Small Bar Design Ideas and Tips

Small Bar Design Ideas and Tips

What’s the trick to small bar design? In this article I’ll discuss ideas and tips and the minimum equipment requirements. 

WHO NEEDS THEM?

Not everyone has the ideal amount of space for a three-station bar. These are the likely candidates:

  • Fine dining restaurants, because their mission is maximizing the number of tables.
  • Private clubs.
  • Smaller venues.

Casual dining restaurants promote larger bars that often allow patrons to eat at the bar.

Small bar for fine dining restaurant

SPACE REQUIREMENTS FOR SMALL BAR DESIGN

Any bar that occupies about 100 square feet falls into this category. As I’ve written, the L shaped bar is the best bar shape for restaurants. Wait staff orders are designated for the return-side of the bar, thereby maximizing the seating. This allows for a second bartender during peak periods. The bar shown in the sketch below is roughly 13′ 5″ x 8′ 4″, which is 112 square feet.

Architectural plan of small bar equipment layout
ARCHITECTURAL PLAN OF SMALL BAR EQUIPMENT LAYOUT

Here are the two most critical space requirements:

  • The bartender aisle should be 30″ – 36”. A 36″  aisle provides enough room for a bar back.
  • If the room is narrow, leave 48″ of clearance from the bar edge (where patrons rest their elbows) to the line of permanent obstructions.

BAR DESIGN NEEDS TO BE PRACTICAL

In the real world, we sometimes stretch the rules to achieve a better overall solution. I used a 38 1/4″ bartender aisle because it enabled me to maximize the ice bin on the return side (refer to above photo and plan). The bartender space is of the utmost importance. For limited-use rooms you can use the following design criteria:

  • The bartender aisle needs to be 30”. This does not support a bar back.
  • For groups of 25 – 50, the bartender aisle can be as small as 24”, but only for bars less than 10 feet in length.

REQUIRED BAR EQUIPMENT

For those designing bars for narrow rooms, the back bar should be reduced by 12″. Eliminate the back bar cooler and use a slide-top cooler in the front bar. In this instance, dedicate the back bar to bottle display and cabinetry. For the back bar, use a 12” deep cabinet with a countertop set to match the bar top height (42″ – 45”).

Here’s an example of the equipment you should implement, along with downloadable specification sheets:

Be sure to check-out my post on the cost of bar equipment. Pricing is frequently updated.

QUESTION:

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THE BEST LOCATION FOR A POS STATION

With these bars, there is virtually no space available on the back bar for a POS station. Many of today’s POS companies feature iPad terminals. The compact design of the iPad enables us to place a POS station in the front bar without interrupting the bar top.


BAR DESIGN TIP

Hands-down, the best location for a POS station is the front bar because it reduces bartender movement.

Custom POS station

HOW TO IMPLEMENT SODA LINES TO A REMOTE BAR

Soda lines have to be brought to your ice bin cold plate to provide mixers for your drinks. The problem it seems, is your BIB is on the other side of the building. This actually isn’t a problem at all. Soda lines are routinely run hundreds of feet in casino bars. Typically, local syrup and CO2 vendors are very helpful in accommodating this type of request. Your current bag-in-the-box location will be modified to simultaneously service a remote bar. The good news is syrup vendors normally provide this service – along with soda guns – free-of-charge!

Need Help with your bar plans?

Designing a bar can be time-consuming and frustrating. Contact us today for your free consultation!
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RICK UZUBELL

President of Cabaret Design Group, Rick holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University, and is a F&B consultant and well-known bar design expert with years of experience serving hotels, restaurants, sports bars and destination bars. He has developed a command of bar design solutions involving ergonomics, equipment, systems and finishes that bridges the "Gray Zone" between interior designers and architects. He's also a champion of ADA design in commercial bar applications. Through his unique architectural engineering approach he calls "Integrated Bar Design," Rick solves complex bar design challenges beyond the expertise of typical design professionals. His proudest achievements include curved bar design solutions using the modular bar die system and steel as a core design element. As a commercial bar design specialist, Rick has cutting-edge knowledge of draft beer systems, liquor systems, keg room design and batch cocktail systems. He will add significant value to any commercial bar design project. Rick is a proud member of the F&B consortium known as the "Magnificent 7". Additionally, he has authored nearly 100 articles and 80 YouTube videos on the topic of bar design, and these can be found on his Cabaret Design Group website and @bardesigners YouTube channel. Today, Rick's influence extends across the U.S., Canada, and various offshore applications.
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Sam Winer

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Rick Uzubell is a recognized authority in commercial bar design — especially in the elusive “Gray Zone” where architecture, code, and performance intersect. As the creator of Integrated Bar Design, he solves complex spatial and system challenges beyond the reach of typical design professionals.

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Beyond design, Rick is a thought leader and educator in the hospitality space. His articles and videos have helped thousands of restaurateurs, architects, and consultants rethink the way bars are built — and how they perform.