Bar Detail I Can’t Unsee
July 20, 2025
Source: Reddit
I spent an inordinate amount of time pondering what the small wooden, rounded table components, known as swing-out drink trays, were all about along the corners of a bar table. You know the ones – just large enough for a drink, kind of like their own little satellite dish that is attached to the edge of the table.
At first, I couldn’t decide what I thought they were – foot rests? A broken seat for elves? Some secret magic coaster technology? Nope. They are swing-out drink trays, and their history goes back to saloon tables.
Straight Out of a Saloon
In the mid-1890s, saloon card tables sported mahogany or oak tables with swinging drink trays. Once playing cards, particularly poker, and deep into the game, play with your drink only adds to the risk of someone knocking it over your cards or of it spilling all over the pot of money you’re playing for.
The drink trays swung out enough to keep drinks off the table, yet still within reach of the players. Each player had their own ancillary nook for a mug of beer, which seems smart.
Not Built for your IPA
I found one of these tables at a bar in the Midwest that was all rustic wood, dim hanging lights, old cash registers staff, and only served cash.
When I set my pint glass down on the tray, I thought I lost my drink before I even took a sip. With the first wobble, I noted that those drink trays were suitable for old heavy mugs – not for tall, not-too-heavy pint glasses. Think beer steins or large tankards. Anything that’s lighter than a kidney stone seems like it was playing a game of “will it tip.”
Still Love ‘Em
That said, I love these things. They have character. Any bar that keeps drink trays on their tables knows how to create the right environment.
Whether you’re at a cool brewery or a rustic bar that has vibe, when you walk in and see a table with a swing-out drink tray, you can appreciate that you’re not just getting a drink, but also a reminder of something older. A game. A memory.
Functional, Even Now
Of course these tray/corner combination business things aren’t perfect, but they solved a problem we still have today – where to put your drink when you’re playing cards! No app required. No USB charging port. Just wood, hinges, and some brilliant recognition for a better solution to a common problem.
If You Spot One – Use It
Next time you’re at a place with them – try it. Not like me. Carefully. Decide not to bring the cocktail glass and order a short stout instead. Either way, tip your hat to it. It’s a relic that’s still earning its keep.