Our Favorite Memphis Patios for Soaking in the Season
To help you take full advantage of the warmer weather, we've rounded up a list of our favorite restaurant patios around Memphis. Cheers! Image: Facebook / Hog and Hominy
Patio season has arrived! With plenty of opportunities around town to sip and snack al fresco, you’d be hard-pressed to run out of options, no matter what you’re in the mood for. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but to inspire your next day (or night) out on the town, these are 20 of our favorite Memphis patios.
ACRE
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More Info: acrememphis.com
ACRE is a charming, renovated home on South Perkins. Its rustic yet sophisticated atmosphere flows through each dining room and onto its quaint outdoor patio. This is a great place to relax over a delicious dinner and enjoy the terrace views and lush gardens. Walk-in outdoor seating is limited, so get there early to stake your claim.
Aldo’s Pizza Pies
Neighborhood: Midtown and Downtown
More Info: aldospizzapies.com
Aldo’s Pizza Pies serves New York-style pizza in a casual neighborhood hangout setting. Both locations have a full bar and an extensive menu of pizzas by the slice or whole pie, sandwiches, salads, and more. If you aren’t near Downtown, check out the Midtown location.
Babalu
Neighborhood: East Memphis and Overton Square
More Info: eatbabalu.com
Overton Square is hoppin’, and a big part of that fun is thanks to the tapas-inspired Babalu. We go for the tableside-prepared guacamole, delicious cocktails, and terrific tacos. Dine al fresco on the colorful covered side patio, which boasts an indoor-outdoor bar servicing the dining room and patio. Next time you are in the mood for margaritas or chips and guac, this is the place to go! Be sure to check out the East Memphis location as well.
Beauty Shop
Neighborhood: Cooper-Young
More Info: thebeautyshoprestaurant.com
“Look Good. Eat Good.” Those are the words displayed on the front windows at the Beauty Shop. This hip and trendy restaurant in the Cooper-Young district of Midtown does both, conjuring up images of a ’50s-style beauty shop, formerly Priscilla Presley’s curl-and-dye spot.
Dine inside under an old-fashioned hooded hair dryer or opt for a table on the sidewalk patio if the weather is nice. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and people-watching.
Brookhaven Pub & Grill
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More Info: brookhavenpubandgrill.com
With live music, a huge patio, and great opportunities to watch your favorite sports, Brookhaven Pub & Grill is a local East Memphis spot many Memphians know and love. Looking for a cold beer or delicious appetizers to enjoy with friends? The patio is big enough for your entire party.
Café Olé
Neighborhood: Cooper-Young
More Info: cafeolememphis.com
Café Olé is your one-stop spot for all things margaritas and Mexican cuisine in the historic Cooper-Young district. Try the famous bacon-wrapped stuffed shrimp, and check out the daily happy hour. Whether you’re there for the appetizers or drinks, the outdoor patio feels like a little getaway!
Celtic Crossing
Neighborhood: Cooper-Young
More Info: celticcrossingirishpub.com
Some may think Celtic Crossing is just a bar, but they serve authentic Irish food, including delicious fish and chips. If you’re not feeling that, we recommend the Celtic Corned Beef Sandwich, Bangers and Mash, and Scottish Eggs. Check the website for upcoming events and food and drink specials.
Coastal Fish Company
Neighborhood: Shelby Farms Park
More Info: coastalfishcompany.com
Fine dining meets lake views at Coastal Fish Company. Whether you’re into raw oysters, tasty fish, or sweet desserts, you’ll find it here. You can also get an oyster tower to split amongst friends. And that sunset is to die for!
Cocozza
Neighborhood: Harbor Town
More Info: eatcocozza.com
This is a great little Italian restaurant located in the Harbor Town district. Dine-in options are available (with a full bar), but you can also grab take-out or a seat on the patio, which happens to be dog-friendly!
Crosstown Brewing Co.
Neighborhood: Midtown
More Info: crosstownbeer.com
Crosstown Brewing Co. offers fun menu items like the Beer Cheese Mac N’ Cheese and Pimento Cheese Smash Burgers. Outdoor seating options are abundant. The brewery features a spacious area with picnic tables, and Crosstown Concourse also offers plenty of outdoor seating.
Hog and Hominy
Neighborhood: E. Memphis
More Info: hogandhominy.com
The second brainchild of Andy Ticer and Michael Human, Hog and Hominy is a delight. A combination of Italian cuisine and Southern inspiration, it’s no wonder this eatery is a neighborhood favorite. Plus, the patio is dog-friendly.
