Top 6 Bar Glassware Storage Methods for DIY Design

Cabaret Design Group

When it comes to DIY bar design, what are the best methods to store bar glassware? Discover the top 6 design solutions for DIY design.

THE TOP 6 PLACES TO STORE BAR GLASSWARE

Many will recognize the glass rack shown in Figure 3 – it’s one of the most common methods of storing bar glassware. Many bars have as many as 10-12 types of glasses – not counting the multitude of wine glasses. Hence, glass storage and easy accessibility are critical to operating commercial bars. Since glass racks can’t possibly accommodate all this glassware, where are they normally stored? Here are the most typical traditional ways to store bar glasses: 

 

  1. Drainboards – shown below in Figure 1, this is probably the most common method of storing bar glassware.

  2. Corner drainboards – as seen in Figure 2, this is exactly why corner drainboards are included in all our bar plans.

  3. Back Bar – shown in Figure 3, above the back bar top, glasses are also typically stored in chrome wire racks above. 

THREE COMMON METHODS OF BAR GLASSWARE STORAGE

Photo of Glastender DBB-24 Drainboard
Figure 1. Photo of Glastender DBB-24 Drainboard
Photo of Glastender Corner Drainboard
Figure 2. Photo of Glastender Corner Drainboard
Photo of Back Bar with Hanging Storage Racks
Figure 3. Photo of Back Bar with Hanging Storage Racks

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HOW TO MAXIMIZE THE USE OF THE CUBE

The above methods do not make entire use of the cube, which is mandatory for efficient bar design. Therefore, here are my top 3 favorite ways of storing bar glasses:

  1. Drainboard glass rack – as shown in Figure 4 (below), here’s the Glastender model DBGR24 drainboard glass rack, which holds two full racks of 20 glasses stored below the drainboard. This unit enables bartenders to remove and store clean racks straight out of the automatic glass washer, while also storing glasses on the drainboard above. This 24” x 24” unit can be purchased at HotelRestaurantSupply.com for under US$661.00
  2. Backbar glassrack – shown below in Figure 5 (similar to the drainboard glass rack), a unit such as the Glastender model BGS24 can hold four full racks of glasses and is intended for the back bar. This 24” x 24” stainless steel unit can be purchased at HotelRestaurantSupply.com for under US$818.00. 
  3. Drainboard cabinet – another spinoff of the drainboard glass rack, the unit shown in Figure 6 is the Glastender DBCB-18. What I especially like about this idea is its ability to maximize the most of narrow spaces. Available with- or without a door and in other widths, this 18” x 24” stainless steel unit from HotelRestaurantSupply.com can be purchased for under US$645.00.

VARIETY OF LESSER-KNOWN UNDER BAR GLASSWARE STORAGE DEVICES

Photo of Glastender Drainboard Glass Rack
Figure 4. Photo of Glastender Drainboard Glass Rack
Photo of Glastender Back Bar Glass Rack
Figure 5. Photo of Glastender Back Bar Glass Rack
Photo of Glastender Drainboard Cabinet
Photo 6. Photo of Glastender Drainboard Cabinet
What is the best type of automatic glass washer for washing beer glassware?

Automatic glass washers featuring a low-temperature rinse are best for serving draft beer, as the glasses will be ready for use immediately upon removal.

Photo of Moyer Diebel Model DF Rotary Glass Washer

 

DOWNLOADS FOR THIS POST:

DRAINBOARD_GLASS_RACK_CUT_SHEET.pdf

BACK_BAR_GLASS_RACKS.pdf

DRAINBOARD_CABINETS.pdf

POPULAR DOWNLOADS:

UNIVERSAL_BAR_CLEARANCES_WITH_ADA.pdf

ADA GUIDE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

BAR_AND_RESTAURANT_SEATING_GUIDELINES.pdf

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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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