An outdoor bar — whether as a dedicated bar island or as the bar-seating side of an L-shaped outdoor kitchen — is one of the most socially effective features you can add to a Broken Arrow or Tulsa backyard. It creates a focal point, defines a gathering zone, and gives guests a place to congregate without crowding the cook’s work area. Here are the outdoor bar design ideas we build most often in Oklahoma.
Bar as Part of an L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen
The most common outdoor bar in Broken Arrow and Tulsa is the bar overhang on the short leg of an L-shaped island — a 10–14-inch cantilevered granite or quartzite overhang at bar height (42″) on the inside face of the island’s short leg, with bar stools on the outdoor side. This configuration puts 3–4 bar seats directly adjacent to the cook without requiring a separate bar island. The refrigerator, beverage center, and icemaker are typically housed in the island below the bar seating — everything in one integrated unit.
Separate Bar Island (Double Island Configuration)
For larger outdoor kitchen projects, a separate bar island across from the main cooking island creates a dedicated service and entertainment zone distinct from the cooking zone. The bar island houses the refrigerator, icemaker, beverage center, wine storage, and bar sink. The cooking island handles all the grilling and prep. Guests gather at the bar island — cold drinks, snacks, conversation — without being in the cook’s work aisle. This is the configuration we recommend for homeowners who entertain 20+ people regularly.
Built-In Tap System
A built-in kegerator with outdoor tap is the outdoor bar upgrade that gets the most attention at parties. We install Perlick or True kegerators in island cabinetry with a stainless tap through the granite countertop — usually a single or dual tap. The kegerator is sized for a half-barrel (15.5 gallon) keg or a pair of sixth-barrel specialty kegs depending on the homeowner’s preference. These require a dedicated electrical circuit and proper ventilation — all designed in at construction time. Cost for the kegerator installation (not including the outdoor kitchen itself): $1,800–$3,500.
Outdoor Bar Height Considerations
Standard outdoor kitchen counter height is 36″ (same as kitchen counters). A bar seating overhang at 36″ requires a shorter bar stool (24″ seat height). True bar height is 42″ — standard bar stools (30″ seat height) work here. We typically design the bar portion of an L-shaped island at 42″ with a step-up from the 36″ cooking counter — the 6″ rise also neatly hides the structural change in island height and creates visual interest in the island profile.
Beverage Center vs. Full Refrigerator vs. Kegerator
- Outdoor beverage center (15″ or 24″ wide): Best for beer and wine storage (holds 60–100 cans or 20–30 bottles). Typically cooled to 38–42°F. Entry point: $600–$1,200.
- Full outdoor refrigerator (24″ wide): Best for mixed storage — beer, ingredients, condiments, desserts. More versatile than a dedicated beverage center. Entry point: $900–$2,500.
- Kegerator (15″ wide): Single or dual-tap draft system. Best for homeowners who prefer draft beer. Cost: $800–$2,000 for the unit. Requires dedicated electrical and CO2 management.
- Wine cooler (15″ wide): Dual-zone for red and white storage at proper temperatures. Best for wine-centric outdoor entertaining. Entry point: $700–$1,800.
Outdoor Bar for Your Oklahoma Backyard
Whether you’re planning a complete outdoor kitchen with a built-in bar component or a dedicated bar island addition to an existing kitchen, we can help you design it right. Call (918) 582-7890 or fill out the form below for a free consultation in Broken Arrow or Tulsa.
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