Put the spirits you pour most in the middle of the speed rail, directly in front of where the bartender stands, and work outward to the bottles used least. The usual order starts with vodka in the center, then gin, rum, tequila, whiskey and triple sec, and the order must be identical at every station.
Shop the equipment in this article: drop-in bar ice chest, underbar ice bins and bar sinks. Freight is included on every order.
What the speed rail is for
The speed rail is the narrow stainless rack on the bartender’s side of the bar, hung on the front of the ice bin or sink at about knee to hip height. It holds the well bottles so a drink can be started without turning to the back bar. Because it hangs on the front of other equipment, it takes no length from the underbar run.
A standard bottle order
There is no rule here. This is common practice in bars, and you should adjust it to your own sales.
- Center: vodka, because it goes into the most drinks in most bars.
- Next to it: gin and rum.
- Then: tequila and whiskey or bourbon.
- Outer positions: triple sec, and then the modifiers you use most, such as sweet and dry vermouth, simple syrup, sour mix or lime juice.
Two checks make the order work. First, pull a month of sales and count which spirits go into the most drinks. If tequila outsells gin in your bar, tequila moves toward the center. Second, keep the order the same in every well. A bartender covering another station should be able to reach without looking.
Single or double rail
A single rail holds one row of bottles. A double rail holds two rows, one behind and above the other, in the same length of bar. Our stainless steel speed rails come in single and double tier versions in 22, 32, 36, 42, 48, 60 and 72 inch lengths, with pre-drilled mounting holes.
- One bartender with a short well list: a single rail is usually enough.
- A cocktail bar with many modifiers: a double rail, with spirits in the front row and syrups and juices behind.
- Not sure: line your well bottles up side by side on the bar top, measure the row and buy the next length up. Leave room for one or two extra bottles.
Where to mount it
Common practice is to hang the rail on the front of the ice bin, centered on the bartender’s working position, with the bottle necks below the rim of the bin so they do not get in the way of scooping. Mount it level and screw it to something solid: a loaded rail is heavy. Measure the front of your ice bin before you choose a rail length. A rail longer than the bin needs support at both ends. If you are still choosing the bin, our drop-in bar ice chest comes in 18 x 12, 18 x 24 and 18 x 30 inch sizes.
Pour spouts and labels
- Use the same pour spout on every well bottle so pours are consistent.
- Face every label out and every spout the same way.
- Put juices and syrups in clearly marked store-and-pour bottles, with the date they were made.
- Never leave a bottle without a spout or cap overnight. Fruit flies find open bottles quickly.
Keep backups close
The rail holds one bottle of each. Keep one backup of each well spirit in a cabinet or on a shelf within a step of the station, and restock the rail at opening and before the rush. Running to the stock room in the middle of service undoes what the rail is for.
Cleaning the rail
Sticky drips collect at the bottom of the rail and attract flies. At closing, lift the bottles out, wipe each one, wash and sanitize the rail and let it dry before the bottles go back. Do not use steel wool or bleach on stainless steel. Check the mounting screws once a month.
Mistakes to avoid
- A different bottle order at each well.
- Premium bottles in the rail, where guests cannot see them and staff reach for them by habit.
- A rail mounted so high that the bottles block the ice bin.
- Buying the rail before measuring the ice bin and counting the bottles.
What the store can tell you
Express KitchQuip stainless steel speed rails are NSF certified and freight to the 48 contiguous states is included in the price. Non-powered items such as speed rails can be returned within 14 days, and financing is offered on orders from 500 dollars. Your local health department has the final say on what it accepts behind the bar.
Frequently asked questions
How many bottles fit in a speed rail?
It depends on the rail length and how wide your bottles are, so we do not quote a number. Line up the bottles you plan to use, measure the row and choose the next rail length up. A double rail of the same length holds two rows.
Should the speed rail go on the ice bin or the sink?
Most bars hang it on the ice bin, because the bartender stands there to build drinks. If the ice bin is short, a second rail on the front of the sink or drainboard next to it is common.
Do premium bottles go in the speed rail?
Usually not. Common practice is to keep call and premium bottles on the back bar where guests can see them, and keep the rail for well spirits and modifiers.
What else do I need around the rail?
An ice bin, a sink, a drainboard and somewhere for glasses. See our underbar ice bins, bar sinks and liquor displays, or the full range of commercial bar equipment.
Models in this guide at a glance
The models linked above are listed here with the main points from each product page, so you can compare them side by side before opening the full listings.
Stainless Steel Speed Rails – Single & Double Tier – Express KitchQuip
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Key Features Durable Stainless Steel Construction – Built for everyday commercial and residential bar use
- Single & Double Tier Options – Choose the storage capacity that fits your setup
- Space-Saving Design – Keeps bottles organized without crowding the workspace
Thunder Group SLSPR042S 42″ x 4″ x 6-1/8″ Single Speed Rail, Stainless Steel (model SLSPR042S)
- Brand: Thunder Group
- Sold individually.
- Thunder Group model SLSPR042S.
- Freight and liftgate delivery included to the continental United States.
Freestanding Stainless Steel Ice Bin with 7-Circuit Cast Aluminum Cold Plate (model FSIB-CP-182412)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Freestanding Ice Bin
- Integrated 7-circuit plate
- Durable stainless steel
Commercial Glass Rack Storage Cabinet & Bar Station with Built-In Drip Tray
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Built-In Embossed Drip Tray: Top surface serves as an efficient drying station for freshly washed glassware.
- Dual Drain System: Advanced drainage setup ensures quick water removal, preventing pooling and moisture buildup.
- Commercial-Grade Stainless Steel: High-quality, corrosion-resistant construction built for long-lasting durability in busy kitchens.
Before you order
- Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
- Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
- Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
- Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.
Delivery, warranty and payment
- Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
- Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
- Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
- Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.
Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.