How much do bartending services cost in Los Angeles?

Professional bartending services in Los Angeles start around $70 per hour per bartender for a standard event, with final pricing based on guest count, event length, bar setup, and add-on services like cocktail design or full event production. Contact us for a custom quote tailored to your event.

How many bartenders do I need for my event?

As a general rule, plan for one bartender per 50 guests for standard service, or one per 35 guests for cocktail-heavy events. We help you confirm the right staffing ratio based on your guest count, bar style, and timeline.

Are your bartenders licensed and insured?

Yes. All Platinum bartenders are licensed and insured, and we operate in full compliance with California ABC regulations. When required, we obtain an event-specific ABC permit before your event date. Host liquor liability and general liability insurance are available, and additional insured status for your host or venue can be added for a fee.

What areas do you serve?

We serve Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Palm Springs, and Las Vegas, with other locations available upon request.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance to secure your preferred staff and date, though we can often accommodate shorter timelines. Peak dates and large events should be booked as early as possible.

Do you provide the alcohol and handle the ABC permit?

We provide full bar setup, mixers, glassware, and bar rentals; clients typically supply the alcohol, and we secure the event-specific ABC permit where required. Let us know your needs and we'll handle the compliance details.

Experienced Bartender vs. Novice: Which Should You Hire?

Aug 21

Written By Jesse Owens

Mixologist building a craft cocktail at a Los Angeles event

A Platinum Bartender costs $70 per hour and a mixologist costs $90 per hour, both with a 4 hour minimum. The extra $20 an hour buys craft technique: drinks built to order, real garnish work and a printed menu written for the event. If your guests mostly want beer, wine or a vodka soda, the $70 bartender is the right hire.

What the $70 bartender does

Every bartender is RBS certified and a W-2 employee of Platinum Bartenders LLC, covered by general liability, liquor liability and workers' compensation insurance. They arrive with their own bar tools, set up, cut garnish, keep ice moving and pour for the length of the event. Most are working actors and models, hand-picked for presence as well as skill.

A four hour booking prices out simply: 4 hours x $70 = $280, plus a $100 service charge per service staff member, so $380. Travel is added per staff member: $15 for the first 15 miles, then $5 for every additional 5 miles.

What the extra $20 an hour buys

A mixologist is $90 per hour. Four hours is 4 x $90 = $360, plus the $100 service charge, so $460. Against the $380 bartender that is $80 more for the same shift. The difference shows up in the drinks, not the pour.

It shows up in the packages too. A full bar is $19 per guest at light consumption and covers top-shelf spirits, beer, wine, mixers, sodas, ice, garnishes and plastic cups. A craft cocktail bar is $25 per guest light and adds three cocktails built for your event plus a printed menu. Craft cocktails with a full bar are $37 per guest light.

Speed of service at volume

Staffing runs one bartender per 50 guests, and a second is recommended at medium or heavy consumption. Light means 1 to 2 drinks per guest, medium 3 to 4, heavy 6 or more. A shaken and garnished cocktail takes longer to build than a beer, so at heavy consumption one craft bar becomes the line everyone stands in.

If you want craft drinks for 100 thirsty guests, staff for it. A mixologist plus a bartender is $360 and $280, plus a $100 service charge each, so $840.

When paying more buys you nothing

Book the $70 bartender when you are supplying your own spirits, mixers, ice and glassware, because a bartender only booking is priced by the hour with no per-guest charge. Book it when the drink list is beer, wine and two simple mixed drinks, or when the guest count is under 50 at light consumption. Compare both rates side by side at book.platinumbartender.com.

Common questions

How much is one bartender for a 4 hour party in LA?

4 hours x $70 = $280, plus a $100 service charge, so $380 before travel and card fees. Paying by card adds 3.6 percent. There is no per-guest charge if you supply the alcohol.

Do I need a mixologist or will a bartender do?

A bartender can make standard cocktails. A mixologist is the hire when the drinks are the point of the party, or when you are booking the craft cocktail bar package.

Can I book one of each?

Yes, and it is common at larger events. The mixologist runs the craft cocktails while the bartender handles beer, wine and everything simple. Both carry the same 4 hour minimum and the same $100 service charge.

For an exact number on your guest count and address, build a quote at book.platinumbartender.com, call 310-985-3014, or email info@platinumbartender.com.

Jesse Owens