Bartending

Find a bartender near Houston, TX

Find a bartender near Houston, TX

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Top 10 Bartenders near Houston, TX

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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 Houston bartenders
Chloe S.
Lilly was amazing! A great bartender with great energy and great drinks. Would definitely recommend for your bartending needs.
Lilly’s Bartending Services🍸Lilly’s Bartending Services🍸
Lakita W.
The bartender was very nice and attentive.
Xclusive Event ServicesXclusive Event Services
Stephanie C.
The bartenders were great at our wedding.
Pour Me Perfection, LLCPour Me Perfection, LLC
Kelsei G.
Great bartender, very sweet and friendly!
Brittany MobileBrittany Mobile
Alexis L.
Everyone with Top’d Off Bartending was phenomenal. Chris, the owner, is so kind, responsive and professional. The bartenders were so entertaining at the party and helped make the evening perfect.
Top’d Off Mobile BartendingTop’d Off Mobile Bartending
Lidia S.
The bartender was great, will definitely use this service again!
The Bar GuestsThe Bar Guests
Cecile M.
It was amazing! Our bartender was the best and nicest person.
Just N' Joy Service & BartendingJust N' Joy Service & Bartending
Jeffrey S.
Palace responded on short notice to a request for a bartender. The bartender arrived early to set up. He did a great job. I would definitely work with Palace in the future.
Palace Party Beverage Co.Palace Party Beverage Co.
Fantashai j.
I loved My bartender she was great.
Xclusive Event ServicesXclusive Event Services
Cedric B.
Great experience. Ebony was a great bartender for our event!
Jarvis bartendingJarvis bartending
Danielle A.
Jared was punctual, friendly and a great bartender for our party!
Just N' Joy Service & BartendingJust N' Joy Service & Bartending
Jason a.
Anita was a great bartender for my Oscar's party! Would def recommend!
Geenie in The BottleGeenie in The Bottle
Bobbi S.
This will be my go to for any events that I require a Bartender. Nicki was top notch!
Just N' Joy Service & BartendingJust N' Joy Service & Bartending
Thumbtack Customer
Great bartender. Very glad I hired her. Will use her again!
C-Rox Mobile BartendingC-Rox Mobile Bartending
Pamela W.
Robert was an excellent bartender! He was more than just a bartender he even assisted as in other to make our event an affair to remember! Thanks Just N' Joy for a job well done! You will be our go to going forward. Thanks
Just N' Joy Service & BartendingJust N' Joy Service & Bartending
Edith K.
The owners recommended a speciality drink but the bartenders didn't really know how to make the drink. I had 2 bartenders, the female had an attitude the whole night. I paid for the tip upfront as I didn't want my guest to have to worry about tipping. So maybe she was upset about that so I decided to cheer her up and slipped her and the other nice bartender $40 extra dollars on top of the tip I had already paid in advance. She didn't seem thankful and continued with her negative attitude. Everything but the ONE bartender was great. Owners are nice and respond quickly and very helpful. My only negative was the attitude of the female bartender even my guest pick up on it.
Pour Me Perfection, LLCPour Me Perfection, LLC
Jacqueline B.
Unresponsive to questions. Our bartender was not good. Unfriendly, messy, made comments to guests, not helpful.
Palace Party Beverage Co.Palace Party Beverage Co.
Becca C.
We had our wedding with a bartender from Palace Party Beverage. Just wish our bartender was little more prepared to serve our drinks to our guests. We had cocktails to serve, but the Bartender didn’t have pour spouts for the liquor bottles. Didn’t notice until I went myself to get a cocktail. Although he did help set up our tables. I was grateful for him helping out.
Palace Party Beverage Co.Palace Party Beverage Co.
Kathy H.
Very responsive and professional! Lovely bartenders who come on time and provide exactly the service promised!
Lemon TwistLemon Twist
Quinterra R.
Our bartender Justin was really great! I would definitely request him again for the next party. He made bomb drinks and also was very cool to talk with while waiting for drinks to be made. I truly thank Jarvis bartending for the great service they provided!
Jarvis bartendingJarvis bartending
Thumbtack Customer
Professional, on-time, friendly, and excellent service. I highly recommend Marco to anyone in need of a bartender!
Graniel's Bartending ServicesGraniel's Bartending Services
Josh B.
Our bartender Nate was awesome, I would highly recommend him and this company for your event.
Lemon TwistLemon Twist
Marianne S.
Carleesha and Rasheed were great! Rasheed bartended and I had so many compliments from my guests about what a great bartended he was. This was a BIG birthday and I wanted someone to add to the festivity and he really did. Would definitely use again and recommend.
Pour Me Perfection, LLCPour Me Perfection, LLC
Nia M.
Haley was an amazing bartender. Perfect personality for our party crew! Thank you for doing an amazing job!
Palace Party Beverage Co.Palace Party Beverage Co.
Barbie J.
Steven the bartender was fantastic. Chef Whitney was a pleasure to work with and she has a very professionally-run operation.
Pop Up ChefsPop Up Chefs
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