NASHVILLE’S BEST OUTDOOR DINING

Written by Alexandra Rhett

It has arrived: the sweet, sweet feeling of summertime. What better way to enjoy friends and family than on one of Nashville’s finest patios or rooftops. The weather, while warm, has this unique way of bringing those you love together, with a cool iced tea (or something a little stronger!) in hand. With this issue, we scavenged all over town and compiled our favorite outdoor dining experiences accompanied by equally fresh and decadent summer fare. With many to choose from, these were amongst the best–from fine service to finer food and even finer libations. Take your pick and enjoy!

Saint Anejo

Photographed by Rachael Holman

Saint Anejo is M Street’s premiere Mexican restaurant, featuring fresh and intriguing Mexican cuisine, Latin-inspired mixology, 120+ premium tequila, and mezcal labels and of course, a lively patio for fabulous outdoor enjoyment. To complement the indoor/outdoor dining experience, Saint Anejo has implemented new summer fare including sharable appetizers “For la Mesa” as well as customizable favorites such as their signature guac, queso, and fresh ceviche. And while you may want to indulge in one of their decadent hand-rolled burritos, for those of you looking for a lighter option, Saint Anejo has introduced healthy options that include the jicama-lined lettuce wrap, appropriately named the “Skinny Tortilla.” A new margarita has also been added to the lineup, the K8 Moss, which is curated with Blanco, fresh lemon, stevia, and orange zest. The perfect summer cocktail to enjoy on the patio.

LA Jackson

L.A. Jackson, a chic bar and lounge in the Gulch district, is a neighborhood joint unlike any other. With an amazing view of the growing downtown skyline, expect a line on Friday and Saturday evenings where guest DJ’s spin until 2 am. Sip on a brew or a glass of wine while you wait and watch because this is a refreshing summer spot with an eclectic scene. The beer selection exclusively highlights Southern breweries, while the wine program provides a unique collection of global grapes. Mixologists serve up easy-drinking craft cocktails, including Jackson’s Manhattan featuring L.A. Jackson’s exclusive hand-selected barrel of George Dickel 9 year whiskey. Or, if you have six or more in your party, enjoy a large-format cocktail like Wake Up Call (Lillet rose, Pamplemousse, Aperol, bubbles). The shareable gourmet bar food is just as creative as the booze with finger-lickin' snacks from catfish chips to gochujang fried chicken sliders, house-made ice cream sandwiches and fried artichoke hearts. Hang out this summer for porch sippin’ cocktails and cast iron classics.

ACME Feed & Seed

When you walk to the end of Broadway, awaiting you is the open-air rooftop bar at Acme overlooking the entire downtown area, providing sweeping views of Broadway and Honky Tonk Row, the Cumberland River, Nissan Stadium and Riverfront Park. The rooftop plays home to many Acme events, from late-night dance parties to Sanctuary Yoga’s weekend “Yoga Buzz” classes, to rooftop concerts highlighting local artists. Though the rooftop does not have its own menu, hungry guests at Acme can order from the menus on the first or second floors and bring it upstairs to dine al fresco. The first floor at Acme serves eclectic, fast-casual cuisine, with dishes like Redneck Lo Mein, Heaven-Lee Ribs, and of course, the Rule the Roost, the classic Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. The second-floor menu features shareable dishes and upscale gastropub fare, as well as a sushi bar with a variety of fresh sushi rolls, Asian-inspired appetizers, and a bento box. Eat, drink, be entertained. Repeat.

404 Kitchen

Located in an old warehouse in The Gulch neighborhood, The 404 Kitchen offers a modern take on classic European cuisine, with an emphasis on local, seasonal fare and large cuts of meat. Their new location is not one to be missed. From the street, it is hard to overlook the sprawling greenery and classic café lights. It is as impressive from the street as it is from the inside. The kitchen team is led by Chef Matt Bolus and Sous Chef Luke Williams, and the bar at Gertie’s, downstairs, is overseen by mixologist Christina Cabrera. Filled with modern and perfectly light summer fare, 404 Kitchen is awaiting you on their showstopping patio rooftop.

Barcelona Wine Bar

Barcelona Wine Bar, located in the vibrant Edgehill neighborhood, is a warm and welcoming tapas bar inspired by the culture of Spain. The ever-changing menu is focused on clean flavors, seasonal ingredients, specialties from Spain and the Mediterranean, and rustic small plate presentations created by Executive Chef Margaret LaVetty.

The patio at Barcelona Edgehill is a lively extension of the bar and dining room on warm weather days and nights where you can enjoy fabulous fare, crisp cocktails and glasses of vino as Barcelona offers an award-winning selection of wines from Spain and South America.

Weekend brunch is also a highlight, often best enjoyed on the patio (11am-3pm Saturday & Sunday)—with live music on Sundays, sprawling Mimosa bar, and a mix of light, summery dishes as well as brunch classics with a Spanish or seasonal twist.

While Chef Margaret’s favorite brunch tapas of-the-moment are Smoked Salmon Montadito with Sheep’s Cheese, Tomatoes & Capers; Greek Yogurt with Housemade Granola, Georgia Peaches & Honey; and Baby Greens Salad with Watermelon, Feta & Pomegranate, remember to note that the menu is always changing. Other recent specials have included Chorizo Flatbread with a Sunny Side Egg and Soft Shell Crab with a Poached Egg. All delicious and perfect to enjoy patio-side.

Butchertown Hall

Equal parts “Texo-German” meat market and modern beer hall, Butchertown Hall embodies the rugged individualism of Germantown’s historic cultural heritage, while also adding likeminded outdoor dining options that so beautifully complement the surrounding neighborhood. Real and super- rustic, the kitchen at Butchertown Hall represents American cookery at its roots, with all the layers peeled back. A large, custom-made smokehouse slow smokes everything from Texas-style brisket to decadent ribs and whole roasted chickens. A custom-built live-hearth fire provides the fuel for vegetables-in-season, wood-fired steaks, and fish a la plancha. Imagine food with soul, both exciting and traditional, in a setting not far removed from a backyard or campfire feast.