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The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis
Taking happy hour outside? It’s no secret that a well-stocked pushcart is one key element to a successful shindig, whether indoor or al fresco. An outdoor bar cart, however, is specifically designed to weather any climate, from rainstorms to sweltering heat. In the winter, several even fold up for compact storage. Push one by the pool for a DIY swim-up bar or perch it beside your barbecue for added storage space.
With layers of room, you can stock up on all the essentials, like shatterproof glasses, mixing tins, reusable straws, and rums or flavored vodkas for creating tropical cocktails. Having an all-weather bar cart saves you from having to lug your bottles inside at the end of the night, too. So, for the sake of convenience and getting out of the house for a good time, we researched top brands to find the perfect fit for you.
Here are the best outdoor bar carts.
Best Overall
Foundstone Calla Straight Bar Cart
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Wayfair
Built-in wine rack
Made of solid wood
Comes with a tray
Must be assembled
This bar cart is set to service any festivity. Made with premium acacia hardwood, it has a chic, rustic appeal and plenty of storage for all of your essentials. The four matching wheels are a nice touch; they're finished with natural hardwood covers.
Fill the lower part of the cart with your favorite wine and spirits—it even has four holders to keep bottles from tipping. On the top half is a removable tray top, perfect for storing glassware, an ice bucket, and other accessories. You could also use it as a prep space for mixing cocktails.
The removable serving tray can be used for doling out snacks, plus, if something spills, you can pop it out and give it a rinse before stains set in. The wide handle and caster-finished wheels make it easy to roll this bar cart wherever necessary.
Price at time of publish: $196.99
Material: Acacia wood | Width: 23.7 inches | Storage: Yes
Best Budget
Cosco Outdoor Living Folding Serving Cart
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Requires no assembly
Available in multiple colors
Easy to store between seasons
Only two locking casters
This cart is designed to tuck away and out of sight during cold months, so much so that it folds flat for compact storage. Two slated shelves and two handlebars hold all you need to host a happy hour, from beverage dispensers to ice buckets. It also comes in a range of different finishes, including cherry red, subtle brown, silver, and gray.
It’s also very wallet-conscious for those on a budget, though that doesn’t mean it doesn’t serve its purpose well. This powerhouse of a bar cart can support up to 75 pounds per shelf. The four wheels with two locking casters are designed specifically to weather the elements. When it comes to cleaning, all you have to do is wipe it with a damp cloth.
Price at time of publish: $99.99
Material: Alloy steel | Width: 33 inches | Storage: No
Best Wicker
Best Choice Outdoor Rolling Wicker Bar Cart
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Amazon
Contemporary look
Lots of extras including an ice bucket
Wine glass holders
Storage compartments
A little large for small spaces
With a durable wicker finish, this bar cart is a particularly versatile option. On the top shelf, a 43-inch tempered glass countertop is easy to clean and allows for a peek of what's on the bottom shelf. The lower level is equipped with a removable ice bucket, where you can store white wine and mixers to keep them chilled all day.
To avoid spills, pockets on either side of the ice bucket keep the cargo upright while the cart is in motion. Slots to hang your stemware are a thoughtful touch. The wicker construction is ultra-durable, with weather-resistant finishings and a solid steel frame strong enough to hold your entire bottle collection. A handle on both sides and two wheels allow for easy transportation.
Price at time of publish: $184.99
Material: Wicker | Width: 43.5 inches | Storage: Yes
Best with Cooler
Vingli Outdoor 80-Quart Cooler Cart
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Courtesy of Amazon
Vintage look
Available in several colors
Only one open shelf
This bright red chest style cooler cart has a retro flair to it that might have you throwing '60s-style backyard cocktail parties this summer. Both sides of the cooler lid flip up, for easy access to everything in the cooler without letting all of the cool out. It also comes equipped with a bottle opener and cap collector to keep from cleaning errant bottle caps off of the patio and lawn the next day. We also like that the cooler is raised to hip-level to keep from bending over to get drinks all afternoon. If you’re mixing a few casual drinks, a few bottles, cups, and glasses can be stored on the bottom shelf underneath the cooler. The top of the cooler makes an impromptu surface for stirring up a cocktail.
