Bartending

Find a bartender near South Loop, IL

Find a bartender near South Loop, IL

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Top 10 Bartenders near South Loop, IL

Bartenders Cost Guide

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Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

How do I find a good bartender?

Put some time on your calendar to research and compare top-rated bartenders near you online. Start by looking at their ratings and services. For example, some bartending services will provide a waitstaff, glassware, ice, coolers, food and more.

Next, look at their photos of past events and read the customer reviews. Find feedback on the bartenders’ services. Did they offer fair pricing? Did they show up on time to set up? Did they bring all of the appropriate drinks, cups, supplies and decorations? Did they interact politely with the party guests and provide a pleasant overall experience? And did they do the agreed-upon cleanup afterward?

Narrow down your top choices, and start contacting the bartenders. Ask for cost estimates for your event, and tell them how many people will be attending, what type of event it is and what services you require. You should also ask them questions about their experience.

Bartenders may need a license in your state, county or city to work at a private party. Make sure they’re properly certified before you hire anyone.

How much does it cost to hire a bartender for a private party?

Hiring a bartender for a private party typically costs between $270 and $390 in total. On an hourly basis, expect to pay at least $40 to $60 per hour, as well as a flat fee. How much you’ll pay, however, depends on the time of year or day, the size of the party and other factors. Get in touch with a few bartenders near you and request a free estimate — it’s the only way to get an accurate idea of how much private bartending services will cost you.

Check out “How much does it cost to hire a bartender?” to learn more about the cost factors.

Do bartenders need to be licensed?

Certain counties, cities and states may require licensing. Check your local government’s regulations before starting your search.

In many cases, you might want to choose a bartender who has a license and/or certification. If you’re considering hiring a bartender for an upcoming event or a special occasional, check their online profiles to find out what credentials they have. If you can’t find the information online, don’t hesitate to ask them directly when requesting to receive free estimates.

What do bartenders cost for a wedding?

It costs roughly between $270 and $390 to hire a bartender. However, if you need a wedding bartender, you should request cost estimates from bartenders near you. Depending on the drinks you plan to serve, the number of guests and other factors, your total cost will vary.

How much should you tip wedding bartenders?

Sometimes, a gratuity is included in your final bill. If not, consider tipping your wedding bartenders between 10% and 15%. However, this is not a set-in-stone rule. You can always tip more, perhaps 20%-25%, for great service.

