The Different Types of Bars: A Comprehensive Guide

Opening a bar isn’t just about pouring drinks—it’s about creating an experience that brings customers back again and again. Understanding different bar concepts can help you make smarter business decisions.

This guide breaks down the most popular types of bars, what makes each unique, and how to determine which concept fits your business goals.

What is a bar?

The bar concept has evolved significantly over centuries, from simple taverns serving ale to sophisticated establishments featuring expert mixologists and elaborate cocktail menus. Today’s bars serve as social hubs where people gather to relax, socialize, celebrate, watch sports, enjoy entertainment, and sometimes dine.

Bars typically feature a prominent counter staffed by bartenders who prepare and serve drinks directly to customers seated at the bar or deliver them to servers who bring them to patrons seated at tables elsewhere in the establishment. Behind this counter, you’ll usually find an array of bottles, glassware, equipment for making drinks, and often a mirror to create a sense of spaciousness.

The atmosphere of a bar varies greatly depending on its target clientele and concept. Some bars aim for a lively, energetic environment with loud music and crowded spaces, while others cultivate a quiet, intimate setting conducive to conversation. Lighting is typically dimmer than in restaurants, creating a more relaxed ambiance as the day transitions to evening.

While alcohol service remains the defining characteristic of bars, food service has become increasingly important. Many bars offer extensive menus ranging from simple snacks to full restaurant-quality meals. This evolution reflects changing consumer preferences and regulatory requirements in many jurisdictions requiring food service and alcohol.

For those looking for a sophisticated cocktail experience, a casual place to watch the game, or simply a comfortable spot to unwind after work, the diverse world of bars offers something for nearly everyone of legal drinking age.

The different types of bars

Here, we cover the most common types of bars, including different key features and examples.

Sports bars

Sports bars focus on creating the ultimate environment for watching games and matches. These establishments typically feature multiple large-screen TVs, team memorabilia, and a lively atmosphere that peaks during important sporting events.

Key features:

• Multiple television screens showing various sports channels
• Team décor and memorabilia
• Casual food menu focusing on appetizers and comfort food
• Beer-centric drink menus with specials during games

???? Example: Buffalo Wild Wings combines the sports bar concept with a wings-focused menu, creating a gathering place for fans to enjoy games together.

Cocktail bars

Cocktail bars specialize in crafting high-quality mixed drinks with an emphasis on technique, presentation, and unique flavor combinations. These establishments often pride themselves on their creativity and attention to detail.

Key features:

• Extensive spirits collection
• Skilled bartenders who create both classic and innovative drinks
• More intimate, sophisticated atmosphere
• Higher price points reflecting the craftsmanship

???? Example: Death & Co in New York City revolutionized the modern cocktail scene with its meticulous approach to mixology and extensive, creative drink menu.

Wine bars

A wine bar caters to oenophiles and casual wine drinkers, offering extensive wine selections by the glass and bottle. Along with the consumption factor, these venues often provide an educational experience.

Key features:

• Curated wine lists with options from around the world
• Knowledgeable staff who can make recommendations
• Food pairings designed to complement wine flavors
• Sophisticated, relaxed atmosphere

???? Example: La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels in Paris offers hundreds of wines by the glass with expert guidance from sommeliers.

Brewpubs & beer bars

These establishments focus on beer, either brewing their own on-site (brewpubs) or curating extensive collections from various breweries (beer bars). They often celebrate craft beer culture and brewing techniques.

Key features:

• Wide selection of draft and bottled beers
• Flight options for sampling multiple varieties
• Beer-friendly food menus
• Casual, communal atmosphere

???? Example: Monk’s Café in Philadelphia is renowned for its Belgian beer selection and has helped introduce American drinkers to European brewing traditions.

Dive bars

Dive bars embrace a no-frills approach, offering affordable drinks in an unpretentious setting. These establishments often become neighborhood staples, attracting a loyal crowd of regulars.

Key features:

• Affordable drink prices
• Minimal décor, often with quirky elements that have accumulated over time
• Regular clientele of locals
• Simple drink menus focusing on beer and basic spirits

???? Example: The 5 Point Café in Seattle has maintained its gritty charm since 1929, serving drinks around the clock with its famous “We cheat tourists and drunks” motto.

Speakeasies & hidden bars

These bars draw inspiration from Prohibition-era speakeasies, which often feature hidden entrances, password requirements, and vintage aesthetics. The secretive nature creates an exclusive experience.

Key features:

• Concealed entrances or locations
• Vintage décor and ambiance
• Craft cocktails with historical inspiration
• Intimate atmosphere with limited seating

???? Example: PDT (Please Don’t Tell) in New York City is accessed through a phone booth inside a hot dog shop, creating an element of discovery for visitors.

Tiki bars

Tiki bars celebrate Polynesian-inspired aesthetics and tropical cocktails. These establishments create immersive experiences, transporting guests to island paradise environments.

Key features:

• Rum-based cocktails with fruit juices and syrups
• Tropical décor including bamboo, thatched roofs, and carved wooden figures
• Drinks served in decorative mugs and vessels
• Escapist atmosphere

???? Example: Smuggler’s Cove in San Francisco houses one of the world’s largest rum collections while maintaining authentic tiki traditions.

Rooftop bars

Rooftop bars offer drinks with a view by using building heights for unique perspectives. These venues often become particularly popular during warmer months.

Key features:

• Panoramic views of cityscapes or natural surroundings
• Open-air or partially covered spaces
• Premium pricing reflecting the location

???? Example: Sky Bar at Lebua in Bangkok converted rooftop space into a global destination venue, commanding premium prices based on the exclusive experience and view.

