What's the fascination with a bar in the basement? (paneled, tile, kitchens)

[Panu16]

I have been touring houses and noticed that a lot of brand new and newer houses have wet bar in the basement. I don't get it and, to me, it seems like a waste of space. I would rather be above grounds if I am going to drink. I get it that some people want to have an entertainment space in the basement. But to me I wouldn't have built a full big unmovable bar there. It just seems like an inefficient use of space to me. Do people like their drinks that much?

[ocngypz]

Bars in basements remind me of the 60's.

To each their own, but I prefer entertaining in my great room, dining room...........and backyard in the summer months.

[jeepman91919]

What was old is new again.

[mkarch]

All the new houses have the bar next to the rooftop deck.

[Sheepie2000]

Originally Posted by jeepman91919

What was old is new again.

I didn't know this was back in style. Our old house, built in the 50's and remodeled in the 70's had a very nice built in bar in the basement. We never used it. If the new bars are in the basement, are they in a "man cave" or theater room? I don't know about others, but I would prefer something more versatile, not a permanent built in bar.

[Okey Dokie]

Bars are much more than bars now, they are almost like mini kitchens with full size fridge, microwave, etc. i've even seen some that have a dishwasher. I guess when You're watching the big game in the basement media room, it's easier to fix a snack downstairs in the bar than trudge up and down stairs.

It was something on my "like to have" list when I was looking for my current house, but I ended up not getting it. when I think about it now, I realize I probably would rarely use it.

[gentlearts]

I guess if someone has their big TV in the basement and entertains for sports watching, they would like to have drinks handy. Aside from sports watching, I can think of no reason I would use it.

[Submariner]

I do not see a need for a special bar. We drink, we can do it anywhere in our home or outside.

We host a potluck every month, they usually include some alcohol, just around the table though.

[silibran]

Ah, the rathskellers of my youth. In the St. Louis area, bars for entertaining used be common in basements. They were called rathskellers, from the German. I didn't know they had come back into style.

[reneeh63]

...all part of the man cave vibe - home theater, pool table, wet bar! Hearkens back to the wood paneled bar area of the 60's but with a little tech built in.