The cooler holds up to 80 quarts of ice and drinks, which the manufacturer claims can be kept cold for up to three days. While some assembly is required, users note that it’s easy to move around with four wheels and two handles, keeps a tight seal, and looks fantastic as well as being functional. When the party’s over, or when the ice gets a little too liquidy, there’s a drain on the back to help make cleaning the cooler out easier. The cooler is also available in black, grey, and rattan.
Price at time of publish: $165.99
Material: Iron | Width: 30.5 inches | Storage: Yes
Best Aluminum
Fermob Luxembourg Bar Serving Cart
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Courtesy of 2Modern
Cool aesthetic
Great colors
UV-resistant coating
Wheels don’t lock
If you’re in search of a piece that serves high style along with all your favorite spirits, this pricier option is a serious statement piece for your outdoor space. While the design is at the forefront, this bar cart is incredibly versatile. The top features a removable tray, while the bottom includes a wine rack that can hold a full range of your favorite bottles. It comes in a variety of other colors, too, from bold fire engine red to natural hues of green.
To keep it safe from the elements, this aluminum bar cart features electrostatic paint and a cataphoresis high-protection finish. It’s one of the lightest options on the market, and thanks to four wheels, it’s easy to move inside and out.
Price at time of publish: $1,392.00
Material: Metal | Width: 36 inches | Storage: Yes
Best Wood
AllModern White Terrace Bar Cart
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AllModern
Solid wood outer
Available in four neutral colors
Slatted wood makes spills easy to clean
Assembly required
If you’re on the fence about choosing an outdoor bar cart, you can't go wrong with this AllModern option. Whether you have a large backyard with a pool, a garden with a fire pit, or even a large apartment balcony, this bar cart has a timeless yet contemporary look that complements almost any outdoor space. It is available in a choice of white, black, grey, and natural wood colors.
Whether you are using the cart to hold bottles of liquor or stacks of extra pool towels, it is certainly a sturdy choice. With two wheels and two legs, it stays stable and holds up to 30 pounds. While the wood is weather-resistant, it's still important to be mindful of those accidental spills, Fortunately, there’s a bar on the outer edge perfect for hanging an extra tea towel within arm’s reach.
Price at time of publish: $320.00
Material: Eucalyptus wood | Width: 48 inches | Storage: No
Best with Storage
West Elm Portside Outdoor Bar Cart
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West Elm
Has bottle and glass storage
Lift-out tray
Sustainably manufactured
Limited color options
You can feel good purchasing The Portside Outdoor Bart Cart from West Elm because it is made from Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood sourced from responsibly managed forests. Manufactured in Indonesia, the moisture-resistant solid mahogany and eucalyptus woods fit right into any coastal chic decor scheme, whether you choose the driftwood or weathered gray finish.
If you're not ready to fully commit, the fact that this cart has storage for three standard-sized wine glasses and three bottles of wine will convince you to do so. There’s even a convenient lift-out tray on the top. With wheels on one side and legs on the other, it won’t move around even with multiple people picking up and putting down bottles and glasses. On the other hand, it won't let the rain ruin your party because the rubber-padded wheels make it easy to move indoors.
Price at time of publish: $479.20-$539.10
Material: Eucalyptus and mahogany wood | Width: 45.75 inches | Storage: Yes
Best Collapsible
Hashtag Home Barton Bar Cart
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Hashtag Home
Several colors to choose from
Portable
Wheels can be removed and locked
Black plastic casters are a little cheap looking
The Hashtag Home Barton Bar Cart is just as stylish as it is convenient. With a sleek yet fun modern design, it comes in teal, white, black, and silver, adding a pop of color to any space indoors or outdoors. This accessory is very easy to coordinate with your current patio furniture or perhaps your living room decor. Best of all, it comes fully assembled.