Nightclub bars

Nightclub bars combine drinking with dancing, featuring DJs, live music, and an energetic atmosphere. These venues offer a place to party, with the addition of a bar. 

Key features:

• High-energy environment with music and lighting
• Dance floor area separate from bar service
• Bottle service options for groups
• Theme nights or special events to drive traffic

???? Example: Marquee in Las Vegas combines a high-end nightclub experience with multiple rooms featuring different music styles and sophisticated cocktail options.

Irish pubs

Irish pubs recreate traditional Irish drinking establishments with specific decor, beer selections, and often Irish food. 

Key features:

• Guinness and Irish whiskeys as drink staples
• Traditional Irish food options
• Warm, wood-heavy decor
• Live music or traditional music recordings

???? Example: The Dead Rabbit in New York City modernizes the Irish pub concept with an award-winning cocktail program alongside traditional Irish hospitality.

The bar atmosphere: What do bars look like?

The physical appearance of bars varies greatly based on their concept, target audience, and geographic location. However, most bars share some common elements in their design:

Counter and back bar: The main bar counter is typically a long, sturdy surface where customers can sit on stools while the bartender serves drinks from the opposite side. Behind the bartender is usually the “back bar,” which displays bottles, glassware, and sometimes decorative elements.

Seating areas: Beyond the bar counter, most establishments include seating options like tables, booths, high tops, or lounge furniture. The arrangement and style of these seating areas reflect the bar’s concept—sports bars often feature larger tables for groups, while cocktail bars might offer intimate seating nooks.

Lighting: Bar lighting tends to be dimmer than in restaurants, creating a more relaxed atmosphere. Lighting choices range from industrial fixtures in brewpubs to soft candlelight in upscale cocktail bars.

Design elements: Decor elements signal the bar’s identity to customers—sports bars display memorabilia and multiple TVs, while tiki bars feature bamboo and tropical decorations. These visual cues help create the intended atmosphere and set expectations for the experience.

Bar equipment: Professional equipment like beer taps, ice bins, soda guns, and glass storage are visible at most bars, though how prominently these functional elements are displayed varies by concept.

Choosing the right bar concept for your business

When deciding which type of bar fits your business goals, consider these factors:

• Location demographics: Match your concept to the people who live and work nearby.
• Competition: Find gaps in the local market rather than duplicating existing successful concepts.
• Your expertise: Play to your strengths and knowledge base on different types of drinks.
• Investment capital: Different concepts require varying startup costs (a cocktail bar needs less space but more staff training than a brewpub).
• Building constraints: Your physical space may better suit certain concepts over others.

The most successful bars often blend elements from multiple concepts to create something unique while still meeting guests’ expectations. Whatever direction you choose, focus on consistent execution and strong team management to build a profitable bar operation.

Frequently asked questions: Types of bars

What is a pub?

A pub, short for “public house,” is a bar that originated in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Traditionally, pubs serve as community gathering places with a focus on beer and simple food in a casual setting. Unlike some specialized bars, pubs typically aim to be welcoming to a broad customer base and often become neighborhood institutions.

Modern pubs usually offer a selection of draft beers (with cask ales being particularly important in British pubs), a basic spirits selection, and hearty, unpretentious food. Many pubs feature traditional elements like wooden furnishings, fireplaces, dart boards, and a communal atmosphere that encourages socializing.

What’s the difference between a pub and a bar?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, particularly in the United States, there are some traditional distinctions between pubs and bars:

Atmosphere and purpose:

• Pubs traditionally focus on creating a homey, communal environment where conversation is central
• Bars often have more specialized concepts (cocktail bar, sports bar) with atmospheres designed around those specific experiences

Food service:

• Pubs typically offer a more substantial food menu as a core part of their business
• Bars may offer limited food options or focus primarily on drinks, though this distinction has blurred in recent years

Customer behavior:

• Pubs traditionally encourage longer visits with an emphasis on socializing
• Some bars, particularly those with a nightlife focus, may have higher turnover and louder atmospheres

Cultural origins:

• Pubs have specific British and Irish cultural origins and traditions
• Bars as a broader category exist across many cultural contexts

In practice, many modern establishments blend elements of both pubs and bars, and the terminology often reflects regional preferences rather than strict operational differences.

What’s the difference between a tavern and a pub?

Taverns and pubs have similar historical roots as community gathering places centered around drinking, but some subtle differences exist:

Historical context:

• Taverns in American tradition often provided lodging for travelers in addition to food and drink
• Pubs (public houses) in British tradition focused primarily on being local gathering places without necessarily offering accommodation

Regional association:

• “Tavern” is more commonly used in American contexts
• “Pub” is more strongly associated with British and Irish drinking culture

Modern usage:

• Today, both terms often indicate establishments with a focus on casual drinking, food service, and a somewhat traditional aesthetic
• The choice between calling an establishment a “tavern” or “pub” is often more about branding and regional preference than strict operational differences

Many modern establishments use these terms somewhat interchangeably, with the choice often reflecting the specific cultural atmosphere they wish to create rather than a fundamental difference in the business model.

Wrapping it up

Understanding the different types of bars can help you make an informed decision about which concept is right for your business. Each type of bar has its own unique characteristics, target audience, and operational requirements.

By carefully considering factors like your location, competition, expertise, and available capital, you can select or create a bar concept that resonates with your target customers and positions your business for success. Remember that some of the most successful establishments combine elements from different bar types to create a distinctive experience that stands out in the market.

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