Bar counters
Bar counters in Coimbra venues must greet, store, and serve without becoming a wall between guest and team.
Height and reach
Counter heights suit standing coffee orders and seated wine service when both share a length. Overhangs leave knee room without stealing aisle. POS screens angle away from guest eyes.
Work triangle behind
Espresso, ice, and glass storage sit in a tight triangle so baristas do not cross runners. We draw undercounter zones with ventilation notes for machines. Dirty glass landing stays separate from clean polish.
Guest face
Front panels use wipeable materials that still feel warm — cork, sealed wood, or tiled bases. Toe kicks hide scuffs from stools. Lighting under nosings guides evening feet.
Small bars
In micro cafés we shorten counters and add a pass-through rather than fake a grand bar. Honesty beats theatrical length you cannot staff. Storage goes vertical.
Ordering clarity
Menu boards and queue cues keep lines from drifting into tables. We place them where sunlight on Ferreira Borges afternoons will not wash them out.