What classes should I take for bartending/ owning a bar?

First off, you should work in the restaurant business, if you haven't already. It's important to learn about the culture and how things work, way before you are going to own a place. You might also be able to get an education out of it, if you work your way up.

Bar tending courses are taught all over - Just google that and your state or area, or nearest large city or town. Make sure they are a certified trade school with the state you are in, and have a good reputation.

Here is the FAQ page from a randomly chosen school that has some good information on it - check around for one in your area, and make sure they are accredited:

http://www.drinkmasterbartending.com/bartending-sc...

The only way you are going to know if this is something you want to do is bby working in at least the same environment. DO NOT just go out and buy yourself a bar - bar tending takes some real experience.

So does owning a business and paying for all the insurance, as well as managing the rest of the staff. You're not going to run a bar with just you and a bunch of bottles of booze- you'll need an accountant to do payroll, deposits, and have the place ready for inspection by the alcoholic beverage control commission as well as the Board of Health. You'll need to buy fruit and olives, paper supplies, keep the dishwashers going, pay for the lights and the heat...there are a million things that go into this.

Try working at a restaurant. It's far easier to work at a nice place where the clientele tips well, and you don't have to do everything else.