1. Aldo's Pizza Pies (Downtown & Midtown)
If finding great pizza is the time you're on, look no further than Aldo's Pizza Pies. You'll enjoy the best New York-style pizza on this side of the Mississippi. However, it's their cozy patio spaces at both the Downtown and Midtown locations that take the cannoli... (whoops!) the cake. The Downtown location is a prime spot for the avid people-watcher and has a covered patio for those rainy Spring days. The Midtown location features a low-key rooftop that makes for the perfect outdoor outing with your folks.
2. Slider Inn (Downtown)
When we think about Slider Inn, we think of bite-sized food with BIG MEMPHIS taste. Also, two words: JAMESON SLUSHIES. Though Slider currently has two Memphis locations (Downtown and Midtown), we have to say, Downtown is our hands-down favorite! The outdoor seating is some of the best we've come across in the entire city. On certain days, they even let up the garage door, turning the entire place into an outdoor oasis. Order the "Mix & Match" sliders - but be sure to order at least one of "The Memphis" and thank us later!
3. Momma's (Downtown)
Whew chile... Momma's! If you're looking for more of a patio experience that's a little bit more rough around the edges, yet a fye lil' Memphis vibe... this is your spot. This place is trucker-themed and not sure who's in the back cooking, but we haven't had a bad meal yet! At this 21+ spot, the dranks be drankin' and some days there's even live music and trivia. The patio includes a combination of bench and table seating, as well as shaded covering for the sunny 901 days. Check out their menu here.
4. Carolina Watershed (Downtown)
Carolina Watershed is a chill lil' restaurant nestled away in Downtown Memphis. Its ambiance alone made it a shoe-in for this list. It's definitely giving rustic farm vibes, for sure - featuring an old grain bin turned bar, wooden bench seating, water features, trees galore, and cozy string lighting. Their menu is curated by Red Bones Turkey Legs and can be found here.
5. Crosstown Concourse (Crosstown)
Crosstown Concourse highlights all of the best parts of Memphis. From the arts to community to business, this place has quickly become a mecca in Memphis. No shock that it houses one of the best patios in the city and made our list! When you visit, there are so many choices to choose from. Our faves include: Abner's, Global Cafe, Farmburger, Pop-a-Roos, and (for our sweet tooth) Sweet Magnolia Gelato. Take your pick and head outside to the open table seating along the covered Crosstown entryway - perfect for families and friends. During the warmer months, you'll find beautiful greenery and smooth tunes awaiting you as you find your perfect spot.
6. The Second Line (Overton Square)
Ready to experience a Memphis-New Orleans mashup in the springtime? Look no further than The Second Line in Overton Square. Don't let the front patio area fool you, the back of house is full of spacious table seating for any day or night on the town. The food and drinks here are A-1. Our favorite is the catfish po-boy. Chef Kelly English's masterfully curated menu will keep you coming back all year long.
7. Babalu (Overton Square)
Get the "Braised Beef Shortrib" - WE'RE OBSESSED. No, but seriously - we love Babalu and their southern-latin offerings. The dranks are probably the best you'll find in the Square. The outdoor pationvibe here is perfect for anyone wanting to be entrenched in the hustle and bustle of Overton Square. With umbrella seating at the front and covered seating on the side, this has become a hotspot for the Memphian looking for great food and fresh air. We highly recommend!
8. The Liquor Store (Midtown & East Memphis)
The aesthetics of The Liquor Store coupled with the delicious food and drinks makes this patio an easy choice for your spring season. You'll find absolutely Instagram-worthy vibes at both the Midtown and East Memphis locations - think vivid, colorful Cuban aesthetic but with diner cuisine. The Midtown location has a beautiful outdoor area tucked away in the back with vivid blue tables and bright orange aluminum seating shaded by orange umbrellas. The East Memphis location, the newest of the two, provides a more muted ambiance. However, you'll find that it's trademark colorful aesthetic is found here, too - featuring patio seating with pretty pink chairs and white tables. You'll be happy you went!
9. Railgarten (Midtown)
Railgarten has the most family-friendly outdoor patio on our list. As a mom-owned business, we are always looking for the perfect Memphis places where we can enjoy a great meal while keeping the kids occupied and entertained. Truth be told... Railgarten is a place where adults can be a kid, too. Their outdoor seating area features so many places to explore - including a sandbox and a big ass playground area for children both big and small. Their menu includes picky eater faves, such as chicken tenders and Caprisuns. For the grownups, there are multiple bars built into old shipping containers (because why not?) and easy QR code ordering from your benched table. Definitely try the "Beef Short Rib Nachos"! If you haven't checked out Railgarten yet, now's your time. It's one of it's kind in the 901.
10. Young Ave Deli (Midtown)
What's a visit to Cooper-Young without a stop at Young Ave Deli? This gem located in the heart and soul of Midtown is a haven for great bar food, stiff drinks, and positive Memphis energy. The umbrella-covered seating outside gives you the best opportunity to people-watch as others enjoy a stroll in the Cooper-Young Arts District. There aren't too many bells and whistles that come along with the outdoor seating arrangement, which includes basic metal tables and chairs. The real enjoyment comes with taking in the sights of one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city.