A bar can raise the average check and give guests a reason to arrive early and stay late. Adding one to an existing restaurant takes more than a counter and some bottles. You need a working layout, the right refrigeration, ice, sinks and storage, plus licensing and permits. Here is a practical plan.
Licensing and Permits First
Liquor licensing rules vary a lot by city and state, and approval can take time. Start that process before you buy equipment. Adding bar sinks and refrigeration also usually involves plumbing and electrical permits. Confirm requirements with your local licensing authority, health department and building department.
Decide What You Will Serve
A beer and wine bar needs less equipment than a full cocktail program. Draft beer adds a dispensing system. Blended drinks add blenders and more ice. Write your drink menu before you design the bar.
The Three Zones
- Front bar: the counter where guests sit and drinks are served.
- Underbar: the working area below the counter where bartenders mix drinks. This is where sinks, ice and speed rails live.
- Back bar: the wall behind the bartender for refrigerated storage, display and glassware.
Underbar Equipment
The underbar is where speed happens. A mixology station combines an ice bin, a sink and a work surface in one unit. The 22″ x 18″ mixology station bar sink with glass rinser is one compact option. You also need a hand sink that is only for handwashing; the health department will usually require one. The underbar hand sink with backsplash faucet included fits in the underbar line. A glass washing setup, often a three compartment bar sink, is also typically required. Check local rules.
Refrigeration
Back bar coolers hold bottled beer, wine and mixers under the back counter. Glass doors let guests and staff see stock. The CBB-60G 60″ swing glass door back bar cooler is a common size for a mid-size bar. If you pour draft, a direct draw dispenser like the Migali C-DD48-2-HC DD48″ direct draw beer dispenser with 2 towers keeps kegs cold under the counter and pours from towers on top.
Ice
Bars use a lot of ice. Estimate drinks at peak times ice per drink, then add a margin for hot weather. An ice machine sized for your restaurant may not cover the bar too. Consider a dedicated machine near the bar, such as the Coldline ICE180 180 lb half cube ice machine, so bartenders are not carrying ice across the dining room.
Glassware and Storage
Glassware needs a clean, protected place to dry and store. A glass rack storage cabinet such as the glass rack storage cabinet and bar station keeps racks off the floor. On the back bar, a 4-tier liquor display rack shows bottles and speeds up pours.
Layout Tips
Keep the bartender’s most-used items within one step: ice, well spirits, mixers and glassware. Put the POS where bartenders can reach it without leaving their station. Leave room behind the bar for two people to pass. Plan floor drains and non-slip mats near the sinks.
Utilities
Bar sinks need hot and cold water and drains. Refrigeration and ice machines need dedicated outlets and, for ice machines, a water line and drain. A licensed plumber and electrician should confirm capacity.
Next Steps
Start your licensing process, write the drink menu, then sketch the three zones. Browse bar equipment and bar refrigeration to build your list. Questions? Contact Express KitchQuip and we will help you pick the right size and configuration.
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.
22″ x 18″ Mixology Station Bar Sink with Glass Rinser – NSF (model UMS-2218)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- The 22″ x 18″ Mixology Station Underbar Hand Sink is a compact, all-in-one beverage prep station designed for busy bars and restaurants.
- Overall Dimensions: 22.
- 5″ x 18″ x 33″ with 3″ backsplash.
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Commercial underbar hand sink with 304 stainless steel construction, NSF certification, and compact design—ideal for restaurants, bars, and foodservice setups.
CBB-60G 60″ Swing Glass Door Back Bar Cooler (model CBB-60G)
- Brand: Coldline
- Commercial Back Bar Cooler: 60″ Swing Glass Door Back Bar Cooler designed for professional beverage storage and service environments.
- 60.8″ Length: Provides generous refrigerated storage for commercial bar and beverage applications.
- 17.3 Cu. Ft. Capacity: Offers ample interior space for organized beverage storage.
- Warranty: 5-Year Compressor / 1-Year Parts & Labor
Migali C-DD48-2-HC DD48″ Direct Draw Beer Dispenser – 2 Towers (model C-DD48-2-HC)
- Brand: Migali
- DD48-inch direct draw beer dispenser with 2 chrome single-head towers and 2 solid doors.
- Forced-air cooling with an adjustable digital thermostat and temperature read-out.
- The towers are air-ducted so the beer lines stay cold right to the faucet — no warm first pour.
Coldline ICE180 180 lb. Commercial Half Cube Ice Machine (model ICE180)
- Brand: Coldline
- 80 lb. Bin for ice.
- Air Cooled for efficiency.
- 180 lb. Daily output.
- Warranty: 5-Year Compressor / 1-Year Parts & Labor
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.
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Upgrade your bar setup with this 4-tier stainless steel countertop bottle display .
- Designed for clear bottle visibility and fast service, it features a stepped layout with guard rails for secure organization.
- Built for commercial use, its modern metal finish enhances presentation while improving workflow—no assembly required.
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.