How to Design a Bar for a Very Small Restaurant

Adding alcohol to your menu takes time with design

After obtaining a liquor license and going through all of the legal processes that it takes in your area to have a bar in your restaurant, designing the bar area can be just as time consuming, especially if you are working with a very small space. Care has to be taken when considering your additional customers' needs, as well as serving your dining patrons.

Things You'll Need

• Beer taps
• Refrigerator
• Shelving
• Glass racks
• Bar
• Stools
• Additional bar decor and accessories (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   Decide how many types of drinks you are going to offer

   Consider what drinks are popular in your area. Talk to your customers about what they would like to see served and ask local bar owners what their most popular drinks are. Decide on how many varieties that you are going to offer, such as just beer and wine coolers, or more of a full-service liquor bar.

2. 

   If your selection is going to be limited, you may not need to find a lot more space

   Decide where your storage area for the alcohol is going to be. For example, if just serving beer and other bottled beverages, you may only need to carve out room for an additional tap unit and refrigerator.

3. 

   Build a custom shelf to hold the liquor bottles

   Create a custom liquor shelf to hold any full service alcohol and mixers when designing a bar for a very small restaurant that is going to offer mixed drinks. Cut a niche in the wall, if possible, behind the area where you have your taps and refrigerator or build a unit that will hold the bottles securely.

4. 

   Attach a rack at the bottom of the shelf to hold bar glasses

   Attach racks on the bottom of the shelf to hold glasses. This keeps them out of the way, looks attractive and minimizes the need for additional storage space.

5. 

   Even a smaller separate area is better than none

   Build a bar counter, if at all possible, even if it can only be a smaller one. Carve out a niche in the back of your place where drinkers can sit at stools away from the other customers if they want to.

6. 

   Small decorative touches can help visually define the space for your customers

   Add other bar accessories and decor to separate the area from the rest of your place if you are able to. When designing a bar for a very small restaurant, define the space with a small popcorn machine, TV or liquor signs.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid risque or raunchy bar decor so you do not scare off your current food customers. You want to gain additional visitors, not lose the regulars.

References

• Start a Restaurant: Deciding to Serve Alcohol