Create an Oasis with an Outdoor Kitchen Bar

As the weather warms and summer sun returns, we are ready and raring to go to spend more time outside. Everyday living is more fun on the patio, especially when we can get some fresh air and sun – and dine, snack and sip while we do it. If you’ve been dreaming of an outdoor retreat where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures, then an outdoor kitchen bar offers an ideal solution. Here, we’ll take a closer look at how a bar table and some patio accessories can transform your space into a summer fun hotspot you’ll enjoy all season long.

What Is an Outdoor Kitchen Bar?

Homeowners are serious about their outdoor kitchens. So serious, in fact, that research from the National Kitchen & Bath Association conducted in 2019 revealed the average outdoor kitchen project cost $13,000. What’s more, 14 percent of homeowners spent $20,000 to $30,000, while 22 percent spent more than $30,000. These extensive projects often include propane ranges, wine chillers, refrigeration, TVs, and more for an all-in-one outdoor dining destination.

If those numbers are staggering, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoor kitchen experience without the extra-high price tag. It turns out, all you really need to create a winning outside cooking area includes:

• Cooking equipment: a grill, pizza oven, or smoker
• Storage for cooking tools, supplies, and more
• A bar height dining table
• Seating
• Bar cart (like the one from TK Classics™ shown below)

But if you really want to take your outside kitchen to the next level, add an outdoor kitchen bar. Designed for easy entertaining, these bars make it easy to serve your favorite cocktails to a crowd of party-goers or simply pop open a bottle of wine to take date night outdoors. They’re also flexible and give you the freedom to place them anywhere you want, whether that’s out on the patio or inside a she-shed or man cave. But no matter how you set up your outdoor kitchen bar, it’s sure to be a hit among friends and family of all ages.

Wet Bar vs. Dry Bar: Why Go Dry

What’s better than sipping a glass of wine or a delicious cocktail as you watch a summer sunset? With a patio bar, you can enjoy this experience from the comfort of your own backyard any evening of the week. Some homeowners may like the idea of a fully functional wet bar, but this solution simply isn’t practical in many cases. First, running the necessary plumbing to add a sink can be costly. Second, cold falls and winters will limit the use of this investment for people living in the Northern half of the U.S. Even in the Southern states, you may find that an outdoor area is seldom used when temperatures dip in late fall, winter, and early spring.

For those reasons, a dry bar is often a better choice, what with their effortless installation and greater flexibility. With no restraints due to waterlines and other considerations, you can locate the bar anywhere you prefer on the patio. Additionally, you’ll be able to easily move things around should your space needs change later on down the road. When more room is needed for little ones’ play or even an impromptu dance party under the stars, your dry bar can easily be relocated to the side to open up the area.

An Outdoor Kitchen Bar that Goes Beyond Cocktails

It’s difficult to overstate the importance of incorporating some kind of patio bar into your outdoor dining and entertaining area. It’s the perfect place to craft drinks for hosts who love to show off their mixology skills. However, you can also create a stylish, inviting self-serve display with drink dispensers, garnishes, glassware, and other must-haves to serve punch or big-batch cocktails.

That being said, spring and summertime foodies are sure to love having a bar as part of their outdoor kitchen setup, too. Just a few of the occasions when a bar area can make serving favorite dishes easier include:

• Mother’s Day brunch
• Cookouts
• Potlucks
• Taco Tuesday taco bars
• Dessert displays
• Build-a-burger bar
• And more…

Multi-functional Solution for Your Outdoor Kitchen Bar

On the other hand, a bar that is dual-function makes life even easier. The Catalina Bar Table Set with Cart and Basket (shown above) is a great solution for outdoor entertaining. Featuring Grey Stone HDPE wicker intricately woven, this set includes two main pieces that work together beautifully. The bar height table comes with a tempered glass top to make wiping up messes easy. And it’s the perfect spot to pull up a few stools and share good food and good times.

The trendy bar cart is the other star of this set – with ample storage for your complete bar, or even extra table space with the rugged, powder-coat aluminum top, that withstands spills, stains, weather, and impacts for a great look that lasts. It comes equipped with wheels to be completely mobile and accessible, or easily hidden away under the table. And the handy bonus basket helps you make the most of the bar cart storage.   

A Spot for All the Essentials of Your Outdoor Kitchen Bar

Cooking outdoors is just like preparing a feast inside – you’ll need the right tools to create a meal to remember. Yet even the most spacious patios are often limited in size. That means savvy homeowners must find ways to maximize the available space without contributing to clutter or crowding.

To provide the perfect spot for every last grilling tool and margarita glass, consider sets that include a bar cart. Each cart offers ample room for your outdoor dining must-haves, from plates, glasses, and table settings to grill cleaning gear and barware. Don’t forget extra spirits, wine, and snacks to replenish your party supply on the fly. Because bar carts often have removable storage baskets, it’s easy to fit all your stuff and then some.

You’ll also appreciate your bar cart’s rolling design for easy movement from place to place. Roll it poolside to offer afternoon refreshers, or place a cooler on top and roll it next to the dining table for easy access to beverages as you dine.

Get Ready for Outdoor Fun

If you love spending time outside, an outdoor kitchen bar is a great way to soak up the sun and make the most of every balmy evening. Need even more tips for creating your perfect outdoor getaway? Visit Twin Star Home® to sign up for our newsletter today.