Mobile Bar vs Back Bar Rental: What Each Does and Costs

When people say "bar rental" they usually mean one of three things. Understanding which one you are renting stops you from showing up with a front counter and nowhere to put the liquor.

The three pieces

Bar front (mobile or portable bar). A freestanding counter, often 6 or 8 feet long and about 42 inches tall. Some have built-in coolers, ice wells or a sink. Many are on wheels. They come in wood, white, black and mirrored styles.

Back bar. Shelving or a counter behind the bartender. It holds liquor bottles, mixers, bar tools, spare glasses and signs. It keeps the working surface of the front bar free.

Prep or ice table. A banquet table beside the bar for garnishes, ice bins, a cutting board and trash.

What each one is for

How to choose

Beer and wine only. A simple bar front or a banquet table with a cloth is often enough, plus coolers. A back bar is optional. See beer and wine only bar setup.

Full bar. Rent a bar front and a back bar of equal length. A 6-foot bar needs at least a 6-foot back bar; an 8-foot bar works with a 6 to 8 foot back bar. Add a prep table.

Signature cocktails only. A smaller bar front and a back bar for the few bottles. See signature cocktail station ideas.

Multiple bars. Only the main bar needs a full back bar. Satellite bars can use a banquet table with a skirt.

Chicago notes

In Chicago high-rises and loft buildings, a bar often has to travel through a freight elevator and a loading dock, so confirm the width of doors and the booking window for the elevator before you choose a bar that does not fold. In suburban barns and tents, the main question is level ground and distance from a power source.

Style options

Rustic wood bars suit barns and tents, white bars look at home in modern lofts and gardens, and mirrored or glass bars read as glam in a ballroom. If you want your bar to match your seating, a natural cross-back chair goes with wood and a clear ghost chair goes with white or glass.

Space and power

• Footprint. A bar front is about 24 to 30 inches deep. Allow 3 feet behind it for the bartender and 4 feet in front for guests.
• Floor. Bars need level ground. On a lawn, ask the rental company about leveling or a platform.
• Power. Ice machines, blenders and lights need outlets. Ask your venue where they are. For tents, see our Lighting and Power section.
• Water. A sink on the bar needs water and drainage. Most portable bars do not have one; bartenders use buckets.

Who provides what

Some bar companies bring their own bar, back bar and bartenders. Others expect you to rent equipment and hire staff separately. Read dry hire vs full service bar to see how this changes your list. We don't hold a bar inventory; we help you plan the full rental list and point you toward providers.

Plan the bar into the room

We help place the bar and seating in the same floor plan. Book a free 15-minute seating call or request a quote.