Our favorite patios for dining in the outdoors
Summer is here — and that means it is prime outdoor dining season. From backyard patios to sunny courtyards, we’ve assembled a list of 15 of our go-to Memphis-area patios for al fresco drinks and dining.
Whether in search of an after-work happy hour, a romantic night under the stars or a lazy Sunday in the sun, head outside and take advantage of the warm weather at one of these spots.
Downtown Slider Inn (and Out)
363 Mulberry St.; 901-729-6900; thesliderinn.com
When Aldo Dean and his crew transformed a 1946 vintage truck garage into Slider Inn Downtown, they created a light-filled, 200-seat restaurant with multiple dining and gathering spots. We love to dine in the outdoor dog-friendly courtyard or to grab a drink in the second bar, aptly named “The Garage Bar” thanks to the three garage doors that open when the weather is nice.
Nicknamed “Slider Out,” the grassy area behind the restaurant on the corner of South Main Street and Talbot Street is an outdoor entertainment venue. Separate from the restaurant, food service is provided by the Slider Inn food truck and the Tap Box mobile bar.
Swanky’s Taco Shop
272 S. Main St.; 901-779-3499; swankystacoshop.com
The 2,000-square-foot patio at Swanky’s Taco Shop in the Chisca on Main features both traditional table seating as well as lounge seating — so whether eating a full meal or just sipping on margaritas and enjoying chips and queso, there is a spot perfect for you and your friends. The patio is open for lunch and dinner daily. And, feel free to bring your pup. Like all Swanky’s patios, this one is dog-friendly.
Felicia Suzanne’s
80 Monroe Ave.; 901-523-0877; feliciasuzanne.com
Felicia Suzanne’s courtyard is one of the most picturesque outdoor spaces in
town. Owner Felicia Willett has created a stunning garden oasis next door to her popular restaurant. At the end of the courtyard is the “tree house” bar that features craft cocktails, wine and beer. Currently the patio is only open Thursday-saturday for reservations only.
Midtown Babalu
2115 Madison Ave.; 901-274-0100; eatbabalu.com
Overton Square is hoppin’, and a big part of that fun is thanks to the tapasinspired Babalu. We go for the tableside-prepared guacamole, cocktails and the tacos. Dine al fresco on the colorful covered side patio that also boasts a two-sided bar that is open to the patio. When they opened their East Memphis location, they added a patio with an open air bar at that location too. So next time you are in the mood for margaritas and chips and guac, this is the place to go.
Lafayette’s Music Room
2119 Madison Ave.; 901-207-5097; lafayettes.com
Enjoy a cocktail and meal on Lafayette’s Music Room’s double-decker outdoor patio overlooking Overton Square. The upstairs level is a great spot to watch the fun going on in the Square. Both levels have a bar that opens into the main dining room, allowing patio guests to be able to enjoy the tunes coming from inside. The patios are open for lunch and dinner daily.
Bosco’s
2120 Madison Ave.; 901-432-2222; boscosbeer.com
Located in the heart of Overton Square, Bosco’s is known for good eats and handcrafted beers. Brewed only in small batches so they can offer both freshness and variety, the beer selection includes seven handcrafted beers on tap. The beers go perfectly with the wood-fired oven pizzas. And, our favorite place to enjoy Bosco’s pizza and beer? Well, on the large outdoor wooden deck of course! Open for lunch and dinner.
The Second Line + Restaurant Iris
2144 Monroe Ave.; 901-590-2829; secondlinememphis.com and restaurantiris.com
Located just off Overton Square, The Second Line and Restaurant Iris are Chef Kelly English’s sister-restaurants. If you haven’t been since English reopened his dining rooms and patios on June 12, expect to find some changes — all that you will love. Currently, both restaurants are working as one — with dishes from both restaurants’ menus available in both dining rooms. The Second Line has always had a back patio that was one of our favorite places in town for al fresco dining. During his COVID-19 closure, English re-landscaped the front yards of the two restaurants creating a welcoming front patio dining area. Both patios are dog-friendly.
The Beauty Shop
966 Cooper St.; 901-272-7111; thebeautyshoprestaurant.com
“Look Good. Eat Good.” are the words emblazoned on the front windows at The Beauty Shop. This hip and trendy restaurant in the Cooper-young district of Midtown Memphis does both, as it conjures up images of a ‘50s-style beauty shop, formerly Priscilla Presley’s curland-dye spot. If the weather is nice, opt for a table outside. The sidewalk patio is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and people watch. For a more intimate dining experience, ask for a table in the backyard oasis known as Back Do / Mi Yard — it is truly a hidden gem.
Soul Fish Café
862 South Cooper; 901-725-0722; soulfishcafe.com
When Soul Fish Cafe renovated its original Midtown location, it wisely added an expansive front porch patio. This covered patio quickly became a Midtown favorite. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a sweet tea with a plate of catfish and some of their to-die-for Southern sides. Save room for a slice of one of the old-fashioned cakes. If out East, know that the Wolfchase location also has an expansive covered patio.
Celtic Crossing
903 Cooper St.; 901-274-5151; celticcrossingmemphis.com
When DJ Naylor opened his Cooperyoung Irish pub Celtic Crossing, he added an expansive front porch patio that is half covered and half open-air. During the spring, he remodeled the popular outdoor dining spot, giving it a new bar and a more Celtic-themed design. While you enjoy a pint of Irish beer and Irish fare, you can also watch soccer matches from one of the many large TVS throughout the outdoor space.
Central BBQ
2249 Central Ave,; 901-272-937; cbqmemphis.com
Central BBQ is one of our favorite spots for Memphis barbecue ... and what better setting for enjoying great barbecue than the great outdoors? This is a family-friendly restaurant known for exceptional service and delicious Southern-style barbecue — and all four locations in Memphis offer patio dining. There is just something about the original location on Central that draws us back again and again to that outdoor patio.
Bhan Thai
1325 Peabody Ave.; 901-272-1538; bhanthairestaurant.com
Tucked behind Bhan Thai restaurant is an open air bar that leads into a lovely backyard patio. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the restaurant’s Thai specialties with a cocktail or cold beer. The Midtown restaurant has been a neighborhood favorite since it opened in 2002.
East Memphis Acre
690 S. Perkins Road; 901-818-2273; acrememphis.com
Acre was opened in 2011 by chef Wally Joe in a charming renovated home on South Perkins. Joe and Executive Chef Andrew Adams create inventive cuisine served in the restaurant’s rustic yet sophisticated atmosphere. Acre’s patio is a hidden oasis. It’s a great place to relax, delight in your dinner and drinks, and enjoy the views of its terrace and lush gardens.
Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen
712 W. Brookhaven Circle; 901-3473569; andrewmichaelitaliankitchen.com
In the backyard of Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen lies a hidden gem. What was once the kitchen garden of this Italian restaurant was transformed into an elegant patio oasis in the middle of East Memphis. This past spring, owners Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman enhanced the space with a beautiful wooden pergola to provide shade for diners. Be sure to try one of the handmade potato gnocchi, ravioli and other specialty pastas.
Brookhaven Pub & Grill
695 W. Brookhaven Circle: 901-6808118; brookhavenpubandgrill.com
Brookhaven Pub & Grill has been an East Memphis gathering spot for years. Its expansive outdoor deck has fans to keep you cool and TVS for your entertainment while you enjoy a cold beer and the famous “Tiger Bleu Chips” nachos.
Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.