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ViragoPhoto by Shannon Fontaine
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5th & TaylorPhoto by Danielle Atkins
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Butchertown Hall Photo by Danielle Atkins
It's patio season, and, whether you're in search of a pint and a lawn game in The Nations or hoping for a place to put down your picnic spread outside of town, here's our guide to making the most of this all-too-short window of outdoor opportunity.
Best Patios for a Bite
The Gulch
Adele's
An automotive-garage-turned-Jonathan-Waxman-staple, Adele's breezy stylewhite oak bar, metal casement windows, bright red outdoor seatingis only elevated by its eclectic American cuisine, like the patio-perfect hand-made bucatini with guanicale. Pair that with a crisp rosé (like The Withers, 2016, from El Dorado, California) and an unmatched patio view of the city's skyline. 1210 McGavock St, 615-988-9700; adelesnashville.com
12 south
bartaco
If the white-washed shiplap and farmhouse-coastal decor pulls you in to a Joanna Gaines Pinterest board, then the food and margaritas at 12 South's bartaco are sure to transport you to the shorelines of Brazil, Uruguay, or Southern Cal. The guacamole shines, and the street snacks, like tamales, ceviche, and tacos served on aluminum trays, pair well with the citrus-juiced, made-to-order margaritas. 2526 12th Ave S, 615-269-8226; bartaco.com
east Nashville
Burger Up East
The patio space at the east-side outpost of this upscale neighborhood burger joint has space for about 40 diners at individual tables, a change from the communal-style that's popular inside. Like its various locations, the focus stays on locally sourced meat for 13-plus made-fresh burgers. 970 Woodland St,615-650-9022; burger-up.com
germantown
Butchertown Hall
The brash, sunny, and ivy-laced terrace at Butchertown Hall is everything you'd expect from a beer-hall-meets-butcher-shop. The space is an intersection of proprietor Terry Raley's Texas roots and Czech and German neighborhood history. The selection of brews includes 30-plus European and custom varieties that highlight the oak-smoked meats the restaurant serves by the pound. 1416 4th Ave N, 615-454-3634; butchertownhall.com
germantown
Cochon
Cochon Butcher shares a patio space with cousin restaurants Juice Bar and Little Donkey, but the down-to-earth butcher shop, sandwich counter, and bar makes perhaps the best use of its covered outdoor area by offering sharable items, like a sausage tray or selection of house-cured charcuterie options. For us, it's a 'rosé all day” kind of place. 1120 4th Ave N, Ste 101, 615-567-5887; cochonbutcher.com
sylvan park
Edley's Bar-B-Que
The third outpost of this local barbecue chain may just be the most attractive, with multiple wooden patio decks, including a 1,000-square-foot outdoor dining area accented with piles of wood set for the smoker. Order up a plate of their smoked chicken wings with signature Alabama white sauce, and wash it down with a local brew. 4500 Murphy Rd, 615-942-7499; edleysbbq.com
12 south
Epice
Set just off the well-worn path of a bustling 12 South, the patio at Epice is a prime post- or pre-shopping destination. Fortify with a plate of hummos, paired with a glass of bubbles. 2902 12th Ave S, 615-720-6765 epicenashville.com
>>> best patios for a drink
germantown
Fifth & Taylor
The expansive, walled-in patio bar at Fifth & Taylor shows off an infinity fountain and crackling fire pits. Executive chef and owner Daniel Lindley designed the décor, as well as the menu of clever, elevated American cuisine. One must-try is the beer-can chicken, which is perfectly suited for outdoor dining. 1411 5th Ave N, 615-242-4747; 5thandtaylor.com
Downtown
Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
Just up the steps from the dining room at Martin's downtown location is an oasis at the center of the city. Brimming with greenery and bathed in the smell of hickory smoke, it's more garden than patioand it's just right for lingering over the spot's legendary whole-hog barbecue platter. 401 4th Ave S, 615-288-0880; martinsbbqjoint.com
germantown
Rolf and Daughters
Rolf and Daughters' cozy patio, which faces Taylor Street, is set aside for walk-ins, which means you have good odds of scoring a seat where you can enjoy a cocktail, like the boozy Whiskeytown, or a glass of wine from their eclectic list while you wait for small plates from the kitchen. We love that garganelli verde that never falls off the menubut, with spring ingredients on the menu, it's time to try something new. 700 Taylor St., 615-866-9897; rolfanddaughters.com
east Nashville
Rumours East
The patio at Rumours East, with its linen-draped pergola and homey backyard haven screams 'coziest dining experience” in Five Points. The backyard, a favorite for events and weddings, plays host to specialty summer entrees, like the Avo'schetta: a shrimp ceviche featured Spanish take on bruschetta, as the name would suggest. 1112 Woodland St., 615-262-5346; rumourseast.com
Downtown
The Southern
For seeing and being seen in downtown Nashville, it's tough to beat the small but vibrant patio at The Southern Steak and Oyster. The view can include pedal trolley-riding bachelorettes, hockey fans, or elegantly dressed symphony-goers. They'll all be jealous as you slurp down a dozen 'Shucker's Choice” oysters and sip on a classic cocktail. 150 3rd Ave S, Ste. 110, 615-724-1762; thesouthernnashville.com
east Nashville
Two Ten Jack
Nashville's first Izakaya (or Japanese pub), Two Ten Jack, flows outward during the summer months to provide the same convivial, community-driven bar atmosphere you'll find on the inside. A detailed tap systembeers! sakis! cocktails!is a must-try at the bar, while the pork ramen, shishito peppers, yakitori, sashimi, and maki make for solid selections from the food menu. 1900 Eastland Ave, 615-454-2731; twotenjack.com
The Gulch
Virago
Hidden from plain sight, Virago's patio offers a prime, yet private, perch that looks out toward downtown. Plus, the food matches the view bite for bite. Nibble on a plate of congee wings, paired with a Yuzu martini. 1126 McGavock St, 615-254-1902; mstreetnashville.com/virago