Huey’s
Neighborhoods: Varies
More Info: hueyburger.com
Known for delicious burgers and cheese fries, Huey’s offers excellent food and an outdoor patio with live music on select nights. There’s also a happy hour Monday through Friday, and they have cheese tots. Talk about a game-changer.
Lafayette’s Music Room
Neighborhood: Overton Square
More Info: lafayettes.com
The Lafayette’s Music Room of today is a reinvention of the classic music and dining venue that was popular in the ’70s. Superstar musicians such as Billy Joel, KISS, and Barry Manilow were among the first to perform on its famous stage.
Fast forward to the present, and this Midtown favorite offers round-the-clock fun again. They have an ongoing live performance schedule and an enticing menu. Relive this gem of a bygone era, and dine on the grand porch overlooking Overton Square.
The Liquor Store
Neighborhood: East Memphis and Broad Avenue
More Info: theliquorstorediner.com
The Liquor Store is a hip diner with a fully stocked bar that offers a range of comforting dishes, including breakfast throughout the day. Its newest location is off of Mendenhall in East Memphis, and the original location is on Broad Avenue. So, next time you want some tropical vibes, this is your spot!
Loflin Yard
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: loflinyard.com
In the heart of Downtown, Loflin Yard is a place like no other — think bar meets restaurant meets back yard. With two community green spaces, the “Front Yard” and the “Back Yard,” Loflin Yard is the perfect gathering spot to enjoy outstanding food and cocktails.
The laidback fare includes po’boys, wings, and even large family-style plates for sharing. This hip eatery also features live music on weekend nights.
Magnolia & May
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More Info: magnoliamay.com
With a large brick patio, Magnolia & May boasts a relaxed dining atmosphere infused with Southern charm. It also offers a delicious seasonal menu and a diverse selection of libations. Be sure to check out the brunch, too!
The Majestic Grille
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: majesticgrille.com
The Majestic Grille’s outdoor seating area is the place to be when the weather is nice — the ideal spot to enjoy food and the bustling excitement of our vibrant Downtown Entertainment District. Keep your eye out, as chef and owner Patrick Reilly occasionally hosts special events (like his famous paella parties) on the patio.
Max’s Sport Bar
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: maxssportsbar.com
Since its founding in 2007, Max’s Sports Bar has firmly established itself as a beloved fixture in downtown Memphis. It offers sports enthusiasts the ultimate blend of tasty food, refreshing drinks, and the excitement of catching their favorite games on outdoor deck TVs, making it a go-to destination.
Porch & Parlor
Neighborhood: Overton Square
More Info: porchandparlor.com
Try visiting this Southern steakhouse for a fun night out and delicious food. While you’re there, order the signature Memphian cocktail and the Butcher’s Bacon Rack.
The Second Line
Neighborhood: Midtown (near Overton Square)
More Info: secondlinememphis.com
Located just off Overton Square, The Second Line is the casual cousin to Chef Kelly English’s renowned restaurant, Iris. Chef Kelly offers up classic Louisiana favorites — often with his signature twist.
Whether dining indoors or on the backyard patio, start with the Besh BBQ Shrimp and the sinful andouille, crawfish, and pimento cheese fries. As for the po’boys, we can’t decide which one we like best, so we suggest ordering a few for the table.
Slider Inn
Neighborhood: Midtown and Downtown
More Info: thesliderinn.com
If you’ve never had Slider Inn’s famous Jameson Slushie, now is the perfect time to try it. Don’t forget there’s a Downtown location, too. The outdoor deck is one of our favorite spots to spend a lazy weekend afternoon with friends. The sliders are great, the fries are great … well, it’s all great.
Swanky’s
Neighborhood: East Memphis and Germantown
More Info: swankystacoshop.com
Create your own signature tacos with six filling options — from fajita steak to spicy shredded chicken to mixed vegetables, your choice of crispy or soft tortillas, and over 20 topping choices. Don’t skip the margaritas!
Terrace at the River Inn
Neighborhood: Harbor Town
More Info: terracememphis.com
Guests of the Terrace at the River Inn can enjoy this intimate rooftop restaurant during any season, but the folding windows make spring and summer a perfect time to take in the spectacular sunset views of the Mighty Mississippi and downtown Memphis skyline.
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Katelyn Caughron
Katelyn is a Memphis-based freelance writer and certified fitness trainer. She loves fitness, the Memphis Tigers, and a good brunch.