Portable Bar Reviews

Best Overall Portable Bar

The Carlisle 755044 Maximizer offers a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics. It comes in three attractive finishes - black, stainless steel, and cherry wood, ensuring seamless integration into its surroundings. Its countertop is easy to clean and includes a molded-in bar mat well, keeping the bar looking its best at all times. The unit includes a built-in cutting board, making garnish preparation a breeze, and its 15-gallon ice bins with integrated drains and water traps ensure that you have everything you need to keep drinks cold and refreshing.

Price: $2,349.00

Best Portable Bar for Large Events

The Advance Tabco AMD-6B is perfect for high-volume use in busy settings. Available in both 61" and 74" models, it offers versatility to suit different space requirements. Choose between stainless steel doors for secure storage or an open design for easy access to bar supplies. Equipped with swivel casters, this bar is designed for easy maneuvering around your establishment, allowing you to customize the layout as needed. Its full perimeter bumpers add an extra layer of protection to prevent damage during transportation.

Price: $4.740.30

Runner up: Regency 70" Stainless Steel Portable Bar

Best Portable Bar for Small Events

The Cambro BAR540110 Cambar is a stylish, portable, and versatile option for small- to medium-sized events. It is designed to withstand the rigors of event service with its rugged construction that is resistant to cracks, dents, chips, and rust. Thanks to its light weight design and swivel casters, you can move it from one event to another without hassle. It features rounded corners and molded compartments, keeping glassware secure. For added convenience, it also includes a 5-bottle speed rail.

Price: $1,796.00

Runner up: Lakeside 884B 43" Stainless Steel Portable Bar

Best Budget Portable Bar

The Flash Furniture XA-BAR-48-MAR-GG portable bar caters to customers on a budget. It has a practical, folding design ideal for beginners, making it easy to set up and take down. Available in black, white, and black marble varieties, this portable bar includes an additional shelf with square hinges, providing convenient storage space for bar essentials.

Price: $366.99

Runner up: Lancaster Table and Seating 4' Foldaway Bar

How to Choose Portable Bars

Identifying the right portable bar can be a difficult process. There are several key factors to consider, and each type of bar has its advantages and disadvantages. We'll walk you through the major purchasing considerations for portable bars below, focusing on material, capacity, size, and built-in features.

Material

The material of your portable bar not only affects durability and aesthetics, but also plays a role in its portability and suitability for different environments.

• Stainless steel: Stainless steel is a popular choice for its sleek and modern look, making it a stylish option for various settings. It is easy to clean and maintain, ensuring your bar looks its best with minimal effort.
• Polyethylene: Polyethylene is known for its durability and light weight properties, making it easy to transport while being resistant to scratches and stains.
• Wood: Wood adds a touch of sophistication to any setting and can complement a variety of decor styles. However, wood may require more maintenance than other materials.
• Laminate: Laminate is a cost-effective and customizable material. It offers a wide range of design possibilities, allowing you to personalize your bar to suit your brand or event theme.

Capacity

Capacity refers to how much liquor and ingredients your bar can store at one time, which directly impacts your ability to serve customers. Consider the factors listed below when determining what capacity of portable bar you need:

• Beverage volume: If you anticipate serving a large number of customers or hosting events with high demand, a portable bar with a larger capacity will ensure you can keep up with the orders without constantly restocking.
• Event size: For larger events or venues, a portable bar with a higher capacity will be more suitable to meet the demands of a larger crowd. On the other hand, if you primarily cater to smaller gatherings, a bar with a smaller capacity may be more practical and space-efficient.
• Drink variety: If your menu includes a wide range of cocktails and beverages that require different ingredients, having a portable bar with ample storage capacity for various liquors, mixers, and garnishes will enable you to offer a diverse selection to your customers without running out of supplies.

Size

The size of the bar you select should align with the types of venues you will be servicing. If you primarily cater to small spaces, a compact and smaller portable bar will be sufficient to meet your needs. These smaller bars are easy to transport and set up. On the other hand, if you plan on catering to large-scale gatherings, especially those in large venues or outdoor areas, opting for a larger portable bar is essential. A larger bar will provide the necessary space to efficiently serve a larger crowd while accommodating multiple bartenders and ample storage for supplies.

Features

When it comes to choosing a portable bar for your business, the features that your portable bar offers can have a significant impact on your service. These features not only give you more control over your drinks but also provide you with a more complete bartending experience.

• Locking cabinets: Portable bars with locking cabinets offer a secure storage option for your valuable bar tools, glassware, and ingredients.
• CO2 tanks: If you plan on serving carbonated beverages and draft beer at your events, a portable bar with CO2 tanks is ideal. These tanks maintain the carbonation levels of your drinks, ensuring that they stay fresh and bubbly.
• Ice sinks: For chilling drinks quickly and efficiently, look for a built-in ice sink. These sinks provide a convenient space for keeping your beverages cold.
• Soda guns: This feature allows you to quickly serve a variety of beverages without the need for multiple bottles, saving you time and space behind the bar.
• Built-in speed rails: Portable bars with built-on speed rails provide quick and easy access to your most commonly used bottles and ingredients.
• Water tanks: These tanks eliminate the need to constantly refill water pitchers or search for a nearby water source, making it convenient for bartenders to stay hydrated and maintain their workflow.