When planning a wedding, corporate event, or private celebration, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is:
Should I hire a mobile bar or go with a traditional open bar setup?
Both have their benefits, but choosing the right option depends on your goals, guest list, venue, and overall vibe.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences, pros, cons, and use cases—so you can make the best choice for your New Orleans event.
What Is a Mobile Bar?
A mobile bar is a self-contained bar setup that can be brought to any venue, home, or outdoor location.
It often takes the form of a tap truck, trailer, or bar cart equipped with kegs, taps, and bar staff.
What You Get with a Mobile Bar:
- A customized drink menu (beer, wine, cocktails, or non-alcoholic)
- Professional bartenders and service equipment
- A visually unique bar setup (like our vintage Tap Truck)
- Flexibility to set up virtually anywhere—indoors or outdoors
It’s not just a way to serve drinks—it’s a centerpiece, photo opp, and guest experience rolled into one.
What Is an Open Bar?
An open bar typically refers to a traditional, full-service bar where guests can order unlimited drinks at no cost to them (you pay the bill).
This setup is common at hotels, banquet halls, and large indoor venues.
What You Get with an Open Bar:
- A full selection of liquor, mixers, beer, and wine
- Bartenders provided by the venue or a catering company
- A fixed cost per head, or a tab that runs throughout the event
- Usually located inside or in a built-in bar space
Key Differences: Mobile Bar vs. Open Bar
Let’s break it down side by side:
| Feature | Mobile Bar | Open Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Location Flexibility | ✔️ Any venue, home, or outdoor space | ❌ Typically tied to venues |
| Customization | ✔️ Custom tap list, decor, and menu | ⚠️ Usually standard options |
| Guest Experience | ✔️ Interactive, Instagram-worthy setup | ✅ Traditional service |
| Cost Structure | ✔️ Pay for what you need | ⚠️ Often priced per person |
| Visual Appeal | ✔️ Aesthetic, vintage or modern look | ❌ Usually hidden or generic |
| Logistics | ✔️ Self-contained and mobile | ✅ Managed by venue |
When to Choose a Mobile Bar
Mobile bars are ideal if you want to elevate the atmosphere and make drinks part of the entertainment.
Consider this option if:
- You’re hosting at a private home, backyard, park, or unique venue
- You want a memorable, visually impactful feature
- You need flexibility in drink selection or setup location
- You’re working with a caterer or DIY event setup
- You want to avoid venue drink markups or restrictive bar packages
With a tap truck or mobile bar, you’re in full control of the look, vibe, and selection.
When to Choose an Open Bar
An open bar is the better choice if:
- You’re using a full-service venue that includes bar staffing
- You want to offer a wide variety of spirits and mixed drinks
- You prefer a flat-rate, per-head pricing model
- You’re hosting a large wedding or corporate event with formal expectations
- You don’t want to coordinate logistics like alcohol delivery or licenses
Open bars are a great fit when the bar service is already built into your venue or caterer package.
Cost Considerations: What’s More Affordable?
Many people assume open bars are cheaper—but that’s not always true.
Mobile bar services like Tap Truck NOLA often allow:
- BYO alcohol (you avoid venue markups)
- Custom packages (pay only for what you need)
- Smaller staffing needs
- Shorter service windows (e.g., just cocktail hour)
This means you can stay within budget without sacrificing quality or guest experience.
Open bars, on the other hand, often require:
- Minimum headcounts
- Gratuities and taxes on large bills
- Premium liquor upsells
- Overage charges or open tabs
While open bars offer convenience, they can be more expensive depending on your guest count and drink preferences.
Mobile Bar: Ideal for Outdoor and Unique Venues
If your event is taking place at a backyard, garden, warehouse, or non-traditional venue, a mobile bar may be your only bar option.
Tap Truck NOLA can operate:
- Off-grid or with minimal power
- In small spaces like patios, lawns, or driveways
- At multiple event zones (ceremony + reception, etc.)
You won’t be tied to a building’s layout or limitations—and your guests will love the novelty of ordering from a vintage truck or trailer.
The Verdict: Which One Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick recap:
- Go with a Mobile Bar if you want flexibility, creativity, and a standout feature at your event.
- Stick with an Open Bar if you’re using a full-service venue that already includes bar staffing and setup.
Still not sure? You might even combine both—use a mobile bar for cocktail hour and an open bar inside for dinner service.
Let Tap Truck NOLA Help You Decide
At Tap Truck NOLA, we’ve helped hundreds of clients host incredible events with the perfect bar setup—indoors, outdoors, and everywhere in between.
🎯 Not sure what bar model fits your event? We’ll walk you through the options.
🍻 Want to see our trucks and tap options? Explore our event packages
📆 Ready to get started? Contact us here for availability and a custom quote.
