Texas Outdoor Kitchen Bars That Make Your Neighbors Say Wow

Who doesn’t love a night out on St. Mary’s Strip in San Antonio or 6th Street in Austin? The only thing better is bringing a piece of that vibrant bar scene home with you. Install an outdoor kitchen bar, and transform your backyard into a true outdoor entertainment destination.

We’ve delivered over 25,000 elevated outdoor living spaces to homeowners across Texas. A custom, handcrafted backyard bar makes hosting and serving guests a breeze — especially with smart outdoor kitchen appliances like fridges, ice makers and grills.

Explore our project gallery and get inspired by stylish bar islands, durable appliances and smart layouts for outdoor living. Then, get insider tips on Texas outdoor bar design from our pros.

• We’ve built custom outdoor bars in Texas since 2009. Trust our design-build experience for thoughtful layouts, beautiful features and custom solutions that work seamlessly with your space.
• Elevated backyard bars can match any home style. Whether you want River Walk chic, modern elegance or cocktails on a rustic patio, our design gallery has the inspiration you crave.
• We answer Texas outdoor bar design questions you didn’t know you had. Do you really need a sink? Can you build a backyard bar close to your house? And what are the best materials for a durable outdoor bar island?

Building Custom Outdoor Kitchen Bars in Texas Since 2009

Allied Outdoor Solutions understands a great outdoor bar and kitchen space depends on your goals, expectations and dreams. That’s why we assign a dedicated Construction Coordinator and Construction Supervisor to each new project.

You’ll collaborate directly with your designer to ensure a finished bar that delights you, your family and friends.

Over 2,500 positive reviews are a testament to our thoughtful, hand-crafted approach. Here’s just one review from a satisfied outdoor kitchen and bar island client:

“We have invested in many different yard projects over the years. Allied Outdoor Solutions is our best experience yet. They were professional, answered all our questions and met with us constantly to make sure that we got exactly what we wanted in our Outdoor Kitchen/Grill. Our point of contacts were always courteous, helpful and positive. We will gladly use Allied Outdoor Solutions for all our future projects.” – Jody M. via Angi

The Perfect Backyard Party: Outdoor Bar Design Inspirations

We all remember that one perfect night out at the patio bar. The lights, the ambience, the drinks and the company — shouldn’t you get to experience that feeling every day in your backyard?

Our experienced Texas outdoor contractors and design team selected 4 diverse, beautiful backyard bar projects for this design inspiration gallery. We’ll discuss project specs, key considerations and challenges, and how we delivered a perfect finished product.

Want more Texas outdoor bar and kitchen inspiration? Visit our updated project gallery.

6th Street Chic

Our mission: deliver an elevated bar experience that matched seamlessly with the existing home’s chic architectural style. We needed to make it functional, free-flowing and fun.

Key Considerations

• Open layout. The homeowners needed a wide-open patio layout to complement the clean lines of their existing home. No clutter, no fuss — just plenty of room to relax, serve drinks and enjoy company.
• Durable materials. Extended awnings and umbrellas cover only part of the space. Heat and moisture-resistant patio and bar materials were crucial to ensure longevity.

The Finished Product

This custom backyard bar and patio space exudes the upscale entertainment of an Austin patio bar on 6th Street. Our design-build team reflected the clean lines and airy feel of the existing home with geometric Carvestone flooring and beautiful stone bar and column accents.

The handcrafted bar island is the centerpiece of this outdoor living space. Take a seat on the custom barstools and relax under the shimmering pendant and LED string lights. Or take your drink over to the cozy lounge area complete with deep outdoor sofa seating.

Complete Modern Comfort

These homeowners wanted a custom patio and outdoor kitchen space overflowing with amenities. Premium stainless appliances were a must, as was a durable-yet-stylish covered patio to protect their investment. 

Key Considerations

• A complete bar and grill. From premium range to fridge space and keg taps, these homeowners wanted a full-service backyard bar and grill experience.
• Maximize the view. The spacious view is as gorgeous as the patio itself. Every element of the space needed to deliver beautiful vantage points of the distant hills.

The Finished Product

The custom bar island is decked out with stainless steel range, refrigeration unit and keg space with dual taps. The beautiful natural stone materials are protected under a gabled patio roof.

