Now that warm weather is on its way, it’s the perfect time to shut off your oven and explore some of Nashville’s coolest outdoor dining spots! Just because you’ve got small kids in tow doesn’t mean you’re relegated to a fast food picnic table or stuck inside at the mall food court. With a little pre-planning, you can have an enjoyable, al fresco dining experience at some of the city’s top dining destinations with the whole family.
If you need a high chair or booster seat, you might want to call and confirm that the restaurant has them. Most of the places listed do not take reservations, but some have call ahead seating preference for large parties, so it may be a good idea to double check before you head out.
Patio Dining in Nashville For Families
12 South/Belmont/Edgehill:
Bella Napoli
You can imagine you’re in Little Italy—or perhaps even the real Italy—sitting at one of the tables lining the quaint open-air brick courtyard with strings of white lights dangling overhead. Brick oven pizza, wine, good times for the whole family.
1200 Villa Place Suite 206
(615) 891-1387
Edley’s
The bbq is cooked slow and low, and the sides are not an afterthought here. Large patios at both locations (12 South and East Nashville). You can order a rack of ribs and a “moonjito” (moonshine, lime, mint, soda), and the kids can get a grilled cheese meal for under $4. Win-win!
Edley’s 12South
2706 12th Ave S
(615) 953-2951
Edley’s East
908 Main Street
(615) 873-4085
Frothy Monkey
This neighborhood coffee shop, an anchor of the revitalized 12South district, has become a favorite place to take the family for a meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Your “Little Monkeys” will certainly find something to their liking any time of day.
2509 12th ave. South
615-292-1808
*Frothy Monkey also has locations in in downtown Franklin and Nashville.
Burger Up
Locally sourced beef, communal tables, and crayons for the kids.
2901 12th Avenue South
(615) 279-3767
East Nashville:
The Pharmacy
Locally sourced beef, old fashioned sodas, and a pretty awesome (and awesomely popular) biergarten—which is great for craft beer lovers and families alike. (It has room to move around and even some leftover playground equipment!) Plan to go at off-times because if the weather’s nice, there will be a line wrapping around the building with wait times up to 2 hours. They are first come, first serve and do not accept reservations.
731 Mcferrin Ave
615-712-9517
Rosepepper Cantina
Their popular patio/porch attracts party people and families alike, drawn by the wide selection of tequila and the super cheap kids menu, respectively. Go early because—like most restaurants with decent patios in this neighborhood—it fills up fast!
1907 Eastland Ave.
(615) 227-4777
Hillsboro Village/Vandy/Midtown:
McDougal’s
This fun establishment serves up delicious chicken fingers, wings, French fries, and cold draft beer. What’s not to love for grown-ups and kids alike?
2115 Belcourt Ave.
(615) 383 – 3005
(Second location in Nolensville)
Sylvan Park:
McCabe Pub
McCabe’s describes their patio as a “lush secret garden,” surrounded by umbrellas and leafy green plants. This restaurant, sometimes referred to as the “Cheers” of Nashville, is a family-owned establishment serving unpretentious burgers and classic American dishes.
4410 Murphy Rd
(615) 269-9406
Local Taco
A new favorite neighborhood taco joint that serves up fresh fare and includes a kids menu with several items for $4.
4501 Murphy Rd
(615) 891-3271
Additional locations in East Nashville and Brentwood.
Lenox Village:
Burger Republic
Gourmet burgers! Nutella milkshakes! Tater Tot fondue! Draft beer! If that doesn’t sound like fun for the whole family, I don’t know what does.
(615) 499-4428
6900 Lenox Village Dr. Ste 22
Second location in the Gulch.
On the Edge of the City:
Blue Moon Waterfront Grille
Located on the Cumberland River at Rock Harbor Marina, the setting is perfect to keep restless kids entertained by watching the boats while you’re waiting for your food.
525 Basswood Avenue
Cumberland River Mile Marker 175 if you’re coming by water
(615) 356-6666
Loveless Café
Classic Southern food—including legendary biscuits—served up daily to throngs of locals and tourists alike. The grounds and shops are great for exploring while you wait.
8400 Highway 100
(615) 646-9700
