Notifications
Clear all
Topic starter
Hey everyone,
I've been lurking around the boards for a few weeks now, but wanted to ask about bartending in the USVI. There are many references to those young punk kids who descend upon STT every winter and well, I suppose I'd like to toss my hat into the ring as well. After three years of studying Mechanical Engineering, I need some time off. Currently, my plan is to bartend state side (I have been since January) and then leave somewhere close to Oct. 1st for STT. Is this a good departure date? It seems to be the best mix between apartment and job availability. While I'd certantly love to do a pre-move visit this summer, financially that doesn't seem like it would be an option. Getting a hole-in-the-wall apartment doesn't put me off at all and as a bartender, the idea of having a job lined up months in advance seems somewhat rediculous.
Redhook seems like the best place to live and work. Is it possible to do both without a car? I don't mind walking a mile or two each way. Thanks for all of your help, and I do appreciate everything that this board puts out. All of you are a blessing to us nervous state-siders.
~Tom~
Posted : April 22, 2005 3:18 am
Hello Tom,
Welcome to posting on the board ;).
Sounds like a good plan, mid-October to mid-November is when season starts picking up again after those low months Aug-Sept. By December-January its high season through till around May when it slows down a bit.
Redhook is an area with several bars, restaurants, stores, medical offices, gas stations, grocery stores, resorts, tour operators/boats and residences... so it is a good area to be in if you don't have transportation and need to be close to work, home and things like grocery store/bank etc. Also the bus route runs through there and its relatively flat so walking short distances is easier then other areas of the islands that have hillier terrain. All the best.
--Islander
Posted : April 22, 2005 5:24 pm
Topic starter
I appreciate your help, Islander. Do you (or anyone else on the boards, for that matter) happen to know of anyone who's bartended in the USVI? I imagine that the money is pretty good (given the migrant workers) but I don't mind if it isn't. Also, how many opertunities are there to stay on for the slow season? If I find a job that I like, I don't want to leave after 6 months.
~Tom~
Posted : April 24, 2005 1:16 am
Hello Tom,
I had a couple buddies that bartended, its been a few years since they left the job though. They worked it all year round, same place mostly but sometimes took on a partime waitering or bartending job at a second place to make extra money. There are several bars here that the bartender has been at the place for ages (imagine the stories they can tell WHOOO HOOOOO :).
--Islander
Posted : April 27, 2005 11:45 pm
I don't want to discourage you, but it is pretty difficult to just come down and start off behind the bar. Most restaurants/bars will hire a bunch of servers at the beginning of season, basically anyone, and weed out the bad apples. It usually takes a while to be promoted to bartender. Reason? THE CASH REGISTER! the bartender is usually the cashier for the whole establishment, so without some extraordinary references, a letter from your grand mother etc. no one will give you access to their money without knowing you for a while. I heard of a bartender hauled off by federal marshalls, and extradited to Cal. for outstanding warrants. If you have a clean police record, it may pay to bring a copy along, as each year major as well as minor felons "excape " to the vi. Also many popular places have steady bartenders, or at least the same ones returning every year to work there. Places like Duffy's have high turnover(owners are rumored to be "Difficult" You certainly may luck into something, by being presentable, professional and sober and drug free, No one will hand over their bar to a drunk or drug addict.
Posted : April 29, 2005 4:45 pm
