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Pastaria
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The Mockingbird
A warm breeze, soft sunshine, and rosé in a glass: It's patio season, Nashville. So, we've rounded up the newest spots to take in the sights and sounds while dining and drinking al fresco at ground level.
Germantown
Von Elrod's Beer Garden & Sausage House
Set with long, communal tables, string lights, and yard games, the outdoor space at Von Elrod's sets a playful scene for taking down a Belgian blonde by the stein. Beer specials throughout the week add to the appeal.
What to order: A raspberry lemonade shandy and The Von Elrod sausage What to order: A raspberry lemonade shandy and The Von Elrod sausage
1004 4th Ave N, 615-866-1620; vonelrods.com
East Nashville
Walden
East Nashville needed another dog-friendly patio, and Walden delivers. Open at noon on Sundays, their casual patio out front is just the spot for chilling with your pooch during everyone's favorite day of relaxation.
What to order: Prosecco from the tap and an Ol' Smokey pita pizza What to order: Prosecco from the tap and an Ol' Smokey pita pizza
2909B Gallatin Pk, 615-760-5808; waldenbar.com
The Nations
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Partners Victoria Rothberg and Chris Raucci have created a hospitable gathering place in the heart of Sylvan Park, and the covered patio outside the restaurant expands its neighborhood connectionespecially for a sunny brunch on a leisurely Sunday.
What to order: Eggs baked in chorizo-laced tomato sauce paired with a glass of sparkling Malbec What to order: Eggs baked in chorizo-laced tomato sauce paired with a glass of sparkling Malbec
132 46th Ave N, 615-942-0866; answerrestaurant.com
Germantown
Kuchnia & Keller
The interior at this popular Germantown restaurant is already fairly immense, but the outdoor patio offers patrons even more space to enjoy chef Aaron Clemins' interpretation of Eastern European cuisine. The chef melds his Wisconsin upbringing with his German and Polish heritage. What do all these have in common? Great food, beer, and fun.
What to order: Wisconsin Old Fashioneds on tap and a relish tray What to order: Wisconsin Old Fashioneds on tap and a relish tray
1300 3rd Ave N, 615-610-3384; kuchniaandkeller.com
Midtown
Caviar & Bananas
Under the black-and-white striped umbrellas, dining on the Caviar and Bananas terrace in Midtown feels decidedly Big City. Part of the chic new Aertson development, it's the place to meet a friend for a glass and a bite.
What to order: The wildly popular frosé and a small plate, like the crab bake trio and grilled asparagus with tomato bagna cauda What to order: The wildly popular frosé and a small plate, like the crab bake trio and grilled asparagus with tomato bagna cauda
2031 Broadway, 615-340-9005; caviarandbananas.com
The Gulch
The Mockingbird
Between chef Brian Riggenbach's inventive fare and manager Mikey Corona's ebullient spirit, the patio of this modern global diner always feels like a party.
What to Order: A Punching Bagboozy fruit punch served in a transparent sack with a strawand tater tots topped with lamb chili, scallions, and crema, cleverly called 'Tatchos” What to Order: A Punching Bagboozy fruit punch served in a transparent sack with a strawand tater tots topped with lamb chili, scallions, and crema, cleverly called 'Tatchos”
121A 12th Ave N, 615-741-9900; mockingbirdnashville.com
Midtown
The Stillery
The second location of this moonshine-centric party spot features multiple levels of decks facing both Broadway and Division Street in Midtown. Sit up top and watch a bevy of bachelorettes circle the block in various conveyances (including pedal taverns, hayrides, and party buses). It's always an entertaining show.
What to order: Blueberry Smash moonshine cocktail and a hot chicken pizza pie What to order: Blueberry Smash moonshine cocktail and a hot chicken pizza pie
1921 Broadway, 615-760-5158; stillerynashville.com
>>> Nashville's New Rooftop Patios
Germantown
Vui's Kitchen
Fresh herbs tumble from the flower boxes lining the patio enclosure at Vui's, tucked between Little Donkey and Juice Bar in Germantown. It's a testament to Vui Hunt's vibrant and healthy Vietnamese cooking.
