ask customers what they would like to drink or if they need anything else while they’re at it. A bartender may also make conversation with patrons or engage in small talk with other employees of the establishment where he/she works, whereas a barkeeper will generally keep his/her head down while working so as not to disturb anyone else’s peace (or get yelled at).

This difference in personality reflects how each position tends to be viewed by society: bartenders are seen as cool people who work at high-end establishments where there is likely plenty of money being spent; meanwhile, having worked behind bars myself many times over the years – including during college when I needed some extra cash – all too often it was me alone behind those counters surrounded by drunks who were only interested in getting drunker faster before heading home from their night out on town!

The most important thing to remember is that these are two different jobs. If you’re considering a career in bartending or barkeeping, it’s important that you understand what each role entails. This way, you won’t be surprised when it comes time for an interview or first day on the job!