Outfitting a Bar: What You Need to Get Started

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Opening a bar is an exciting venture—but whether it's part of a full-service restaurant, event space, or stand-alone lounge, success starts with the right setup. At Aldevra, we help government and commercial clients alike get the right equipment and layout to keep operations smooth, safe, and profitable.

Here’s what you’ll need to outfit a functional, code-compliant, and efficient bar:

1. Bar Equipment Essentials

A well-equipped bar is about more than just aesthetics—it needs to support speed, cleanliness, and service quality.

Back Bar Refrigeration

1. Bottle coolers – for chilling beer, mixers, and wine.
2. Glass door refrigerators – ideal for showcasing drink selections.
3. Keg coolers – for draft beer systems.

Ice Equipment

1. Undercounter ice machine – compact and convenient for smaller bars.
2. Ice bin or ice well – easily accessible during peak hours.
3. Bar ice crusher or blender – for cocktails like mojitos and frozen margaritas.

Beer & Beverage Systems

1. Draft beer tower and taps – available in air-cooled or glycol-cooled options.
2. Soda gun system – for quick pouring of sodas and mixers.

Back Bar Storage

1. Speed rails – for quick access to frequently used liquors.
2. Glass racks – to organize and dry barware.
3. Bottle organizers and shelving – for clean displays and inventory control.

2. Bar Tools & Supplies

These are the small items that keep the drinks flowing and the presentation professional:

1. Shakers and strainers
2. Muddlers, jiggers, pour spouts
3. Bottle openers and wine keys
4. Cutting boards and garnish trays
5. Napkin dispensers and bar caddies
6. Bar mats for sanitation and slip prevention

3. Barware & Glassware

Glassware isn’t just about aesthetics—it also affects drink quality and customer experience. Stock a range of durable, commercial-grade barware to suit your menu.

Must-Have Glass Types:

1. Rocks glasses – for whiskey, neat pours, or cocktails on the rocks
2. Highball and Collins glasses – for tall mixed drinks
3. Martini and coupe glasses – for shaken or stirred cocktails
4. Wine glasses – red, white, or universal stems
5. Beer mugs and pint glasses – for draft beer service
6. Shot glasses – for single pours or measuring
7. Specialty glassware – like margarita glasses or tiki mugs, depending on your brand

Also consider:

1. Glass racks for underbar and dishwasher use
2. Polishing cloths and drying mats
3. Backup inventory – glass breakage happens, especially during rushes

Investing in the right glassware improves presentation, helps with portion control, and ensures you’re ready for any drink order.

4. Bar Furniture & Fixtures

Your bar area should balance functionality with comfort and style:

1. Bar counters – stainless steel or custom wood finishes, depending on your aesthetic.
2. Bar sinks – hand sinks, dump sinks, and compartment sinks for cleaning.
3. Bar stools and tables – commercial-grade and easy to clean.
4. Underbar cabinets – for trash, soda syrup boxes, or backup liquor storage.

5. Ventilation & Safety (if cooking)

If your bar includes a small kitchen or hot food service:

1. Ventless fryers or ovens – may be allowed if cooking volume is minimal.
2. Exhaust hood system – required if frying, grilling, or using other high-heat equipment.
3. Fire suppression system – must meet NFPA and local fire codes.

6. Layout & Workflow Tips

Designing your bar layout is just as important as the equipment itself. A poorly designed bar can slow service, frustrate staff, and create safety hazards. Keep these tips in mind:

1. Minimize bartender steps – Arrange stations so bartenders can access ice, glassware, liquor, and mixers within arm’s reach.
2. Separate clean and dirty zones – Keep used glassware and dishwashing areas away from the drink prep zone to avoid cross-contamination.
3. Plan for multiple stations – If you expect high volume, create mirrored setups so multiple bartenders can work simultaneously.
4. Consider pass-through access – For speed of service and ease of communication between front and back of house.
5. ADA compliance – Ensure bar counter height and foot traffic areas meet accessibility standards.

A thoughtful layout can significantly improve service speed and reduce employee fatigue—leading to better customer satisfaction and increased revenue.

How Aldevra Can Help

Aldevra helps customers design, source, install, and maintain the right bar equipment. Whether you’re furnishing a bar on base or the local pub, we can guide you from concept to operation—with compliance, safety, and reliability built in.

Need help designing or quoting your bar setup?

Contact us today at sales@aldevra.com to get started.

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