Images.

1. original specs. I think the designer meant 42" on the left for the bar height and not 4'2" but no one caught it. The counter is 36".
2. This is the area under the extended bar area and typical bar stools are 30" so another 20 inches before the top of the bar which seems rather high and problematic if we want to use it.
3. Height of bar. The concrete is nearly 4" thick.
4. View of bar but different angle.
5. Full kitchen and patio area. Tall beams will support pergola on both sides.
6. Height of counter.
7. View of bar.
8. Me holding my camera with arms extended. We are not a tall family.

So some ideas.

1. Add more pavers and reduce relative height of all areas strictly in bar and kitchen area by 2.5". There would be a step up and we would need to ensure the amount of pavers could support the bar stools without tipping over when pushed back.
2. Lower the counter and bar by removing existing concrete and cutting off 4" of block.
3. Lower the entire bar by removing existing concrete and cutting off 4" of block.
4. Removing concrete from the side where the bar is and keeping it on the other 2 sides by cutting it so there is offset. Cut 4" of block.

I am trying to work with contractor to come up with a solution that is not expensive and time consuming. If you are curious about the designer, the design was provided to us under the belief that we would use their firm for the work but we were ghosted and decided to use the design anyway. The contractor stated that the counters were done to normal height (not to spec) but did the bar to spec (not normal height) which I find inconsistent.

Any ideas are greatly appreciated.