12 Outdoor Restaurants Across Tennessee Worth Trying This Year

There is something about eating outdoors that instantly shifts the mood. A simple lunch turns into a small escape, conversations linger longer, and even familiar dishes seem to carry a little extra sparkle in the open air.

I have spent the past year chasing patios, rooftops, shaded gardens, and breezy decks across Tennessee, following the hum of happy tables and the promise of a good view. Some places pulse with energy and clinking glasses, while others invite you to slow down and stretch the afternoon into evening.

What they all share is a knack for pairing solid cooking with spaces that make you want to stay just one more round. If your idea of a perfect outing includes sunshine, comfortable seating, and a plate worth talking about on the drive home, these outdoor restaurants deserve a spot on your list this year.

1. Pelato

Warm light spills across the patio at Pelato as servers weave through tables with spritzes and crisp, salty bites. The Germantown hum wraps around the lively crowd, and you catch whiffs of charred lemon and herbs floating over clinking glasses.

You start with a shareable plate, then suddenly another arrives, and the whole table leans in.

You’ll find Pelato at 1300 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208, tucked into a handsome corner that feels made for people-watching. Order the whipped ricotta with hot honey and a pile of grilled bread for scooping, then chase it with garlicky shrimp and blistered peppers.

The small plates format keeps things playful, perfect for grazing while swapping stories.

Apertifs shine here, balanced and bright, and the patio soundtrack of laughter works better than any playlist. Ask about rotating specials that lean seasonal and punchy.

If the evening breeze picks up, linger for tiramisu and a nightcap, because leaving early feels like breaking an unspoken rule.

2. Harriet’s Rooftop

Skyline views at Harriet’s Rooftop make everything taste a little crisper, like the city itself seasons your drink. Sun slides behind the high-rises, and the rooftop turns into a soft-lit lounge where you can actually hear your friends trade bites.

One cocktail arrives crowned with a fragrant citrus twist, and it’s hard not to smile.

Perched at 710 Demonbreun St, 19th Floor, Nashville, TN 37203, the terrace feels upscale but easygoing. Share tuna tartare on crunchy rice and a plate of spicy-glazed wings, then split the fries with aioli because you deserve it.

The staff navigates the breeze with grace, keeping napkins anchored and glasses full.

Timing is everything here, so aim for golden hour when the river glow sneaks between buildings. You’ll get a photo, sure, but the real souvenir is that hush when the lights flick on.

If the night cools, ask for a patio heater spot and linger over a bitter-sweet amaro finish.

3. Sonny’s Patio Pub and Refuge

Nothing fussy, all fun: Sonny’s Patio Pub and Refuge nails that easygoing hangout energy. You grab a seat under an umbrella, and the first sip of a cold local lager sets the tempo.

Food comes fast, unfussy, and craveable, like the kitchen understands patio hunger on a cellular level.

Set in Germantown at 1322 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208, it draws neighbors, pups, and post-work groups. Go for crispy chicken tenders with house sauces, then add loaded fries or a smash burger that drips in the best way.

Music floats low, the staff is quick with refills, and somebody always brings a deck of cards.

Weekends can get lively, but the space breathes thanks to smart table layout. Grab shade if you can and plan for a second round.

When dusk lands, string lights warm the mood, and you catch yourself staying longer than planned, happily marinated in good company and salt.

4. The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden

Burgers taste better in a garden, and The Pharmacy proves it with every juicy, seared edge. You settle under the trees, and a server sets down a towering classic with onions, pickles, and that just-right bun squish.

Craft sodas pop with old-school charm, while steins march by like happy soldiers.

Find it at 731 McFerrin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206, where the patio buzz rivals any festival. The currywurst is a sleeper hit, and the tater tots are aggressively snackable.

If you like heat, ask for spicy mustard and watch it wake your palate without wrecking the burger’s balance.

Lines appear, but they move, and the reward is alfresco bliss with friendly service. Bring a friend who orders differently and swap halves for research purposes.

On cooler nights, the garden’s glow and chatter create a neighborhood soundtrack you’ll think about later, wondering why every burger joint doesn’t feel like this.

5. Urban Grub

Surf meets smoke at Urban Grub, where the patio feels like a well-dressed bonfire party. You catch briny perfume from a tray of oysters while a ribeye sizzles nearby, and suddenly the menu makes perfect sense.

It’s indulgent without being loud, confident like a great jacket that somehow always fits.

Located at 452 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, the space channels 12South cool. Order Gulf oysters, then split the shellfish tower if you’re feeling festive, followed by charcoal-grilled fish with a lemony finish.

Sides lean Southern, and the cornbread lands sweet-savory with a glossy pat of butter that disappears quickly.

Cocktails skew balanced and fresh, ideal for cutting richness or saluting the grill’s kiss. Ask for a spot near the fire feature on breezy nights.

When dessert rolls around, banana pudding takes a grown-up turn, and you realize a perfect patio can make a weeknight feel like a mini celebration.

6. Pearl Diver

Vacation energy lives at Pearl Diver, even on a Tuesday. You step onto the patio and the air smells like grilled pineapple and coconut sunscreen memories.

Frozen swirls, high-tide garnishes, and island snacks turn the table into a postcard scene that begs for a clink. Palm prints, colourful lights, and easy chatter make the space feel like a cheerful escape rather than a neighbourhood hangout.

