A-List Startenders

Chicago, United States

4.6

Open now

20 reviews

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 773-628-7470
Website:
www.aliststartenders.com
Address:
4401 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, 60630
b/t Montrose Ave & Agatite Ave
Portage Park
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.3 miCicero & Pensacola Terminal
0.3 miCicero & Montrose SB
0.3 miCicero & Pensacola
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Today

Today 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Open now
Local time (Chicago) 13:50 Friday, 27 June 2025

Business hours

Monday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Tuesday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Wednesday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Thursday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Friday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Saturday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Sunday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm

Description

Specialties

A List Startenders was an original spin on the traditional bartender school which aimed to provide its students with a rich, dynamic and realistic experience with high intensity classes to create a respectable and confident bartender, work ready and set up for lasting success.

History

Established in 2011.

Since inception we have helped launch the career of hundreds of bartenders in the Chicago land area. Graduates from A-​List Startenders have gone on to work in bars all over the world including Hawaii, Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas, New York, London, and Dubai.

Meet the Business Owner

Gregory T.

Business Owner

Greg is the founder and instructor at A-​List Startenders. His career began over twelve years ago when he started tending bar at a well known college bar on the campus of Eastern Illinois University. While graduating with a finance degree, it would turn out to be his bartender job which has led him down the path he is on today. Over the next 12 years he would go on to tend bar in some of Chicago’s première bars and clubs.

Greg expanded his career in bartending when he created A-​List Startenders and began his pursue of passing on his knowledge to his students. With the help of his mom and sister who are both teachers in the Chicago land area, they were able to create a unique and vibrant curriculum that has proven to be a success.

Greg was influenced in large by his high school wrestling coach who instilled a hard core work ethic and tough mentality that is reflected in his classes.

A-​List Startenders also recommends

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Customized Merchandise

Gregory T. says,

«Excellent customer service and talented staff!»

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20 reviews of A-List Startenders

