10 Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for the Entertaining Enthusiast

One of the many perks of living in San Diego is our beautiful weather and the fact that we get to hang out and enjoy our outdoor living spaces all year long. Though our weather is pretty much perfect, it is important to understand the strength of the California sun and protect your outdoor kitchen from the elements. Counters, patios and decks all need to be highly resistant to grease stains and able to withstand high temperatures. Keep in mind that the easier the outdoor kitchen is to clean and maintain, the more you will want to use the space. Using high-quality stainless steel provides a sanitary surface that is easy to clean and resistant to corrosion. With that said, here are some of our favorite outdoor kitchen ideas for the entertaining enthusiast.

Barbecue

We think the most important part of any outdoor kitchen is the BBQ! You can upgrade your grilling station with all the bells and whistles, including a built in BBQ and prep station, or stick to the basics – either way, you’re sure to keep your guests happy and full, not to mention the smell alone is proven to bring more joy to your gatherings.

Pizza Oven

Have you ever made a homemade pizza? It puts delivery to shame! Having your own outdoor pizza oven allows for cozy nights with just the family or an entertaining experience your guests won’t forget. Pizzas are versatile, fun and easy! Plus, who wants to turn on the oven and heat up their house during a hot San Diego summer?!

Bar

Keep the party going with an outdoor bar. Providing casual seating around the bar will keep your friends comfortable and entertained. You can’t go wrong with serving this traditional red sangria at your San Diego gathering. Don’t forget the mini fridge, otherwise you’ll constantly be running in and out of the house for supplies and ingredients.

Entertainment

Music and televisions are a must for entertainers. Having an outdoor tv helps bring the excitement of a televised game to an otherwise quiet day. Make sure to get a tv with anti-glare properties and mount it so that you can hide the wires. Set up speakers throughout your space so everyone can hear the music or game no matter where they are hanging out.

Outdoor Food Prep Station

This is key to making sure you aren’t running back and forth between the outdoor and indoor kitchens while prepping and entertaining. We recommend having a sink to make your entertaining so much less hectic. Make sure you have enough space to prep food, clean up, and make drinks! Stainless steel cabinets are a great addition to your prep station so you have space to store food and supplies without them getting damaged by the elements. They are also easy to clean and look great next to the grill.

Fire Pit

Having a fire pit surrounded with comfortable seating really takes your outdoor kitchen to the next level. This will bring a cozy vibe to your space and will keep your guests warm as it gets dark out and starts to cool down. Make sure to keep blankets and ingredients for s’mores on hand to enjoy by the fire after that killer afternoon barbecue! Fire pits are key to having a staycation-worthy home.

Outdoor Shade Structures

Keep your guests comfortable and protected from the sun’s rays by providing some shade from a beautifully constructed pergola, gazebo or pavilion. These also provide a great spot to hang fans and light fixtures without totally blocking the San Diego sunshine. There are many different types of shade structures to choose from, we are happy to customize a solution for your needs.

Deck

A deck with plenty of seating for your guests to get comfortable while the food is cooking is a must! Make sure to read our blog about 5 tips to keep your San Diego deck pristine. Doing regular preventative maintenance on your deck will do wonders for it’s look and integrity – there’s no bigger eyesore than a neglected and damaged deck.

Adequate Seating

This one is a no-brainer! How can you expect to entertain guests without providing plenty of comfy seating? We love having seating throughout the living space so that your friends don’t all get stuck gathering in one part of the yard. You can have some bar stools around an island, couches where space permits, and chairs throughout – don’t forget to keep some blankets nearby for those cooler nights.

Tables

It is important to have multiple tables or islands so that you can set up more than one food station. By having food spread around to different areas, you are ensuring that guests keep moving and interacting with others. Providing 2-3 food stations will keep everyone from hovering in one spot. You also want to have small tables or surfaces near seating areas so that guests have a place to set their food and drinks on.

We are so lucky to live here in San Diego and it is ideal to have an outdoor living space that you actually want to spend time in. We hope you enjoyed reading about our favorite outdoor kitchen elements and that it gave you some inspiration for your own space. If you have any questions about any of the outdoor kitchen upgrades we discussed, please reach out. We’re always here to talk! Now, get outside and enjoy your beautiful San Diego living space.