At the moment there is no single classification of bars, and in different countries the division of bars into types may be different. In the U.S. there is one gradation, in other countries it is different. However, there are official standards set by the International Bartenders Association (IBA). According to these standards there are the following types of bars:
Restaurant Bar.
This type of bar is an integral part of a restaurant and serves both its visitors and customers, who came just to visit the bar itself. In this case, the restaurant bar can operate as a completely separate unit, and as part of the overall restaurant service system – for example, to serve as the base administrative post restaurant, a point of issue of orders waiters, etc. All depends on the internal structure of the restaurant. – It all depends on the internal structure of the restaurant. The assortment of drinks offered by such a bar also depends on the general concept of the restaurant – in very high class establishments it could be a specialized wine bar with elite wines, in a restaurant with Italian cuisine it could be a bar dedicated exclusively to Italian wines and cocktails etc.
Beer bar or pub.
The assortment of this place abounds with a large selection of beer and snacks to go with it. This type of bar is usually quite democratic in price range and aimed at a wide audience of potential customers. Visitors can be served there both at the bar and at separate tables. In some countries, for example in England or Ireland, visiting a pub has long ago become a separate layer of national culture.
Wine bar
This place has a pronounced elite character and most often exists as part of expensive restaurants. The wine bar is intended for connoisseurs and wine connoisseurs, from well known and accessible wines to unique and expensive varieties. There is no hustle and bustle and loud music and the atmosphere is relaxed and focused tasting. Visitors in this type of bar are usually served not by barmen but by experienced sommeliers and in its technical arsenal there is special equipment for keeping and using bottles with expensive sorts of wines. The visitor is offered a sufficient, but small range of cold and hot appetizers to accompany the wines.
Cocktail Bar
Typically, cocktail bars are located at restaurants and hotels. Clients are offered a wide assortment of different drinks – first of all, cocktails with fruit, strong, layered, punches and so on. The cocktail bar menu usually includes ham, canapés with caviar, olives, sausages, salty pistachios, almonds, pastries and fruit. Service is provided by waiters and the bartender, but in smaller venues, the bartender handles customers exclusively.
Grill Bar
In this type of restaurant the focus is not on drinks, but on food, namely a variety of dishes cooked on the grill – kebabs, steaks, grilled chicken, etc.
Grill bar can be part of the restaurant or be a separate institution, and very often is located in an open fenced terrace.
Lounge bar
This type of bar is so called from the English word lounge, lounge room. Usually it is in a special isolated lounge-area where melodic relaxed music sounds, candles are lit or special dim lighting is turned on and the public is seated on soft couches and armchairs at low squat tables. Such an environment is conducive to a quiet rest and does not disturb the thoughtful conversation between people.
Most often the lounge bar offers cocktails and other light drinks, as well as a good choice of expensive quality alcohol. However, this type of bar can be completely non-alcoholic.
Disco Bar
This type of bar is intended for those who like to dance and is often a part of a disco or nightclub. Here visitors are offered a variety of music and show programs, live performances of musical groups and DJ sets.
Pool-bar
The name of this type of bar comes from the English word rool, “pool”, and it is designed to serve visitors of the pool and is located in the immediate vicinity of the pool.
Lobby bar
This is a special kind of bar, located only in hotels. It got its name from the word “Lobby” and is usually located on the first floor of the hotel, not far from the reception. Lobby bars are most often open 24 hours a day. Besides the contact bar, the lobby bar area usually has upholstered furniture supplemented with coffee tables and chairs. Lobby bars are organized in isolated rooms or in areas separated from the hotel lobbies by columns, plants and fountains.
Service bar
This auxiliary bar is located in the guest area of a restaurant or cafe and fulfills guests’ orders through waiters. As a rule, it does not need its own cash register. Only a printer is located here, through which the bar receives the waiters’ orders.