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I am so happy I decided to take this class. It was intense but still fun. I’ve learned so many drink recipes, how to pour, write a resume, POS system, and other things. He is tough, but kind of like a parent that doesn’t want you to embarrass them out in the world. Lol Out of all the schools this one seemed like the best choice. And I honestly believe that it was.
Place rating: 5
Bartlett, IL
This class was amazing and worth the hour commute! Greg was an awesome teacher and kept me engaged the whole time; he truly has a passion for the industry and knows what he is doing. I knew very little about alcohol prior to this class and after the two weeks I feel more confident. I highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to bartend, build confidence or simply just anyone that wants knowledge in this growing industry.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I started classes at A-​List Startenders with ZERO experience and very minimal knowledge of spirits/​mixology. After 2 weeks behind the bar, I’m extremely confident at making well crafted drinks and being able to work at a high volume pace. I can’t wait to make drinks at the next holiday party! The teacher, Greg, is hilarious and super down to earth! He makes the class fly by! I’ve had friends attend other bartending schools around Chicago and they said it was a waste of time. This is definitely not a waste of time! 5 stars to Startenders and Greg.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
The owner/​instructor Greg is awesome. He tells you like it is. I had previous bartending experience and was taking the class more as a refresher and this class surpassed my expectations. The simulated «behind the bar» training was very beneficial, especially if you are looking to work in a high volume atmosphere. Overall, I highly recommend attending this class if you are serious about a career in bartending.
Place rating: 1
Chicago, IL
Worst mistake I made this year… Called the owner, Craig the owner convinced me to get to the school all the way in Jefferson Park to fill his last spot. After the first class I paid Craig a 150 $ cash deposit, come to find out I couldn’t take his class because work waited until the end of the summer took the first class and come to find out the f word was in every other sentence he spoke decided if he won’t give my money back I’ll go through the bbb
Place rating: 1
Chicago, IL
The sign in the window that sais «Aggressive job placement» should really come down. Because i took the class and your all on ur own after the class is over as far as a job goes… Unless you have breasts of course hes been known to give jobs to a couple females. Thats the reason i spent the money for the class because of job placement.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
That was the best class I had ever had in my life!
It was fun, interesting, fast, challenging, and full of real life examples and exercises.
If you are interested in bar tending career or just want to have a lot of fun then you should take this class.
As a teacher, Greg is fantastic! He cares about his students. He’s very helpful in writing resumes, recommending the best working places, and teaching not only cocktail recipes but how to be the best bartender and treat customers.
Thanks Greg! :))
Place rating: 5
Highland Park, IL
I am a bar owner, who signed up with A-​List Startenders so I had the ability to fill-​in as a bartender — as well as gain a better understanding of what was going on behind the bar. After completing Greg’s class, I can definitively state that anyone who does not sign up at this school is making a huge mistake if their goal is to be one of the best in the industry.
Greg not only explains all of the fundamentals of being a bartender, but also routinely discusses the practical side of being in the business. His years of experience working behind a bar are evident. It’s the difference between taking a class on entrepreneurship at business school from a professor who has zero real-​world business experience versus one (similar to Greg) who has had significant real-​world experience as an entrepreneur. Greg teaches not solely the recipes, which you can learn in an hour on-​line, but the details that differentiate a mediocre bartender from a great one (how to work quicker, how to interact more productively with your manager and co-​workers, how to handle customers more professionally, how to get better tips, and on and on).
I cannot recommend this school enough and, as a bar owner, will question any bartender seeking a job why they chose another school instead of A-​List Startenders. Finally, it’s worth noting that I had never met or seen Greg before the day I walked in to start his class.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
The A-​List Startenders School has got to be one of the best around… and I definitely shopped all over Chicagoland first. The other schools just can’t match this one.
When I started the 2-​week course I didn’t realize just how much Greg T’s program would prepare me for the bartending world. At this school, you learn more than how to make a few drinks. You get an education that will totally prepare you for a fast-​paced lucrative career in bartending!
Greg’s professional no-​nonsense style combined with his patience and sense of humor kept the class motivated and on point the entire time. Make no mistake, you don’t take Greg’s class to make friends and goof around. This class is for people who want to learn how to kill it behind the bar. You learn the history of spirits, bar setup and organization, BASSET training, how to make drinks FAST, how to write a resumé, and how to handle all the crazy situations this job can throw at you… Did I mention, how to make drinks FAST?!
Truth be told, this class is tough. It should be. You’re gonna sweat, but you’re gonna feel driven every second. And really, walking away with sharp skills and the confidence to land your first bartending job is what matters. A-​List Startenders is the way to do it!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I took the 4 hour mixology class. Super super fun. The class moves at a good pace and we made some fantastic drinks. I made the best old fashioned I’ve ever had.
Place rating: 5
Dunning, Chicago, IL
I had so much fun and learned so much. I would recommend it to anyone interested in being a bartender !
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
My wife and I took the 4 hour class to learn some basics of bartending and learn we did! Greg our instructor was fantastic. Funny, down to earth and approachable which I really appreciated. What a great time!
