Edley's came to the 12 South neighborhood in 2012, and it was so popular that the restaurant opened a second location within a few years. The patio faces 12 South and wraps around to a side street where patrons can sit and watch car, bike, and foot traffic pass. The feel of the place is great: With slabs of wood making up the walls, rustic wooden tables, and garage doors that bring fresh air through the entire restaurant, it's the perfect place for southern fare. Speaking of southern fare, Edley's has en extensive menu of barbecue and traditional southern sides. Order the macaroni and cheese or you'll be sorry!
Recommended for Outdoor Dining because: The patio at Edley's in both 12 South and East Nashville has the feeling of a neighborhood spot. Locals spend time there drinking beer and eating barbecue.
Megan's expert tip: A full bar with many bourbons helps pair drinks with BBQ.
Designed like a throw back to the old days of soda fountains and classic burger joints, The Pharmacy has had a constant line out the door since it opened. Burgers are on trend to be sure, but The Pharmacy bucks those trends by offering traditional American burgers. The kitchen staff has experimented with a few off-the-beaten-path menu items, like a falafel burger, but the farm burger (a beef patty topped with bacon and a fried egg) is a perfect, classic meal. The back half of the restaurant opens up to the backyard beer garden, making it a perfect place to enjoy the open air under the safety of a roof. When the weather is right, head straight to the beer garden tables for your meal and a few drinks.
Recommended for Outdoor Dining because: Modeled after a traditional German Biergarten, The Pharmacy offers one of the only legitimate beer gardens in Nashville.
Megan's expert tip: The beer garden is where it's at. Take a seat at one of the long tables and order a few beers.
Since opening in late 2012, Rolf and Daughters has earned plenty of accolades--including a spot on BonAppetit's 2013 Best New Restaurants list. The kitchen staff takes pride in sourcing locally raised meats and Tennessee produce, but the handmade pasta is what really keeps a line snaking out the door. The rustic décor matches the menu at Rolf and Daughters, which keeps dinner simple with just a few ingredients in each dish. A juicy hunk of pork is dressed up with corn and another vegetable. Pastas are served with in a simple sauce that allows quality ingredients to shine. If you're not looking for a full meal, R&D has an array of craft cocktails to sip on. You'll enjoy everything even more if you can grab a seat on the patio. The restaurant is set off on a quiet, historic street where you an enjoy a serene night in the city.
Recommended for Outdoor Dining because: Located in a quiet, historic neighborhood, the Rolf and Daughters patio walks the line between calming and incredibly trendy.
Megan's expert tip: You absolutely have to try the squid ink pasta dish. It's one of the best items on the menu.
Rosepepper Cantina is an East Nashville favorite. In fact, it's so popular that people from other parts of the city trek across the river on weekend nights to eat at "The Rosepepper," as locals call it. One of the things that sets Rosepepper apart from other Mexican restaurants is the house-made margarita mix. You won't be getting a neon green margarita here! At Rosepepper, margaritas are served cold, large, and with lots of lime juice. The restaurant has plenty of seating indoors, but most people opt to sit on the expansive patio attached to the building. Even when it's hot outside, the fans and ice-cold drinks will cool you down. Order the chicken chimichangas and you won't be sorry. And, of course, wash it down with a house margarita on the rocks.
Recommended for Outdoor Dining because: Is there anything better than a margarita on a comfortable, covered patio?
Megan's expert tip: Call ahead to reserve a table. By dinner time, people are sitting on the sidewalk outside waiting for a table.
The Village Pub and Beer Garden is a little off the beaten path, but it's worth a venture into East Nashville if you're looking for a laid-back spot to eat and drink. "The pub," as locals call it, is a melting pot of different types of people with one common love: good beer. The owners stock local and regional brews, rotating a solid list of seasonal and limited-edition beers. Since its opening in 2010, the delicious beer list and "everybody knows your name" vibe has made Village Pub an incredibly popular neighborhood bar. The most coveted seats are on the porch. If it's hot, the open air setting will cool you off, and several wall heaters can be adjusted to warm you up when the air is too cold. If you're hungry, don't miss out on a house-made hot pretzel with beer cheese dip.
Recommended for Outdoor Dining because: This bar is reminiscent of Cheers, thanks to incredible service and friendly locals.
Megan's expert tip: If you're looking for something to do while you drink, the bar keeps plenty of board games on hand.
The 12 South neighborhood has changed rapidly in the past few years. Old buildings have been knocked down and new ones, with new restaurants and bars, have taken their place. But the Tap Room remains a mainstay. Locals flock to the 12 South Tap Room patio after hours to catch up over craft beers and a menu that redeems the reputation of bar food. You can't go wrong with any item on the extensive menu, especially if you choose the Gouda macaroni and cheese as your side. If you can grab a seat outside, don't miss the chance. There will be plenty to take in as you watch people walk past--not just great beer and incredible sandwiches.
Recommended for Outdoor Dining because: Nothing beats a cold beer on the 12 South Tap Room patio, where you can watch passersby on one of Nashville's busiest streets.
Megan's expert tip: Try to arrive right when happy hour starts--otherwise, you'll never get a seat.
This fun bistro turns to local farms and purveyors to serve seasonal, local dishes year-round. Park Cafe is particularly well known for incredible seafood and pasta dishes, so take note when you order. If you can arrive between 4 and 6 p.m., on a weekday, check out the $5 wine list--you won't be disappointed. One of the best things about this local mainstay is its outdoor seating area. The wide patio offers quiet ambiance with white table cloths, candles, and soft lighting. If you're worried about the weather, don't fret. Park Cafe has a tent covering the patio so you can stay dry while you enjoy the fresh air.
Recommended for Outdoor Dining because: Park Cafe is known for amazing seafood dishes--particularly the shrimp and grits. Pair that dish with a seat outdoors, and you have the perfect meal.
Megan's expert tip: Try to arrive during happy hour from 4 to 6 on a weekday to score a delicious glass of wine for $5.
Located in a historic home near 5 Points in East Nashville, Rumours East is the perfect setting for a nice glass of wine or a craft cocktail. The restaurant seating area is set up around a fireplace, while bar patrons can pull up a stool at a handmade wooden bar. But the best seat in the house can be found right out the back door. The courtyard at Rumours is perfect for a date night or dinner and drinks with friends. With a large pergola, soft lighting, and lush gardens, a seat outside is perfection when the weather is agreeable.
Recommended for Outdoor Dining because: Rumours East offers an impressive wine menu (with a cheese plate to compliment your glass), and the outdoor seating is both comfortable and soothing.
Megan's expert tip: Ask for a seat in the courtyard when you arrive. The brick patio, herb garden, and lighted pergola provide the perfect setting for sipping on wine.