Sail over to 1008 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206, where East Nashville’s playful spirit shines. The pu pu platter is a crowd pleaser, and the spicy wings carry just enough sweetness to keep you reaching.

A bright ceviche or poke bowl cools things down, especially paired with a citrusy, rum-forward drink.

It’s easy to linger, so pace yourself and hydrate between rounds. Staff keep the vibe light, steering you to favorites without a script.

When the neon kicks in, the patio glows like a beach bar dream, and for a second you might forget there’s landlocked Tennessee beyond the bamboo.

7. STIR Chattanooga

Fresh-shucked oysters and elegant ice set the tone at STIR Chattanooga. The patio buzzes with downtown energy, making every sip feel celebratory and every bite extra crisp.

You can hear the crack of clear ice cubes as bartenders sculpt them like tiny sculptures. Sun umbrellas and neatly spaced tables keep the patio comfortable, even when the lunchtime crowd rolls in.

Head to 1444 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, where the station-adjacent setting adds charm. Order a half dozen Gulf and East Coast oysters, then a bright ceviche and a classic martini.

The kitchen balances briny with buttery, and a shrimp po boy lands with just the right crunch.

Service is smooth, even during the dinner rush, and the cocktail list rewards curiosity. Ask about seasonal infusions and let the team steer your second round.

As the sky dims, the patio softens into date-night territory, ideal for lingering over one last oyster and a whisper of mignonette.

8. Lookout Winery

Pizza and panoramas pair perfectly at Lookout Winery, where the terrace hovers above a winding river. You inhale that woody perfume from the oven as a pie slides out blistered and bubbling.

Sips of a local blend cut through the cheese like sunlight through leaves.

Situated at 419 Signal Mountain Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37405, it delivers a postcard view without the fuss. Go classic with a Margherita or get bold with prosciutto and arugula, then add a flight to explore the lineup.

The crust crunches softly and yields to a chewy center, exactly how a patio pizza should behave.

Golden hour is magic, so bring a light layer and a camera you’ll actually use. The staff offers pairing tips that make sense, not lectures.

When the sun finally dips, the terrace quiets into a contented murmur, and you realize dessert might just be another slice.

9. Birdsong Social

Space to breathe and graze is Birdsong Social’s superpower. The patio sprawls, kids wiggle, and adults unwind with a cocktail that leans bright and herbal.

Shareables land fast, making it easy to build a casual feast you can linger over. Picnic tables, open sightlines, and gentle background music give the space a laid-back, come-as-you-are feel.

You’ll find it at 3901 Kedron Rd, Spring Hill, TN 37174, a welcome escape with plenty of elbow room. Go for crispy Brussels, a stacked club, or fish tacos with a citrusy slaw.

The menu reads friendly rather than fussy, and the staff keeps the pace relaxed without letting drinks run dry.

Weeknights shine if you want quieter corners and a slower sunset. Ask about any local taps and lean into seasonal specials.

When the air cools, that big-sky feel sets in, and you remember that dining outside can be simple and still feel special.

10. Park Cafe

Neighborhood charm radiates at Park Cafe, where the patio feels like a friend’s garden party. Plates arrive polished but comforting, and the candlelight adds a flattering glow to every laugh.

You’ll notice the kind of quiet confidence that comes from serving favourites well. Climbing greenery and tucked-away tables create pockets of privacy that make conversations feel easy and unhurried.

Located at 4403 Murphy Rd, Nashville, TN 37209, it nestles into Sylvan Park with grace. Start with crab cakes or a seasonal salad, then order the steak frites with peppercorn sauce that begs for extra bread.

Wine service is thoughtful, not showy, and the pours keep time with the conversation.

Reserve ahead for weekends, because regulars know what’s good. The patio is best at dusk, when the neighborhood hush takes over and traffic fades to a whisper.

If dessert calls, the cheesecake lands rich and clean, the way nostalgia always hopes.

11. STIR Knoxville

Knoxville’s version of STIR brings the same clean flavours and crisp cocktails to Market Square. The patio wraps you in city energy, with street musicians seasoning the air between courses.

Oysters clink on ice like tiny bells calling you back for seconds. Wide umbrellas and neatly arranged tables make it easy to settle in and stay comfortable, even during the midday buzz.

Set at 1444 Market St, Knoxville, TN 37902, it anchors a lively corner of the square. Start with the seafood tower if your table is hungry, or keep it classic with shrimp and grits done right.

Cocktails are a draw, especially anything built over that signature clear ice.

Service runs smooth even when the square gets rowdy. Ask for a table edge if you like people-watching with your mignonette.

After dark, the patio turns softly electric, the best seat for a last round before wandering cobblestones in search of dessert.

12. Lakeside Tavern

Water views always season a meal, and Lakeside Tavern gives you a whole shimmering canvas. The patio opens wide to the lake, and sunset paints your glass as you sip.

It’s an easy place to exhale and lean into dinner at a slower, kinder pace. Boats drift past in the distance, adding a gentle sense of motion that keeps your eyes wandering between bites.

Head to 10911 Concord Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922, where the shoreline sets the mood. Start with spinach artichoke dip for the table, then consider cedar plank salmon or a ribeye with garlicky potatoes.

The breeze drifts in, and plates feel a touch lighter, even when they’re decidedly hearty.

Ask for a waterside table if you can and bring a light layer after dark. Service is friendly and steady, making refills and check-ins feel natural.

When the last light skims the lake, order coffee and something sweet just to stretch the view.