A full outdoor furniture set is mere steps away from the kitchen island. Guests relax under a spacious shade structure on cozy lounge seating. A single statement pendant light and smart LED fixtures on the ceiling support beams add to the bright, modern aesthetic.

Classic Patio Hangout

Our design-build team was tasked with creating an elevated take on the classic Texas outdoor kitchen patio. The homeowners desired a seamless flow between patio and pool deck, but with a slight formal separation between spaces.

Key Considerations

• Texas outdoor entertainment. Our clients wanted their guests to experience the luxury of choice — watch TV, have a drink, enjoy the fire or eat some down-home barbecue.
• Ample seating. The outdoor living area had to accommodate 10+ guests at a time without feeling crowded, cramped or overwhelming.

The Finished Product

It all starts under a timeless “chickenfoot” gabled patio roof with treated lumber supports and columns. A rustic wood ceiling was installed underneath the roof structure to create a cohesive look and feel.

Guests can choose to sit at the custom bar island near the stainless steel grill, on a sectional outdoor sofa, or at the dining table next to a custom outdoor fireplace.

The space is exceptionally well-lit and ventilated. Chandelier and recessed smart lighting fixtures are mounted in the patio ceiling, as are twin app-controlled smart fans.

Private Bar and Grill

The objective: an extended, covered outdoor bar island with built-in grill to host a large group of friends for dining, drinking and backyard entertainment. 

Key Considerations

• Entertainment central. Grilling, serving drinks, and watching the TV were essential points on our checklist. Proper ventilation was necessary to keep the space cool.
• Smart use of space. The homeowners also requested a freeform inground pool and pool deck just beyond the bar. The bar itself had to accommodate plenty of guests without infringing on the poolside area.

The Finished Product

Our design-build team extended the existing roof structure outward to cover the spacious new bar island. The island easily seats 5-6 without cramping, where guests can enjoy a freshly grilled brisket and hand-poured margarita while enjoying the game on the wall-mounted TV.

Twin smart ceiling fans were installed to ensure proper ventilation and keep guests cool. Integrated lighting in the roof structure means the party continues well into the evening.

The bar layout adds serving space and depth with its linear layout. And the extended overhead awning allowed our team to create depth closer to the home without impeding on the pool area.

Texas Pro Tips About Outdoor Kitchen Bar Design

You’ve read the same “sales pitch disguised as FAQs” hundreds of times. But what about the outdoor bar questions you didn’t even know you had?

Our outdoor contractors created a list of 3 unique questions and answers about Texas backyard bar design, material and appliance selection, layout and location.

What materials are actually best for my Texas backyard bar?

Choose outdoor bar island materials that pack as much durability as style. Granite, modified concrete and stainless steel are strong options for heat and moisture resistance.

Granite and concrete countertops perform well when sealed properly. They withstand heavy pressure, frequent use and the occasional spill. When it comes to outdoor bar appliances, look for premium grade 304 stainless steel.

Natural stone is beautiful, but its porous nature makes spills and rainstorms an issue. Use Carvestone modified concrete overlays to mimic the look and texture of local flagstone, without all the moisture concerns.

Does my outdoor kitchen bar need a sink?

Great question! Sinks are extremely useful in outdoor kitchen and bar design — but they do add a few extra factors to the project. You’ll need to tie into the sewage drainage to pass permitting in Texas, and that can add $5,000 or more to your overall project cost.

How close should I build my bar to my home?

In our experience, homeowners like an outdoor bar as close to the back door as possible. This is especially true if you have an integrated outdoor grill — the trip from your indoor kitchen fridge to the bar island is quick and convenient.

Building your outdoor bar space close to the house also allows you to place it easily under your covered patio. This keeps your bar appliances, counters and guests safe from direct sunlight, high heat and unexpected moisture.

Elevated Outdoor Kitchen Bar Design, Texas-Style

Stop digging into a dirty Igloo cooler to grab a beer, and quit running in and out of the house for ice. Our custom outdoor bar and kitchen designs take all the hassle out of Texas outdoor entertainment.

All you have to do is pull up a stool, start the grill, and reach into your new outdoor fridge for a cold drink. (Isn’t that better?)

We’ve made outdoor living dreams come true for 25,000+ homeowners in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth. You deserve to love your backyard for decades — and we’re ready to make it happen.