The bar counter that looks like it’s ready for a road trip
Most restaurants settle for a standard bar counter. Wooden, sleek, maybe a bit of metal if they’re feeling fancy. But ‘t Prooflokaal in Maastricht’s Dormio Park? They went and stuck a minivan in the middle of their space. Not as a decoration. Not as a photo op. As the actual bar counter.
It’s the kind of move that makes you stop mid-sip and think, “Why hasn’t anyone done this before?” The van’s front half is embedded into the bar area, complete with headlights that probably don’t work but add to the charm. The bonnet serves as a shelf for bottles, and the windscreen? Well, it’s the perfect spot to rest your menu while you decide between the local craft beers or that suspiciously strong cocktail.
Why a minivan bar counter is pure genius
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just a gimmick. A bar counter shaped like a minivan does something special. It turns ordering a drink into an event. You’re not just leaning on a surface. You’re part of the scene. It’s the kind of detail that makes ‘t Prooflokaal more than just another place to eat and drink. It’s a place where you take photos, where you bring friends just to see their reaction, and where the van inevitably becomes the topic of conversation.
It’s like the restaurant took a mundane object and turned it into the heart of the experience. No small feat, that.
The vibe: casual, fun, and just a little bit ridiculous
‘t Prooflokaal doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s exactly why it works. The minivan bar counter is a perfect example. It’s fun without trying too hard. It’s quirky without being over the top. And it fits seamlessly into the laid-back atmosphere of the place.
The rest of the restaurant follows suit. Think wooden tables, a mix of cosy corners, and a menu that’s as unpretentious as the decor. The food is solid, the drinks are well-poured, and the staff seem to genuinely enjoy the fact that they work in a place where the bar is a car. It’s the kind of spot where you can show up in jeans and a jumper and feel right at home.
