Bar Academy 101

We went to the wine and cheese pairing. It was definitely different than any other wine tasting i’ve experienced as the wine wasn’t made by Rob or local wineries, but it was such a great experience. Rob was incredibly hospitable and showed his devoted passion for bartending the entire night. The wines were great selections that I now know to look for in the grocery stores. The space itself is very intimate and cozy, reminding me more of a good friend’s apartment than a bar. You can even tell how committed Rob is to making his customers happy by the fact that he easily could fit more tables in the space, but opts not to to keep the vibe intimate and allow more personal interaction with his customers. I was thoroughly impressed and cannot wait to go back again. Thanks Rob!

So Much FUN! Didn’t know what to expect from the sangria making class. It was hands on and so much fun! We mingled well with the other couples/​groups and had a blast! The little tips we were taught along the way were interesting and the atmosphere made you feel like you truly were in a bar and a bartender. Can’t wait to try the beer tasting!

Robert is a great host! My fiancé and I got a Groupon for a wine and cheese tasting. It was a blast talking with the host and the other guests in this bar-​ish yet welcoming atmosphere. We will definitely do another event at Bar Academy 101! The Sangria making class sounds divine!

Had a nice, relaxing Friday evening at a wine and chocolate pairing class here with Rob. Worth the Groupon deal.
Although it is a class the entire 2 hour experience became increasingly informal as the drinks came — didn’t really mind since I did not have the expectation to be there and take notes. I went just to see if there were some interesting chocolate and wine combinations and the class did just that. The six pairings all featured chocolates that I’ve never had and I gained a new appreciation for how chocolate and wine can interact and change each other’s flavors at the end of the class. Rob does give you a small packet that has instructions on how to properly do the tasting as well as the names and descriptions of the chocolate and wines.
It was a small group when we were there but it made it easier to talk to others and get to know strangers I otherwise would never meet.
All in all, a laid-​back, interesting event. I appreciate being able to just sample and have some time to chat with people. Would be curious to try out some of their other events at Bar Academy.

Rob’s Bartending classes are fun and entertaining! Lots of information presented in a hands on manner and all while having fun! Job placement option is a plus too!

Cheap and rude place. The worst possible wine tasting!
Cheesy, cheap place, bar wannabe with a rude owner who know as much about wine or wine tasting as my 10 year old. I didn’t expect much, friends invited us through a groupon deal of $ 40 for 2. When I asked him «can I have more wine» he told me «how about please». Obnoxious! Then he crudely tried to apologize telling me it was a joke. The wine retailing at $ 10 at best was the worse wine I ever had. Half of it was not drinkable. He served if you can say that cheese pre torn in wine glasses with tooth picks to fish them out of. Avoid at all costs!

What a GREAT time my husband and I had at the Sangria Class! Rob and Boris were both extremely knowledgeable & willing to share with us their knowledge regarding wines, beer and liquor. Highly recommend!

I purchased the living social deal for craft beer tasting class for two people. Coming here is a good alternative if you want to get out of your house for a few hours, but don’t like the crowds of a bar scene.
You walk into the room and there are a few round tables for groups, and a few different bar tops that seat 2 – 3 people. One thing that surprised me is I thought the whole room would be filled with people doing the craft beer tasting, but that was not the case. All of the other groups were doing the wine + chocolate/​cheese tasting. I imagined that we would ALL learn about craft beer and it would be kind of a group explanation with each tasting. While Rob did come around and briefly explain each beer before he poured it, and handed out a packet, I can’t say I left learning anything.
The tasting itself was generous portions and it was a good opportunity to try beers that I had seen in various places before. In between tastings we were chatting with the person next to us and listening to the music they play there. While the beer was good, it’s nothing that you cannot buy at your local liquor store and try. Overall, I had a good time there but it just didn’t really feel like a real tasting. It felt more like I went to an open bar for two hours and tried random beers.

Rob starts off the evening a bit serious and academic but a few beers in, this is a pisser of a time. Knowledgeable — cool, doesn’t come across as a know-​it-​all. Good instructor and emcee for the evening, even though he is a Red Sox fan. Cheers Rob. Second time here — we’ll try for a 3-​peat.
Rob’s goal is to make this experience as interactive as possible and it works! Great, casual way to try a bunch of beers! Cheers!

You must check this place out! I bought a living social deal (~$ 20 pp) for beer tasting. I did not realize how popular this place was — had to wait a month for an available date! The building is weird and borderline sketchy; I was so skeptical walking in. Do not judge based on this! Rob is so friendly and this place is super cute! Nice holiday lighting and cool posters. Very laid back and low key atmosphere. There were 3 mini bar seatings and two high table seatings when I went. We arrived 10 minutes early but had to wait until 10 minutes after the hour to start because people were late. We got a list of the beers we would be tasting. Rob really does make an effort to get to know everyone and he is great at engaging with all the groups during the event. The tasting portions are quite generous! I forgot how many we actually tried but it was a lot. enough to get drunk if you did not each much beforehand. I had so much fun!!! I do agree that there is little interaction between the groups so come with a group of friends.

