Bar Advertising
Bar & Restaurant Media refers to advertising and promotional content displayed in bars, pubs, restaurants, and other venues. It is a form of out-of-home advertising that targets consumers during their leisure and socializing time, making it an effective way to engage with a specific audience in a relaxed and social environment.
Why it works
High recall & action: For restaurant categories, 71% of consumers recall OOH and 86% take an action (talk, search, read reviews, visit). That behavior maps closely to bar/restaurant environments. OAAA
Great for multicultural reach: Among Hispanic adults 25–34, bars/restaurants are the #1 out-of-home viewing location (58%), making in-venue screens a strong way to reach bilingual and Spanish-dominant audiences. Nielsen
Drives real-world visits: Across street-level/near-venue DOOH, 45% of recent viewers reported visiting a restaurant advertised—evidence that bar-adjacent and in-district placements convert foot traffic. OAAA
In-Bar Formats We Offer
Digital screens (DOOH loops with motion)
Posters (near entrances, queues, restrooms)
Table tents (menus, specials, QR to offers)
Coasters (high-frequency, tactile touchpoint)
Branded materials (mirror clings, check presenters, door decals)
Best-practice tips (quick hits)
Lead with a single offer or CTA (“Scan for BOGO” / “Find us 3 blocks east”).
Use short copy, bold type, and logo lockups that read from 6–10 ft.
Place QR codes waist-to-eye height; land on mobile-first pages.
Localize: city/ neighborhood names, time-bound promos (happy hour, game day).
Measure with unique URLs, UTM tags, and POS promo codes.
In-Bar Out-of-Home (OOH) media generates brand recall by up to 84%.
This is attributed to the relaxed and leisurely environment of bars, where patrons are more receptive and attentive to visual stimuli. In-bar OOH media, like digital screens or posters, stand out in these casual settings, effectively engaging customers and leaving a lasting impression.
Benefits for In-Bar Advertising:
Captive Audience: Patrons at bars and restaurants are a captive audience, as they spend considerable time waiting, dining, or socializing. OOH advertising allows advertisers to engage with this receptive audience during these idle moments.
Highly Targeted: Bars and restaurants attract specific demographics based on their offerings and locations. OOH advertising in these venues enables advertisers to reach a tailored audience that aligns with their target market.
Contextual Relevance: Ads displayed in bars and restaurants can be tailored to match the environment and interests of the patrons. This contextual relevance enhances the impact and effectiveness of the advertising message.
Social Influence: Advertising in social settings can harness the power of peer influence. When patrons see others engaging with advertised products or events, it can create a positive social influence, leading to increased interest and participation.
Brand Visibility: OOH advertising in bars and restaurants can increase brand visibility and recognition, especially if the ads are strategically placed in high-traffic areas.
Local Marketing: For local businesses, advertising in nearby bars and restaurants allows them to target the immediate community and build a strong local presence.
Digital Integration: With the rise of digital OOH, advertisers can utilize dynamic content, interactive displays, and real-time updates, enhancing the overall engagement and impact of their campaigns.
Extended Exposure: OOH ads in bars and restaurants have the potential for extended exposure, as patrons spend more time in these venues compared to other advertising channels.
Types of bars and nightlife venues within our network:
There are various types of bars and nightlife venues, each offering a unique atmosphere and experience. Here are some common types. Each type of bar and nightlife venue caters to different preferences and experiences, whether it's a casual night out, a sophisticated gathering, or a high-energy dance environment.
Sports Bars: Focus on sports viewing with a relaxed, casual atmosphere, often featuring multiple TVs and games like pool or darts.
Pubs: Traditional venues, often with a British or Irish flair, offer various beers and ales in a cozy, communal setting.
Cocktail Lounges: These upscale spots are known for their sophisticated ambiance and extensive cocktail menus, which provide a more refined drinking experience.
Nightclubs: These are high-energy venues that focus on dancing, feature DJs or live music, and have a vibrant party atmosphere.
Wine Bars: Specializing in a wide range of wines, offering a sophisticated environment for wine tasting and relaxation.
Dive Bars: Unpretentious, no-frills bars with a casual vibe, often frequented by a local clientele and offering affordable drinks.
Karaoke Bars: Fun venues where guests can sing along to their favorite tunes, often popular for group outings.
Live Music Venues: Bars that feature live musical performances, catering to fans of various music genres.
Rooftop Bars: Located atop buildings, these bars offer scenic views and a trendy, upscale atmosphere.
Gay Bars: Welcoming spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, often hosting themed nights, drag shows, and dance events.
Motorcycle Bars: Venues that cater to motorcycle enthusiasts, often with a rugged, edgy vibe and decor that reflects biker culture.
Breweries: Establishments that brew their own beer, offering a range of craft beers and often providing tours and tastings.
Quick FAQ
How quickly can a bar campaign launch?
Once the creative is approved, most programs can launch in 1-3 weeks, depending on the digital vs. print assets.
What targeting is available?
We can target by venue type (sports bars, family dining, multicultural, LGBTQ+), zip/DMAs, and audience overlays (age, language, nightlife propensity). We also support day-parting (happy hour, game days) and creative versioning by market.
How do you measure results?
QR scans, unique URLs/UTMs, POS codes, and (where available), NFC chips or apps code activations.
