What Equipment Do You Need to Open a Bar?

Regardless of type, all bars share basic equipment requirements.

Whether it's a slick city nightclub, a quiet neighborhood watering hole or a quaint beachside cabana, the basic operational equipment is the same. Structure, storage, barware and glassware form the basis of all bars, varying only in quantity and quality.

Structure

Structure refers specifically to the actual bar, which is typically waist to chest high and lined with stools of the appropriate height. A simple bar may be only a serving station--a place for patrons to order and pick up drinks without a place to sit. A sink will increase cleanliness and efficiency.

Storage

All bars need storage, no matter how large or small. Shelves to store liquor and glassware are often installed on the wall behind a bar or under the bar. Racks are required for storing stemware, and small fridges are used for keeping milk and other perishables fresh.

Barware

At the simplest level, barware may consist of towels and a bottle opener. A myriad of gadgets exist, but a basic assortment includes corkscrews, bar spoons, martini shakers, strainers, jiggers, funnels, specialty knives and cutting boards. Blenders and juicers are also useful. For bars serving beer on tap, a tap setup is required.

Glassware

Patrons need something to drink out of, be it plastic cups or fine crystal. Full bars carry several types of mugs, glasses and stemware. Shotglasses, beer mugs, pilsner glasses, highballs, old-fashioned glasses, champagne flutes and wineglasses are typical finds in a well-rounded bar.

References

• DrinksMixer: Glasses and containers

Resources

• Instawares: Opening a Bar?