Replies

1. 
   jmac | Aug 13, 2004 04:06pm | #1

   I think last month's issue of insipred house had a kitchen reno with a coffee bar added.  Maybe ask your question over there.  Otherwise I have no good answer.

2. 
   PaulBinCT | Aug 13, 2004 04:28pm | #2

   I'm going to guess that if you are that fond of coffee bars you probably have a favorite or one that really wowed you?  Why not use that as a starting point? I'd also make a list of qualities that are a must have and then stir it all together and see what you come up with.  I think I'm a pretty good designer and I often find the best way to come up with a design solution is to not focus on it excessively but just  let your mind turn it over subconsciously... good luck!

3. 
   hammer1 | Aug 13, 2004 06:41pm | #3

   I'm not sure what would differentiate a coffee bar from other bar designs but there are some great pub style bars on the following site. Many other examples can be found through a search for architectural salvage, English style pubs.

   http://www.architecturalantiques.com/

4. 
   CapnMac | Aug 13, 2004 07:05pm | #4

   build a coffee bar

   It would seem, IMHO, to depend upon the machine(s) you intend to use.  If you have (or desire/plan on) one of the large European coffee machines, its size dictates some of your dimensions.

   Also, whether you want just a coffee making area, or a counter for service/drinking the coffee as well as the prep area makes a difference.

   I'd be inclined to a wall location adjacent to a window seat and a couple of comfortable chairs with a side table.

   Now, the mechanicals I'd include are a sink, a small under-counter refrigerator, and connections for a small ice machine.  The equipment used will drive your electrical needs; but I'd be inclined to put in at least two extra counter height duplex outlets (or use a quad where a duplex would normally go).  That way the grinders, or extra brewers, or whatever else needs to go on the counter can have a proper electrical connection.  (Were it me, I'd likely have a 10 cup machine, a dedicated "espresso" machine, and a two cup brewer; a big bur grinder, and a smaller grinder; and a combo broil/MW unit for reheat, biscotti, etc.)

   I'd probably want both hooks, and stemware tracks, and some glass-front upper cabinets for storing cups & the like.  Figure on a drawer stack in the base for spoons, spoons, and other flatware, along with trivets, coasters, & the like.  Rather than a 10" bar sink, an 18-20" single sink would also be my preference--if only so that I could use a half-size dish rack in it for drying a cup or two and a biscotti plate.

   For real luxury, a Sub Zero freezer drawer would be sweet.  Cold storage and room for a couple of ice trays . . .

   Oh yeah, either use adjustable shelves in the cabinets, or dedicate some tall storage for the book-store style coffee servers.  A nearby open shelf for storing sugar, sweetener, & other additives would be a nice touch, too.

   Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
1. 
   CapnMac | Aug 13, 2004 08:12pm | #5

   Ok, could not resist.  This fits a 10'-0" wide space, 24" deep, and 90" tall:

   Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

1. 
   coonass | Aug 13, 2004 11:50pm | #7

   CapnMac,

   Looks like one of mine.

   KK

   Edited 8/13/2004 4:51 pm ET by kkearney

2. 
   SamT | Aug 13, 2004 11:08pm | #6

   Uh. Wow.

   Hmmm.

   Well.

   You've about covered what I would want.

   Let's see,

   A 2 tap beer dispenser and a 3 tap soda dispenser, 1 tap for filtered water, and, an icemaker.

   SamT

   Arguing with a Breaktimer is like mud-wrestling a pig -- Sooner or later you find out the pig loves it. Andy Engel

1. 
   CapnMac | Aug 14, 2004 12:27am | #8

   A 2 tap beer dispenser and a 3 tap soda dispenser, 1 tap for filtered water, and, an icemaker

   LoL!  That's for opposite the wall units <grin>

   The Sub Zero freezer drawer is available with an icemaker, but with a 'proper' bar, I'd want a Scotsman ice maker.  They also make an undercounter kegerator, too . . . Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)