Coffee Bar Planning

Our design of coffee bars / kitchenettes improved
immensely after we designed one for ourselves. 

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Coffee Bar

The client usually has a list of what they are looking for, but it is a short list and there is more to it than a sink and coffee maker.

I think that an eight foot long counter is the absolute minimum for a coffee bar shared by 10 or more people. Ten feet is better. There is a lot of stuff to accommodate.

Click the image to download a PDF copy.

A coffee bar counter will need space for:

• Sink, 30", a single bowl is OK, but it should be deep, 8 or 10". Include a water filter system (a Brita pitcher works fine for up to five), garbage disposal and spray attachment.
• Toaster, 12", a nice amenity.
• Coffee Maker, 12", minimum 12 cup or consider the individual serving type with a water supply.
• Pump Carafe, 12", may need two. The carafe keeps the coffee hot without getting a burnt taste from being heated all day. 
• Condiments, 6", for sweeteners, creamer, stirs. 
• Second Maker for tea? A Keurig? 
• Plus two or three feet for preparation, 36", useful for coffee making and cleanup.

​Below the counter, you will need space for:

• Sink base will hold garbage disposal and cleanup supplies, perhaps on a slide-out tray.
• Dishwasher allows for use of mugs instead of plastic cups, as well as dishes and flatware.
• Flatware drawer. Additional drawers will find a use.
• Space for a trash receptacle or a cabinet devoted to that function.
• Refrigerator for milk, drinks, lunches. An under-counter refrigerator works for up to about five people. More than that, consider an apartment sized unit or a full kitchen-sized unit might be needed. 

Above the counter, wall cabinets will hold:

• Microwave for heating all sorts of things besides coffee
• Coffee making supplies
• Storage for mugs, dishes, paper towels

Keep in mind wall space for paper towel dispenser, crucial for cleanup. This really doesn't work well above the counter top. Under-counter lights are nice addition to the ambient light.

The flooring in front of the counter for a distance of 3-4' will endure longer if it is a hard surface. Also consider a floor drain, just a thought in case of a leaking sink or dishwasher, or a refrigerator defrosting that goes wrong (guilty).

The last issue if this is for your own use is economics. We have used an honor system, priced for the 'house' to pick up part of the cost.