Opening a bar is easier when you have everything laid out beforehand. It would help to make sure that all the bar equipment has been ordered and delivered because your plan will never be realized without it.

Here is a bar equipment list that includes everything you need for a bar: beverages, cocktail supplies, POS, cleaning materials, and more.

Equipment Every Bar Should Have

To ensure that you have everything needed for your business, make sure your bar has the following: 

Cocktail and bartending equipment

Glasses

• Shot glasses
• Pint glasses
• Rocks glasses
• Champagne glasses
• Wine glasses
• Collins glasses
• Martini glasses
• Highball glasses
• Brandy snifters
• Mixing glasses

Bartending tools and accessories

• Cocktail shakers
• Jiggers
• Muddlers
• Cocktail spoon
• Cap catchers
• Citrus juicers
• Bottle and can openers
• Cocktail strainers
• Muddling supplies
• Garnishing tools
• Straws and stirrers
• Napkins and coasters
• Cutting boards
• Bar towels
• Bar mats
• Containers for garnishes and bitters
• Liquor bottle pourers
• Ice cube trays, ice molds, and buckets
• Wine openers

Beverages and beverage dispensing bar equipment

Of course, your bar should have beverages and beverage dispensing equipment such as:

Alcoholic Beverages

• Vodka
• Tequila
• Whiskey
• Scotch
• Gin
• Bourbon
• Rum

Basic liqueurs

• Amaretto
• Dry and sweet vermouth
• Irish cream liqueur
• Orange liqueur
• Coffee liqueur

Non-alcoholic mixers for mixed drinks

• Orange juice
• Lemon and lime juice
• Cranberry juice
• Pineapple juice
• Grapefruit juice
• Tomato juice
• Simple syrup
• Bitters
• Sour mix
• Grenadine
• Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce
• Milk, Half & Half or cream

Essential sodas

• Club soda
• Ginger Ale
• Tonic Water
• Lemon-lime soda
• Cola and Diet Cola

Another thing you’ll want to do is have the proper ingredients on hand for your cocktails. Click To Tweet

This includes any garnishes and extras that might take a drink from being good to great, especially if it’s an upscale establishment.

Fruit garnishes

• Oranges
• Lemons
• Limes
• Maraschino cherries

Beverage nice-to-haves

• Cinnamon
• Mint
• Olives
• Salt and sugar
• Cocktail onions
• Celery or pickles
• Grated nutmeg
• Whipped cream

Depending on local regulations, your bar might be able to offer off-premise or to-go drinks. If that’s the case, make sure your establishment is prepared with supplies and materials needed for carryout orders.

Takeout supplies

• Disposable cups and lids
• Drink holders
• Straws
• Napkins
• Bags

POS system

You may be tempted to use old-fashioned cash registers or heavy computers for your bar. Still, a modern POS system will not only help you manage customer tabs and transactions quickly but also gives you tools that allow you to monitor the operations of your entire business.

Bar furniture and other equipment

When you have a bar, your establishment’s number and style of tables will depend on its size. If you do not have a bar counter, building one that fits the space is necessary.

Aside from the decor, you’ll also need TV monitors, cable, and sound equipment.

In addition, refrigeration and cold storage are essential. Here’s a list of coolers you should consider:

Coolers and refrigeration

• Beer coolers
• Wine coolers
• Kegerators
• Cooler for garnishes
• Swing door back bar cooler
• Horizontal bottle cooler
• Storage cooler
• Swing door merchandiser

It is crucial to have a clean and safe workplace, including having the right tools for washing dishes. You will need two or three sinks to wash them with specialized cleaners. There should also be bathroom equipment, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies.

Additional equipment

• Liquor dispensers
• Speed rails
• Ice maker
• Ice crusher
• Ice wells
• Blenders
• Glass racks/holders
• Waitress stalls
• Floor mats

Food and kitchen supplies

If you are going to have food at your bar, you will need kitchen equipment and supplies. You might want some of these things:

• Fryers
• Grills
• Flat-top griddles
• Plates
• Cutlery

Many bars are now required to serve food as a requirement for opening. Check local regulations and see if this applies to you.

How and where to get bar equipment

Buying new, high-quality bar equipment is often a good idea because it will last longer and be less likely to need replacing. Click To Tweet

You can find discount supplies at any restaurant supply retailer or order them from various specialized online retailers.

If you are running a tight operation, there is the option of renting or leasing some equipment that would not be used very often. It’s essential to make sure that if you shop for any special equipment, it doesn’t compromise quality.

Final Thoughts on Bar Equipment

These are the things you need for a bar. Now that you know the bar equipment you should have, you can focus on other things necessary to start your business, such as building a recognizable brand and hiring employees.