I dont quite have the room for a traditional layout for my bar. I would like to have a traditional counter where a server would be with patrons on the other side sitting on stools. However, I dont quite have the room for this, so I am considering to make a "walk up bar" or "built in wall bar" or whatever its called.

Meaning, I would like to have a bar recessed into a wall, where it features cabinet space and an under cabinet fridge, with a counter on top, perhaps even a small sink. Cabinets could be overhead for glasses and other supplies.

What kind of bar is this called? I am trying to google for ideas, and all I can find is this?

http://www.primocraft.com/images/bars/hb/ManhattanSB.jpg

So I must not be calling this type of bar right.

Hello Kezug.. May want to search under "back bar", I think thats one of the terms used for what you are looking for.

Basically you are talking about a wet bar using kitchen cabinet sized cabinets. The counter top is at 36 inches tall not 42. I have a semi back wet bar but also a tall bar in front of it.

Stock base sized cabinets are 24 inches deep and stock wall cabinets are 12 inches deep and come in many heights. Your best bet is to go to a DIY kitchen cabinet place and see if you can configure a unit to fit your space. Then you buy the counter top etc. You can go less than 24 deep but you would either need to use wall cabinets for the base or get the 24s and cut them down to the depth you want.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wet_bar

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/55/WetBarandKitchen.jpg/300px-WetBarandKitchen.jpg

Here's what I did. Used stock kitchen cabinet boxes (unfinished) as per Big's suggestion above:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/UnderCabLiteTest.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/cuzed2/bar-bathroom.jpg

Here is mine waiting for floor tile, backsplash tile, under counter fridge, fixtures, and TV in the center. I added a close up and a far away shot to give you perspective of the space. Similar deal...we opened up the doorway at the bottom of the stairs, and then closed off this wall for the bar...also had some poles to hide so we did the display at the bottom of the steps. I considered a typical bar but felt it took up too much of my pool table space and really didn't leave any space for a back bar. It also required a deep bar to accommodate the fridge. So this configuration allows us to keep good traffic flow in the area for a bunch of people and then have a pub table by the rear steps in the area adjacent to the bar.

I had a custom cabinet builder do the cabinets to spec for the space. Keep in mind you need to run supply/return for a sink and I also have a supply run to my under counter fridge that has a built in icemaker. You also need to think about lighting. I have four minicans under the soffitt area with the front two being eyeballs for more directional light. I also added a separate switch for under counter lights above the sink and the opposite side. I did not add any puck lights inside the cabinets.

In my case there is a TV on the wall. I added conduit that passes to the lower cabinet so if I want to add anything later it can be done. I also have a powerbridge to a surge protector there and a separate plug for a small microwave hidden behind the doors. Also keep in mind you need GFI if you have a sink and a separate run for the fridge. Hope that gives you some ideas. BTW, the custom cabinets were cheaper than the ones found at Lowes/HD etc. For the same money, I also was able to get a custom media rack built.

KC Dude - VERY NICE, great custom stuff !

I have a small alcove (about 6' x 10') where I kind of want to create a real bar but for now I have the walk up concept and a small pub table.

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad9/jtfortin/CIMG1299.jpg?t=1257527281