Everyone needs their own space to relax and unwind. For many of us, that place is our favorite bar, but with coronavirus still looming, some have had to create that space at home.
We asked a few of our Facebook followers to show off their home bars–but we haven’t forgotten about our dives! Read on for a virtual tour of four of the coolest DIY bars we’ve seen. You might just find some home bar inspiration of your own, as well as tips on the best local bars around.
The DarkWater Lagoon – Salt Lake City, Utah
Owner: Steve E.
Does the bar have a theme? “We went with the classic tiki theme, but a little more on the spooky/macabre side of things. We chose it because some of our favorite bars around the country have been tiki bars, and wanted to bring that feeling of escapism home.”
What made you decide to put so much effort into creating a bar at home? “We decided to build our bar in March of this year, because we knew we were going to be unable to travel like we usually do, and because we were both going crazy between being stuck at home, and working too much. We also film cocktail videos for YouTube and wanted a space we could highlight when working with recipes on the tropical side.”
Tell us a funny/crazy story from the DarkWater Lagoon: “On more than one occasion, someone has fallen off of their stool at the bar because they didn’t notice the Creature above them until they were a few drinks in.”
What’s your signature drink? “I’m really known for being a rum guy, and our rum collection includes over 90 different bottles now; but one of the cocktails that’s always in demand is the classic Wray & Nephew Daiquiri.”
Favorite local spot: “Our favorite bar in SLC will always be Water Witch, it’s the ideal neighborhood bar, where regulars and bartenders all know each other.”
Crazy Cooter’s Garage Bar – Des Moines, Iowa
Owner: Cooter A.
Does the bar have a theme? “Old school dive bar. I only collect vintage beer signs. I chose this theme because it reminds me of the bars from my childhood and my grandparents’ restaurant.”
What made you decide to put so much effort into creating a bar at home? “I wanted something no one else I knew had.”
Tell us a funny/crazy story from Crazy Cooter’s Garage Bar: “I actually had a police officer stop by asking if he could check it out. He came in and was like, ‘I drive by here all the time. I’ve always wanted to stop and check it out.'”
What are five things you always stock? “I always have Jim Beam Apple, Old Style Beer, Miller High Life, Pabst, and other classic American beers on hand. I usually have a little bit of everything.”
Favorite local spots: Toads Tavern and Kung Fu Tap and Taco
The Pan-D Speak EZ – Delaware
Owner: Johan V.
Does the bar have a theme? “No theme… just a large “pole barn” that we started having live music shows in when we were rained out of the backyard.”
What made you decide to put so much effort into creating a bar at home? “Started putting actual effort into it during the pandemic as a place for the neighbors to hang out, especially this winter.”
Tell us a funny/crazy story from The Pan-D Speak EZ: “We found a pair of pants with a phone in them outside. I texted the phone and a minute later a guy says, ‘Hey can I come get my phone and my pants?’ and I said, ‘Sure, you know where I’m at?’ and he says, ‘Actually, I have no idea!'”
What are five things you always stock? “We always stock beer, beer, beer, beer & beer. Beyond that it’s BYOB.”
Favorite local(ish) spot: Dirty Frank’s in Philadelphia is my favorite bar!
Potter’s Pub – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Owner: Michael J. Potter
Does the bar have a theme? “Vintage antiques and toys, homemade creations, random drop-offs at my pub door. Picked up my hobby from my father. I do not gamble; I’d rather spend money on things people can enjoy as a conversation piece. I enjoy picking and auctions, flea markets.”
What made you decide to put so much effort into creating a bar at home? “I try my best to decorate for almost every holiday, if it’s possible. Always recycling and changing up the theme; it’s time-consuming and a full-time job sometimes. When you buy something new, now you have to find a spot for it. Sometimes that’s very difficult….But I’m pretty sure that’s what makes it fun. I’m pretty sure I’ve created hundreds (no exaggeration) of new friendships in this Mayfair basement pub.”
Tell us a funny/crazy story from Potter’s Pub: “So many…St. Patrick’s Day 7 o’clock in the morning. Annual Halloween party. Random local bands setting up and playing jam sessions.”
What are five things you always stock? “I can say the beer choice is always changing…never the same. Alcohol, liquor, always different.”
Favorite local spot: “For years I used to go to a dive bar called The Denner. $0.80 PBRs!”
Thanks to everyone who showed off their home bars! Should we do a round 2? Let us know in the comments!
Awesome post! Love seeing people’s creativity and passion to create a cool space.