What is a Bar Cart?

A bar cart is a mobile unit used to carry alcoholic beverages. A bar cart is most commonly provided a spot in the kitchen or in the dining room, though other rooms can hold the bar cart as well. Whether or not the bar cart is kept in another room largely depends on its design.

A bar cart is generally contained on a square or rectangular base with four casters, one on each corner. If the bar cart is particularly large, there may be two or more additional casters spaced along the perimeter of the bottom. The casters make it easy for the bar cart to be moved from place to place, which is particularly helpful during social gatherings.

A bar cart may be crafted from wood or stainless steel. Those that are made from stainless steel are more commonly kept in the kitchen or used for outdoor entertainment. Those made of wood may also be used in the kitchen, but are sometimes found in the dining room or even in the living room. A wooden bar cart is generally not used for outdoor entertaining.

The most basic bar cart usually has a shelf at the bottom where glassware may be stored. It also has a wine rack for storing wine bottles and an additional shelf above the wine rack. More glassware may be placed here, as may pitchers or bottles of other alcoholic beverages. A bar cart also commonly has one or more racks along the outside perimeter on which towels or other items may be hung. This type of basic bar cart can cost as little as 100 US dollars (USD).

A high end bar cart has many extras that are not found in the basic bar cart. For example, it may contain cabinets on the bottom with doors that can be opened and closed. A high end bar cart may also include its own sink and filtration system, as well as built in cutting boards, removable side shelves, and built in bottle openers. A high end bar car such as this can cost as much as 2,000 USD.

Written by Shannon Kietzman