Standing-Room cocktail bar

Nearby residents, office workers after work, and groups of friends looking for a quick drink or a stop before dinner or a show.

Selling drinks at a markup over the cost of ingredients and pours, with a smaller extra from snacks. Busy after-work and weekend hours drive most of the sales.

• Customer service and hosting
• Managing inventory and costs
• Hiring and scheduling staff
• Bartending or a good bar manager

• Liquor license rules vary a lot by state and city; some places limit the number of licenses and prices can be high, so check early
• Zoning, occupancy limits and fire marshal approval for the space
• General liability and liquor liability (dram shop) insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Health department permit if you serve anything beyond sealed snacks; check what applies
• Checking IDs, serving rules and staff training, which some states require
• Music licensing if you play recorded or live music, and noise rules from neighbors
• Long hours, late nights and thin margins in the first year

Startup costs are typically estimated around $75,000 to $300,000, depending on the space, build-out, equipment and liquor license costs. Less seating can mean a lower build-out cost, but your figure will depend on your location.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on location, opening hours, drink prices and how busy the bar is. Margins can be thin in the first year, so plan for long hours.

Check liquor license rules early, as they vary by state and city and some areas limit licenses. Also check zoning, occupancy limits, fire marshal approval, liquor liability insurance, ID checking and staff training, and any music licensing.