With four wheels and two locking casters, it’s easy to move from space to space without needing to collapse it. Better yet, the metal material also makes it durable enough to withstand windy and wet weather along with your friend who might have had one glass of wine too many.
Price at time of publish: $139.99
Material: Stainless steel | Width: 33 inches | Storage: No
Best Portable
HOMESTYLES Outdoor Barbeque Bar Serving Cart
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Courtesy of Wayfair
Has lots of storage
Steel surface doubles as a cutting board
Made with solid wood
Must be assembled
No color options
We love this cart because it’s a great accompaniment for barbecues. A rust-resistant galvanized steel top is perfect for doing prep work, like chopping vegetables and slicing steaks. The rest of the cart is crafted from solid acacia wood with a golden teak finish and a linseed oil sealer to brave the elements.
One slatted shelf below the board holds your plates and serve ware, while a petite shelf on the top is great for smaller items, like spices, citrus, and other flavorings. Two towel racks double as a paper towel holder and space for hanging barbecuing utensils. One big storage compartment will maintain your bar cart bottles or act as an out-of-sight spot for a trash bin.
Price at time of publish: $335.99
Material: Acacia and metal | Width: 30 inches | Storage: Yes
For an attractive and convenient option to service any occasion, we recommend the Cosco Outdoor Living Folding Serving Cart. If you're looking for something to keep your drinks ice-cold on warm days, go for the Vingli 80-Quart Rolling Cooler Cart, which can hold about 100 cans.
What to Look for When Buying an Outdoor Bar Cart
Durability
Outdoor bar carts spend most of their time...well outdoors, so you want one that is going to be durable. Look for metals that are rust resistant or powder coated, or types of wood that weather well. Otherwise, you'll need to store the bar cart indoors when not in use.
Easy to Move
Two or four wheels? Heavy or light? Consider these features when selecting your bar cart. You want to be able to move it easily when it's loaded with all the "goodies" on the cart.
Storage and Features
If you want to be able to keep bottles of liquor and glasses available on your bar cart, look for features such as a cupboard, a cooler to store ice, and a place to hang up drinking glasses. Some carts have nifty little extras like a spot to hang towels or a top that can handle chopping lemons or limes for drinks, or even prepping for a barbecue. Look, explore, and find what is going to fit your needs best.
FAQs
What do you keep on a bar cart?
Stock your bar cart with standard items: the liquor you and your guests are going to partake in, a mixer if needed, ice in an ice bucket along with tongs, drinkware, a mixing glass, and a container with prepared garnishes. Don't overload your cart, or it could become unwieldy and hard to move around.
Artist and design expert Elizabeth Sutton likes to add a pop of color to her outdoor bar cart with SunnyLife’s very affordable plastic wine glasses. “I love the palettes they have. I also stack some of my colorful, springy, and summery disposable placemats.”
What is the point of an outdoor bar cart?
An outdoor bar cart has one main purpose: to hold the items needed to make and serve drinks for you and your guests for the outside event you're holding at your home. Remember to keep enough space free on the top to make and mix those drinks.
What are a few ways to style an outdoor bar cart?
“I look for beautiful wine glasses and aesthetically pleasing liquor bottles. I love adding some leaves if the setup allows,” says Sutton. “Color added via fruit, florals, or my placemats. Nothing too crazy. The most important thing for me is that the glasses don’t break so I gravitate towards pretty plastic options.”
What else can you use a bar cart for?
When you're not using the bar cart for entertaining, you can use it for a number of things. It can be moved into your kitchen area to give you extra space to prep and store things, used as a side table in your living room, or used to display plants, hold books, etc.
Sutton likes to use an outdoor bar cart to display party accouterments including “portable speakers, hordeurves, napkins, sunblock, and even towels when you are not using it specifically for serving.”
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Kate Dingwall is a seasoned spirits writer and sommelier. She is based in Toronto and holds a Wine & Spirits Education Trust Level III qualification. Her home bar is consistently well stocked.