Bar Design Essentials

Bar Design Essentials is the modern reference for anyone designing, building, or working behind a commercial bar.

Written by veteran bartender turned bar designer Tobin Ellis, this book distills decades of operational insight and commercial design experience into clear, practical guidance that improves workflow, elevates aesthetic immersion, reduces project friction, and strengthens profitability.

Whether you’re a bartender, designer, architect, owner, or builder, this book gives you the tools, language, and framework to create high-performing bars that look beautiful, work flawlessly, and stand the test of time.

Filled with detailed drawings, plans, models, and full-color photography, Bar Design Essentials is the first book to focus explicitly on inside-out, human-centric bar design that explains in plain language how bartender workflows, equipment adjacencies, bar geometry, and ergonomics directly influence guest experience, operational efficiency, and financial performance.

Topics include zero-step design, ergonomic alignment, flow-state at peak volume, custom fabrication and millwork, construction administration, lighting and environmental design, back bar design, ADA requirements, installation tips, and much more.