What to order: A bowl of lemongrass pork noodles and a glass of Proper Sake What to order: A bowl of lemongrass pork noodles and a glass of Proper Sake
1120 4th Ave N, Ste 101, 615-610-3383; vuiskitchen.com
The Gulch
Milk & Honey
This all-day café offers a sheltered refuge from the hustle-bustle of the Gulch, while its sidewalk perch lets you keep an eye on the scene. Relax, sipping a beverage under the shady canopy.
What to order: The Queen Bee, a chill stir of lemon, vodka, St. Germain, and crème de violette, and Ben's Bread Spread to share with cheeses, fig preserves, berbere-spiced white bean dip, sea-salted butter, and honeyof course What to order: The Queen Bee, a chill stir of lemon, vodka, St. Germain, and crème de violette, and Ben's Bread Spread to share with cheeses, fig preserves, berbere-spiced white bean dip, sea-salted butter, and honeyof course
214 11th Ave S, 615-712-7466; milkandhoneynashville.com
The Gulch
The 404 Kitchen
While the new Gertie's Bar on the ground floor has earned acclaim for its extensive whiskey collection, the upstairs patio at The 404 Kitchen offers a much better view of the goings on of the Gulch. Order a cocktail and a small plate from the kitchen for a civilized experience far above the madding crowd.
What to order: 404 Vesper and the burrata of the moment What to order: 404 Vesper and the burrata of the moment
507 12th Ave S, 615-251-1404; the404nashville.com
ONE C1TY
Pastaria
ONE C1TY is devoted to a healthy, aesthetically pleasing environment. From Pastaria's patio, you see an array of contemporary water features, sculptures, walking paths, and a bocci ball court. After a nosh, take a stroll, and play a game.
What to order: A Negroni and crispy risotto balls or pistachio ravioli What to order: A Negroni and crispy risotto balls or pistachio ravioli
8 City Blvd, 615-915-1866; eatpastaria.com/nashville
West Nashville
Hugh-Baby's
The decidedly family-friendly front porch at Hugh-Baby's will make you fondly recall when a trip to the Golden Arches was a big deal. Plush artificial grass and a small playground for the kiddies helps them burn off some energy after one of Hugh-Baby's delicious milkshakes.
What to order: Strawberry milkshake topped with whipped cream and a cherry, and a double cheeseburger What to order: Strawberry milkshake topped with whipped cream and a cherry, and a double cheeseburger
4816 Charlotte Ave, 615-610-3340; hughbabys.com
Franklin
MAFIAoZA'S
If you're already a fan of the pastas and pizzas at MAFIAoZA'S, you'll discover they taste even better enjoyed in the fresh air of the popular upstairs patio at their second location at The Factory at Franklin. With plenty of televisions to watch the Preds, Titans, or your favorite college team, this has quickly become a neighborhood gathering spot, just like the original in 12 South.
What to order: A glass of Prosecco and a platter of Piccolo Morsi, or small bites What to order: A glass of Prosecco and a platter of Piccolo Morsi, or small bites
The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Rd, Bldg 1, Franklin, 615-465-1505; mafiaozas.com
Germantown
Germantown Depot
Spread across three buildings on a corner in the historic neighborhood, Germantown Depot offers different ambiances in each venue: a clubby pub, a vibrant bar with an outdoor patio area, and a lodge-y sit-down restaurant. The Trolley provides the food and drinks for the expansive patio, which features semi-private cabanas and all sorts of outdoor games, like cornhole and Jenga.
What to order: Yazoo Hefeweizen and a lobster flatbread with lemon-cream sauce What to order: Yazoo Hefeweizen and a lobster flatbread with lemon-cream sauce
1318 6th Ave N, 615-953-7222; germantowndepot.com