These days it seems you go to a bar and the cocktails are ones you could never make at home as they contain ingredients like «2 tsp. of the sweat from a female Yak who was recently in heat» and other insane ingredients. So you’re left thinking it’s either beer for me or another Jack and Coke. Blah.
It turns out, there is a middle ground — tasty cocktails that aren’t impossible to make — if you know how. That’s why you must take this class!
Over the course of 4 hours we learned a lot such as:
We got schooled in basic bar equipment (bought a Lewis Bag and other goodies due to Greg!) which really helps with the making the drinks.
We learned about all the base spirits — Vodka, Gin, Rum, Bourbon, Tequila, etc.
We learned about the role herbs and other flavoring agents play in making tasty cocktails.
We learned hands on behind the bar techniques.
And best of all learned at least 2 recipes per spirit to expand our repertoire. And drank them all. Tasty!
I have no intention of becoming a bartender but I have to admit, I might just take Greg’s 2 week class as it was really too much fun.
Great place fr a date night, to meet other couples and have a great time. Sign up now.
Place rating: 5
Elmhurst, IL
My husband and I took a class here last Saturday and had the best time!!! Greg is knowledgeable and patient and funny and entertaining!!! This is great to do on a date or to meet people. If you are looking for a fun activity and to learn something new, I would highly recommend!!! We loved it and will be back!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I went to the 4 hour mixology class which is held on Saturday afternoons. Greg the instructor was great. I am not a bartender. Just someone wanting more knowledge on creating great cocktails. We learned some basic bartending terminology which was good for me. We then proceeded to make several drinks using various liquors. Class was nice and small so we got good attention from the instructor. Would highlty recommend!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I won’t repeat what you’ve already read. I am used to 4 hour lectures with dry professors, Greg is the total opposite. He has… unconventional ways of teaching, which made me laugh and stay engaged. He is passionate about making his students «look like pros» behind the bar. The last few days of class I felt like a bad ass, I was slinging drinks and impressed myself with what I learned. After this class you can look for a position anywhere and know you have the skills to be one of the best. :)
Place rating: 5
Portage Park, Chicago, IL
This place is priceless!!! Absolutely great experience! U will learn not only how to make drinks but also how to survive in the industry… Every class was so much fun! Thank u Greg!
Place rating: 5
Winnetka, IL
Get ready for boot camp of bartending! Two weeks of learning the origins of liquor, recipes for the 50 most popular drinks, hands-​on experience of being behind a bar, requirements for serving the customer, step-​by-​step tips for getting a job and mixing the best darn cocktails around.
Greg will make you laugh, shiver in your boots and study your butt off. It is the most worthwhile class I’ve ever taken.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I had no idea what to expect when I started here. I was just hoping it lived up to it’s reputation and sent me out into the world feeling like I knew something about bar tending. A List Startenders did that and a whole lot more. It is definitely worth the investment. You learn just about everything there is to know about bar tending: making drinks, when to shake & stir, how to find a job, how to be efficient, and a ton more. I just finished today and I feel like I could hold my own behind a bar.
It was fun, but let’s be clear, be ready to put in work. It may seem daunting at first, but the sooner and better you know the recipes, the faster and better you’ll be at making drinks. Trust Greg and the process. You WILL get there, just put in the studying and effort.
Also, other people who left reviews complained about Greg, but he means well. He can come off as insensitive or douchey at first, but he really does have your best interest at heart. If he corrects you or yell at you, listen to him and fix the mistake. He’s keeping you from looking like and idiot when you get behind an actual bar. I understand people don’t take being yelled at well, but everybody will get yelled at or corrected at some point. I did and so did everyone else in class. Nothing personal. He’s helping make you a better bartender in the long run. He’s just really passionate.
Just take the class. As long as you’re ready to put in the work, you won’t regret it.
Place rating: 4
Westmont, IL
I survived the 2 craziest weeks of my life!
This course is awesome for anyone who wants to think about possibly getting a bar tending job… or be crazy enough to want to open their own bar. It can literally take someone who doesn’t know a single drink recipe or how to count pours (like me) and turn them into a bartender!
Greg is a great instructor. He knows what he is a talking about, is very honest and keeps his students engaged. He can also be strict about the course materials, so make sure you really want this and have time to study before you start.
The 1st week is rough with studying and memorizing. NOTE: If you know that you are going to be busy this week you may want to push it off until after the class! You are expected to be here every day on time (you can come in early to practice your pours if you want). During this week there will be a test every day so be prepared!
The 2nd week is faster paced and is a little more fun. I think my favorite part of this class was the timed drink making game. I had to stay on my feet and recall the recipes in seconds. It helped me to remember the drinks and also get better at moving around the bar.
I can guarantee you will not be disappointed if you come here for class!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Anthony and Greg know exactly what it takes to make or break a bartender! They don’t waste time on teaching you things you must know to be a successful bartender. If you think that it’s a blow off class, you’re in for a surprise. They have no remorse to fail you, and make you retake the final. They don’t expect anything less than perfect when it comes to knowing how to bartend. Hardcore Hands-​On training, with real life scenarios. If you study the things they teach you, you will have the best time of your life.
I graduated in October and I’ve been bartending ever since. Not only do they teach you everything you need to know, they actually do get you a job. Once I graduated, the very first weekend, they hooked me up with a job. I would HIGHLY recommend A-​List Startenders if you want to become a bad ass bartender.
Sincerely,
Eman