Bars are undergoing an evolution, and restaurant designers are leading the way. 58% of rd+d readers say that the top trend in bar design for 2025 is “nostalgic” — but not gritty; think retro but with $15 cocktails and mocktails.
Biophilia, which brings the outdoors in, is also a top trend for 49% of readers. Readers could pick from a list or supply their own answers in this survey.
Maximalism remains a top trend with 39% of readers preferring “curated maximalism” that includes high drama and theatrical detailing.
Of course, where there’s maximal styling, there will be a counterweight: 38% of readers note that “clean and clear: lighter, brighter with plenty of zero-proof options” is among the top trends in bar design.
Finally, just 21% of readers said that tech-forward designs were trending in bars.
Other hot trends, according to readers, include rethinking bar design entirely to “figure out how to attract younger, new bar patrons as stats indicate fewer young people are drinking alcohol.”
Low-tech and no-tech was also popular, particularly “listening bars” for audiophiles and other “activity-based” bar spaces.
One reader encouraged us to think about it all in a deeper way: “Rather than being just ‘high drama’ or ‘retro chic’ the bigger trend is designing for engagement and memory: bars that people want to talk about, revisit, and share, because the design and programming are inseparable parts of the overall story.”
rd+d regularly surveys subscribers on the state of restaurant development and design. This survey was fielded in August 2025. Subscribe to The Pulse to get rd+d’s surveys and results delivered to your inbox six times a year.
