Darrin,
I think the best place to barback is in a nightclub or a good "dive-bar".
You will get a feel for how to deal with crowds and learn the basics of
"club-type" drinks. (ie: LIT's, Blue Hawaiin's, Grape Ne-hi's, Apple-Tinis,
AMF'S, White Russians, and alot more) It is also nice to work in a nightclub
because generally you are dealing with 3 or more bartenders at once and at the
end of the night that means your getting more $$$$ from more people. It also
increases your odds of moving up to bartender quicker because the turnover
ratio is alot higher with more people involved. Hope this helps.