Vintage Travel Bars

[Brad Bowers]

As I get ready to hit the road tomorrow for more research, I find myself wishing I had a travel bar, something with which to mix drinks and carry my gin, Scotch, and rye. And maybe some Martini glasses.

There are quite a few available for auction, but I have no idea how old some of them are.

How many of you have these and use them when you travel?

What do I look for in a vintage one?

Thanks,

Brad Bowers

 

[MK]

I see them the same way I do a flask. I think they look cool.....but I don't have a use for them.

The only time I can see using a flask would be camping. A travel bar I suppose I could use at a picnic......but I can't think of any other situation.

When traveling with friends or colleagues, I enjoy finding a cool bar. That is how I discovered The Redhead Bar in Chicago. We just got in a cab asked him for a great old school piano bar. He nailed it.

A good sign of a good hotel is their bar.

That is one of the deciding factors in choosing accommodations. I have favorite hotels in London, Portland, New York, Dublin, Orlando, Vancouver, Torronto, Tokyo, Soul or most places I travel.

Hmmmm.....that gives an idea for another thread.

Sorry I wasn't any help on this one Brad.

 

[Brad Bowers]

I see your point, MK.

I was thinking it would come in handy at the motel, as I don't mind sitting alone and drinking. I'm staying at the Super 8, and it would be cheaper on my tight budget for me than going to a bar.

Besides, if I tell the bartender I want my gin martini mixed 3.7 to 1, they might be insulted. My rye might be hard to find, too, I don't really know.

I'll keep on the lookout for a nice vintage one.

Brad

 

[Imahomer]

I'm pretty much with Mk on this one. I think they look cool and I even was given a flask as a present after several comments by me on how neat it looked. I've had it for years and never used it! The traveling bar would be the same, just taking up more room.

 

[Canadave]

Originally posted by MK
I have favorite hotels in London, Portland, New York, Dublin, Orlando, Vancouver, Torronto, Tokyo, Soul or most places I travel.

What's your favourite in Toronto?

Torontodave

 

[STHill]

Originally posted by Brad Bowers
Besides, if I tell the bartender I want my gin martini mixed 3.7 to 1, they might be insulted.

That's not a martini, Brad. That's a glass of vermouth with a little bit of gin! Actually, if you want your martini 3.7 to 1, the bartender ought to serve it to you that way with a smile. He ain't drinking it (or paying for it), you are.

 

[Brad Bowers]

You're right, if I'm paying for it, doggone it, I should get the way I want it!

And I should have specified that's 3.7 gin to 1 vermouth. Mmmmm.

Brad

 

[MK]

Originally posted by Canadave
What's your favourite in Toronto?

Torontodave

The Sutton Place.

 

[Canadave]

Originally posted by MK
The Sutton Place.

Nice choice. This bar look familiar?

http://www.suttonplace.com/Toronto/newimages/acctbar.jpg

David

 

[MK]

Yup. Last time I was there, Heather Graham and her entourage of several large men were having a marvelous time at the far back table by that mirror.

 

[Pyroxene]

I have a travel bar that I take with me on trips... It's not vintage but practical as ever.

Imagine a single page CD Case that holds 150 CDs When you open it, on the left there are three holders for tiny airplane sized liquor bottles. On the right are two collapsible cups, ice tongs, a stirrer and a corkscrew/bottle opener. All items are stainless steel.

It was a gift from my sister so I am not 100% sure where it came from. I'll see if she remembers.

It's great to travel with and easy to pack. I'll take some pics and post it here on the forum...

Cheers,
Pyro.

 

[SHARPETOYS]

To Brad Bowers

Here is a nice travel bar.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=13906&item=6108102040&rd=1#ebayphotohosting

 

[Astatic]

I find that flasks and travel bars have limited use. When you need one though, they can be a real lifesaver. I brought a flask of bourbon with me to a wedding this past weekend, just mixed it with ginger ale out of the drink fountain. Sure beat standing in line for the one overworked bartender to overcharge me for a poor mixed drink.

I've been looking for a travel bar recently to take on outings where a bar isn't around but a cocktail still desirable. Not much in the way of real vintage stuff to be had locally, so I've decided to settle for something that at least looks retro. Not much in the way of good stuff. I found a few online, but I'm always hesitant to buy something without actually being able to hold it.

Has anyone got any good leads?

 

[Dr. Shocker]

Well I care a flask often party's sporting events concerts etc.......anyhwere with over priced drinks or no booze never know when you may need a drink


I own 2 portable travel bars one I keep most of my bar supplies in so when we are building a bar in the desert, setting one up in our room at Tiki Oasis, or even at a unpreparred cocktail party the supplies are there. The other one is a bit nicer, and has been used on picnics afternoons on the boat and other types of nicer events.......


most of the time you can find a use once you have one