Reviews for South Loop bartenders
Marjolaine B.
Fantastic bartender!
unMuddled Bartending CompanyunMuddled Bartending Company
Anthony J.
I requested a bartender for my event and the team took the time to understand my needs and provided me with an excellent bartender and a great match for my event.
BRING THE PARTY EVENT SERVICESBRING THE PARTY EVENT SERVICES
Alexia A.
Mixing it Up Bartending bartended my best friends baby shower. The bartender was very responsive, had all credentials, and was on time (early really). He was professional and polite. I would definitely hire him again. Don’t hesitate to book this company. You won’t regret it.
Mixing It Up BartendingMixing It Up Bartending
Vini c.
Great! Timely, efficient and everyone loved the bartender!
Moon Child Party Time LLC.Moon Child Party Time LLC.
Matthew F.
The best bartender I could have ever booked for my event. The drinks were delicious and everyone had an amazing time. If you are having an event you need bartender twist
Bartender TwistBartender Twist
Larissa R.
Luis was the most amazing bartender! He was early, set everything up, cut garnishes, and felt like part of the family! If I ever need a bartender again I will definitely book with Mix It Up!
Mixing It Up BartendingMixing It Up Bartending
Shanice F.
My request for an event was accepted and planning started. All of the sudden the bartender didn’t respond back anymore which is really frustrating since I had declined all other bartending offers. Not reliable and very unprofessional.
Feeling Tipsy Mobile BarFeeling Tipsy Mobile Bar
Yuliana T.
It was great working with Sip & Chill by Carolyn. Thank you for your bartending services.
Sip & Chill by CSip & Chill by C
Danielle C.
Amazing is the best and only word to describe this service! Every single guest enjoyed them, the bartenders were friendly, and made sure every cup was always filled! I recommend Liz's mobil bartending, and no one else! This is the best of the best! Without a doubt!
Miss Liz's Mobile Bartending Service LLCMiss Liz's Mobile Bartending Service LLC
Dan H.
Chris from Bartender Twist did an awesome job at our holiday party. This was our first time hiring a bartender and he was great about walking us through the process and what we should expect, what we need to purchase, etc.
Bartender TwistBartender Twist
Kristina M.
Reliable company to work with! Easy communication and did a great job Bartending for our housewarming party.
Mixing It Up BartendingMixing It Up Bartending
Tracey B.
The bartender services provided were excellent! I will use this company for all my future events!
Modified Mixology LLCModified Mixology LLC
Steven L.
Working with Sip & Chill was awesome!! I needed a bartender on very short notice and Ms. C responded to my request very quickly! My guests loved the signature punch!! Service was excellent and I would highly recommend working with this service provider for your bartending needs!!
Sip & Chill by CSip & Chill by C
Refugio A.
Excellent bartender. She brings awesome energy to your party. Great work ethic. Highly recommend her.
ZuZu BartendingZuZu Bartending
Jacob M.
Was amazing with everything, very accommodating and awesome bartender, knew how to carry a conversation and manage the guests as they became more courageous !
Mobile BarkeepMobile Barkeep
Andrea F.
Great drinks! Bartender was so nice. Arrived on time and was very professional. Will definitely book again for our next party!
Modified Mixology LLCModified Mixology LLC
Nia R.
Great service, friendly, personable, great deal. Highly recommended for any bartending event, very satisfied with level and quality of service.
Thirst BustersThirst Busters
Julie M.
Hired for bartending our holiday party in our home. Amazing service with creation of custom menu for the party. Would absolutely recommend.
BRING THE PARTY EVENT SERVICESBRING THE PARTY EVENT SERVICES
Kerry f.
So great!! Our party was a success and our bartender was amazing. So happy with the service and would hire again!! Thank you!!!!
Moon Child Party Time LLC.Moon Child Party Time LLC.
Remi G.
MD Bartending & Serving did an INCREDIBLE job! I had a big event, with multiple vendors, and they took all of the stress out of the event. They were punctual, friendly, and brought amazing drinks. They were definitely the hit of the night! If you want certainty for your event, you don't have to go any further than MD Bartending & Serving. A++++
MD Bartending and ServingMD Bartending and Serving
LaTonya F.
I had a dual party last week that was partly a birthday party. I wanted to be very cognizant of people serving themselves due to COVID, this I wanted a bartender. Ashli was very professional and engaged in the process. You connected with me to make sure I had everything I needed and when my headcount changed she made sure I was covered with another bartender. The most important part is Modified was very cost effective even with adding a second bartender. I would definitely use Modified again, looking forward to my next event!
Modified Mixology LLCModified Mixology LLC
Ashley P.
I needed a bartender very last minute and was so lucky to find Ross and Unmuddled Bartending. Booking him was easy- he was responsive and knew what we'd need when we had no idea. He was a hit at the event, and made sure we didn't have to worry about the bar at all. 10/10, we'll call him again.
unMuddled Bartending CompanyunMuddled Bartending Company
Erin S.
Collin was my bartender and he was friendly, knowledgeable and extremely professional. I would book modified mixology again for another party in a heartbeat!
Modified Mixology LLCModified Mixology LLC
Thumbtack Customer
Hired last minute for a small corporate event. Nichole was super communicative, accommodating, and an awesome bartender! Will definitely be hiring again for future events!
ZuZu BartendingZuZu Bartending
Drew F.
Excellent experience. Luce was amazing as the bartender. So helpful and so good. Did an amazing job doing seven tiki cocktails for a party of 20+!
Abbott Events ChicagoAbbott Events Chicago
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