I saw a Groupon for the wine and chocolate pairing class, so I decided to give this place a try. I had a bit of a hard time finding it, thankfully my gf noticed it before I did. The place itself is cute, reminds me of a fraternity bar, the room itself is dimly lit, there are tons of cool drinking posters on the walls (be warned Rob is a HUGE Red Sox fan), and fun Christmas lights behind the bar. People were sitting at their bar or on one of 3 high tops tables. We sat on one of the high top tables. Boris lead the class, he was extremely knowledgeable on wines, grapes, soil, geography, etc. He went into extensive detail on each wine and varietal and how and why it paired with the chocolate. The class was supposed to start at 4pm on a Sunday, ended up starting around 4:15 or so as we waited for everyone to arrive (be on time people, it’s rude!) Most of the wines were pretty tasty and I like that you get to try wines from almost every varietal. The class itself is a bit beginner (in my opinion) for wine connoisseurs (it could also be that I drink too much). They give you about ¹⁄₃ a glass of wine per varietal for 6 different wines that pair with 6 small pieces of chocolate. My only complaint is that you don’t get to interact with other people in the class. I thought it would have been more of a hands on type of class. Instead it was more of a lecture, I sorta felt like I was back in college and that I should have been taking notes! Thankfully I brought my gf and we chatted when Boris went to get more wine and was walking around and pouring wine, but when he was talking in-​depth about all of the wines, I didn’t want to talk and be rude! We ended up leaving around 6:15pm as I had dinner plans but the class was still taking place. It’s something cute & fun to do on a Friday or Sunday for a few hours. I’m sure it would be a great place to learn how to bartend too!

I’ve heard about this place for some time now, and glad I finally went with a couple friends who had a Groupon deal. This is a bartending school which also runs classes on beer and wine pairings. We attended the wine and chocolate class led not by Robert the owner, but by Boris, a wine consultant who really knows his stuff. For about 3 hours, we got a lesson on some different wines and the types of chocolates they pair well with, all while sampling them along the way. A packet is provided which explains everything that you’re eating and drinking. While the class itself is general, Boris was happy to answer any and all questions on the products down to some very specific details. I also appreciated that they tap into local businesses for their products, so anything you try can be purchased locally.
I felt that overall it was good fun for a Sat night, very informal, and very intimate seeing that it’s a cozy space and only allows for a few small groups to attend at a time. Nothing crazy. And there was plenty of time to just schmooze and chat with friends without feeling any rush or pressure. And yes, you should go with friends since groups sit separately, and you probably don’t want to be hanging out on your own.
I think it would be nice if they could find a way to have separate groups interacting more. I would also love to see more classes or activities here (I was sad to learn they nixed their wine and cheese pairing.)
I hope to come back and maybe bring my mom or other friends too.

Experienced the wine and chocolate pairing class on a Friday night through a groupon deal. Had a lot of fun. The class was roughly 8 to 10 people. Groups were broken up as you had booked — so there was a table of 4 and a couple of bars set up with two people on each. No real interaction between groups so bring friends you want to talk to!
Be prepared for a fun, low key, relaxing evening. This is not an educational class. Although descriptions are provided, there is no large introductions or discussing the wine or chocolates. All the wines are available locally which is a nice plus if you find something you love. Rob, the owner, is a friendly guy and has set up a nice place.
Just pour, nibble, drink, and enjoy!

Bar Academy 101 is such a cute hidden gem! It is located on the second floor so I have never noticed it until I purchased a groupon for the wine & chocolate tasting.
I wasn’t sure how this was going to go down but it turned out to be so much fun! The chocolate was from The Chocolate Path (and I love it when stores in Montclair work with local vendors) and we got a good amount of wine. I was stumbling on my way out ;)
I will definitely be back for the sangria class! I can’t wait!

I’ve always wanted to be a bartender. I knew I would be good at it but I just never got around to taking a class and getting certified. Until I saw the groupon for Bar Academy and my job was looking to get more bartenders on staff.
I really didn’t know what to expect at Bar Academy. The price was way more reasonable than your typical 40-​hour intensive class but you could complete this class in one weekend and then you’re good to go.
The class is crazy hands-​on and they have three different stations, smaller groups means more people are able to practice. You learn all your basic shots, mixed drinks and cocktails, information that can really go far. As long as you practice.
The only downside is that the characters that show up are a mixed bag. I was on the much more dedicated, ready-​to-​absorb, side while some others in my class just wanted to learn for fun. Which is great! I totally get it. But Rob, the instructor, really feels out the class and tries to pair you up with people who are ready to learn and do at the same pace as you.
Rob is fantastic! He’s very personable and funny and wants to see you succeed. He gives you a lot of time to practice on your own and monitors closely, giving tips and letting you know when you’re messing up.
If you’re looking for a crash course in bartending, this is where you should go. Forget all those 40-​hour-​classes where you have to go two days a week for a month. After two days here, I feel comfortable enough to go get a job and be able to make a good number of drinks (but you do have to study!) Just take a weekend to come in and learn anything from shots to cocktails to a perfect long island iced tea.
I’ll end with this high note. Not only does Rob and his staff really try to help you out getting a job — finding a place in the areas you want to work, setting you up with an interview — but you’re always welcome to come back and practice whenever you want (as long as you call ahead of time) free of charge. What other place will do that for you???

Did the Saturday Sunday course. You should plan to be there from 10am until about 4 or 5pm. There is a break for lunch and a ton of restaurants in the area. Parking is not that great though — but if you are familiar with the town, that’s just a given.
Pretty much the usual run down on drinks. Rob teaches some stuff, but the best part of the whole thing was being able to get behind the bar and practice making drinks. I wish I had more time doing it. Hopefully you end up in a good group — they are the ones that will give you good feedback and help you with what you are doing behind the bar.
I got the $ 100 groupon. It was worth it for that cost.